Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Dubuque, IA?

• Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Dubuque, Iowa. Properties must obtain a City rental license, pass inspections, and comply with local regulations. The City treats short-term rentals under its rental property framework—no separate “STR” category is listed—meaning you follow the standard landlord licensing and inspection process.
• Reference: City of Dubuque – Rental Licensing & Inspections

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Dubuque

Step 1: Property Assessment and Zoning

• Verify zoning and intended use are consistent with the City’s rental property requirements.
• Confirm compliance with the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC).
• Note occupancy limits may apply based on property type and size; observe all life-safety requirements.

Step 2: Complete Mandatory Education

• Enroll in and complete the City’s Successful Property Management Course.
• Course is offered two times per year at the NICC Town Clock Business Center and is required for all landlords/property owners.
• Retain your completion certificate to submit with applications and renewals.

Step 3: Register for the City Licensing Portal

• Create an account in the City’s online rental licensing portal.
• First-time applicants must register before applying for licenses.
• Access the portal at the City’s Apply for Rental License page.

Step 4: Submit License Application

• Complete and submit your rental license application via the portal.
• Pay all licensing fees; fees are per structure and per dwelling unit (see fee table below).
• Ensure all required documents are uploaded.

Step 5: Pass Initial Inspection

• The City’s initial inspection is free of charge.
• Property must pass inspection to receive the license.
• Address any code violations identified prior to license issuance.

Step 6: Ongoing Compliance

• Renew licenses annually and comply with inspection cycles (see “Specific Regulations”).
• Maintain safe, code-compliant properties and respond promptly to orders or violations.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Licensing

• City Rental License:
  • Structure License Fee: $45 per structure
  • Dwelling Unit License Fee: $45 per unit
  • Rooming Unit Fee: $30 per unit
  • Late Payment Penalty: $25 if paid after the March 1 deadline

Documentation

• Designated Agent Registration Form (if applicable)
• Background Check Consent Form (for tenant screening)
• Property inspection compliance certification
• Successful Property Management Course completion certificate
• W-9 Form (for tax reporting purposes)

Tax Obligations

• Hotel/Motel Tax: 7% on all bookings (must be collected and remitted)
• State Sales Tax: Additional tax requirements beyond the hotel/motel tax
• Work with your booking platform(s) and tax advisor to set up tax collection/remittance correctly.

Inspection Requirements

• Initial Inspection: Free
• Re-inspection Fee: $100 per unit when follow-up is needed to verify repairs
• Non-Cycle Inspection Fee: $100 per unit when violations are noted between scheduled inspections
• No-Show Penalty: $100 per unit if 48 business-hour notice for rescheduling is not provided
• Self-Certification: Available every other inspection cycle for eligible properties

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State

City of Dubuque Regulations

Licensing and Fees

• Application Deadline: Rental fees must be paid prior to March 1
• Renewal: Licenses must be renewed annually through the online portal
• Fees apply per structure and per unit (see fee table above)

Inspections and Compliance

• Compliance Standard: International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)
• Bi-annual Inspections: Regular inspections every two years
• Self-Certification: Permitted every other cycle if all eligibility criteria are met (see below)
• Penalties:
  • $100 per unit for no-shows (48-hour rescheduling notice required)
  • $100 per unit for non-cycle inspections (violations noted between cycles)
  • $100 per unit re-inspection fee where a site visit is needed to verify code compliance
• College Dormitories: Reduced-rate inspections by the Dubuque Fire Department ($15 per unit in inspected years)

Priority Category Designation

A property owner or agent becomes “Priority Category” when, within a 12-month period, there are three instances of any of the following:

• Suspension of rental license(s)
• Revocation of rental license(s)
• Citation(s) for property maintenance code violations
• Failure to perform a criminal background check
• Prolonged failure to comply with orders
• Priority Category properties:
  • Are ineligible for self-certification
  • Receive enhanced regulatory scrutiny

Self-Certification Eligibility

Properties may self-certify in every other cycle if they meet ALL criteria:

• Previous inspection completed in person and achieved a passing result
• No Priority Category designation
• Owner/agent has completed the Successful Property Management Course
• No property maintenance code violations (IPMC) at the unit during the prior 2-year period
• Rental fees paid before March 1
• Self-certification must be completed before July 1

Dubuque County Regulations

• No additional county-specific short-term rental regulations were identified beyond the City’s requirements.

Iowa State Regulations

• Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law (Iowa Code 562A): Applies to all rental properties
• Fair Housing Law: Compliance required
• State Sales Tax: Required in addition to the local hotel/motel tax
• Iowa Court Records access for tenant screening

Contact Information for Local Authority

Housing & Community Development (Primary Contact)

Ben Pothoff, Deputy Code Official

• Phone: 563-589-4231
• Email: bpothoff@cityofdubuque.org
• TTY/TRS: 711 or 800-735-2942 (Relay Iowa)
• Office: Historic Federal Building, 350 West 6th Street, Suite 312, Dubuque, IA 52001
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

General City Contact

• Phone: 563-589-4100
• Fax: 563-589-0890
• Address: 50 W 13th Street, Dubuque, IA 52001

Source Links and Official Resources

• Rental Licensing & Inspections overview:
  • www.cityofdubuque.org/1611/Rental-Licensing-Inspections
• Apply for Rental License (portal registration required for first-time applicants):
  • www.citizenserve.com/Portal/PortalController?Action=showHomePage&ctzPagePrefix=Portal_&installationID=446&original_iid=0&original_contactID=0
• Rental Licensing & Inspection Fees:
  • www.cityofdubuque.org/796/Rental-Licensing-Inspection-Fees
• City Code of Ordinances:
  • codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/dubuqueia/latest/overview
• International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) reference:
  • codes.iccsafe.org/content/IPMC2018p2
• Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law (Iowa Code 562A):
  • www.legis.iowa.gov/law/iowaCode/sections?codeChapter=562A

Additional useful references mentioned in City materials

• Iowa Court Records (tenant screening):
  • www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/ESAWebApp/DefaultFrame
• HUD HCV Landlord Resources:
  • www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/hcv/landlord

Note: The cited City sources describe a comprehensive rental licensing and inspection framework that applies to short-term rentals in Dubuque. Investors should review and comply with all listed licensing, fee, inspection, and self-certification requirements to operate legally. If a property is located outside the City but within Dubuque County, consult county-specific regulations; this guide reflects City of Dubuque regulations.