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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Oskaloosa, Iowa. The city operates within Iowa's state framework that prevents municipalities from prohibiting short-term rentals outright. However, Oskaloosa requires all rental properties, including short-term rentals, to comply with their comprehensive Rental Housing Inspection Program. Properties rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days are subject to the same registration, inspection, and compliance requirements as traditional long-term rentals.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Oskaloosa

Step 1: Property Acquisition and Initial Assessment

Before purchasing or converting a property for short-term rental use in Oskaloosa, verify that the property is located within city limits and meets basic zoning requirements for rental housing. Contact the Development Services Department to confirm the property's compliance eligibility.

Step 2: Registration with City of Oskaloosa

All rental properties in Oskaloosa must be registered with the Development Services Department within 30 days of acquisition or within 30 days of being offered for rent. Registration can be completed online through the city's website or in person at City Hall.

Step 3: Schedule Initial Inspection

Properties must be inspected before registration fees are paid. The city contracts with Iowa Inspections LLC as the designated rental inspector. Contact them at (515) 587-0065 to schedule the initial inspection within the required timeframe.

Step 4: Payment of Registration and Inspection Fees

After passing inspection, pay the $20 per housing unit annual registration fee and the inspection fees directly to the inspector ($100 for the first unit plus $40 for each additional unit).

Step 5: Obtain Rental Compliance Certificate

Upon successful inspection and payment of all fees, you will receive a rental compliance certificate via email, allowing you to legally operate as a rental property.

Step 6: Ongoing Compliance Management

Maintain compliance through regular inspections (frequency depends on inspection performance), timely renewal of registrations, and adherence to all municipal codes.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Registration Documents

• Rental Housing Registration Form (available online or at City Hall)
• Proof of property ownership (deed holder information as recorded at Mahaska County Assessor's Office)
• Property information including number of units and detailed specifications
• Owner/operator identification and contact information
• Property manager information (if applicable, must be at least 18 years old and have keys/access)

Required Permits and Licenses

• Rental Property Registration Certificate (annual renewal required)
• Rental Compliance Certificate (issued after successful inspection)
• State sales tax permit (required for collecting/remitting hotel/motel taxes)

Compliance Guidelines

• Rental Housing Inspection Checklist - comprehensive safety and structural requirements
• Oskaloosa Municipal Code Chapters 8, 15, and 17 compliance
• Administrative Policy for Rental Housing Inspection Program

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Oskaloosa Regulations

Registration Requirements

• Timeline: Register within 30 days of property acquisition or rental market entry
• Fee: $20 per housing unit annually
• Late Fee: $50 per day up to maximum $500 for unregistered properties
• Transfer: 30 days to re-register under new ownership (no additional fee if completed within timeframe)

Inspection Schedule

• Initial inspection: Required within 6 months of registration for new properties
• Standard cycle: Every 3 years for compliant properties
• Extended cycle: 7 years (4-year exemption after successful first inspection)
• Frequent cycle: Annual inspections for properties with multiple violations or failed inspections

Safety and Structural Requirements

Properties must comply with extensive safety standards including:

• Smoke alarms in all sleeping rooms and on each floor
• Carbon monoxide detectors on each floor (where applicable)
• Fire extinguishers (1-A 5-BC for single-family, 2-A 10-BC for multi-family)
• Proper egress from all sleeping rooms
• Electrical compliance including GFCI outlets within 6 feet of water sources
• Plumbing standards with hot/cold water connections
• Heating capability maintaining 68°F in all habitable rooms
• Structural integrity of all building components

Major Violations (48-Hour Re-inspection Required)

• Structural failure
• Storage of flammable liquids
• Inoperable heating during winter months
• Electrical system failures
• Fuel-fired equipment with missing/inoperable flues
• Other life safety issues as determined by inspector

Standard Violations (60-Day Correction Period)

All other violations not classified as major must be corrected within 60 calendar days.

Mahaska County Regulations

No additional county-level regulations specific to short-term rentals were identified in the provided content. County regulations would apply to properties outside city limits.

State of Iowa Regulations

House File 2641 (2020)

Iowa state law significantly restricts municipal control over short-term rentals:

• Prohibition prevention: Cities cannot prohibit short-term rentals outright
• Targeted licensing restrictions: Specific STR licensing requirements are limited
• General rental permits allowed: Municipalities can require general rental permits applying to all rental properties
• Limited exemptions: Municipalities retain some control for public health, safety, and welfare

Tax Obligations

• State hotel/motel tax: 5% on rentals of 90 consecutive days or less
• Sales tax: Registration required with Iowa Department of Revenue
• Local taxes: Additional local hotel/motel taxes may apply

Insurance Requirements

While not specifically mandated in the provided content for Oskaloosa, other Iowa municipalities (such as Des Moines) require minimum $500,000 liability insurance for short-term rentals.

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Oskaloosa Development Services Department

Primary Contact for Rental Properties:

• Address: 220 South Market Street, Oskaloosa, IA 52577
• Phone: (641) 673-9431
• Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Online Registration: Available through city website

Key Personnel

Adam Eklofe, Building Inspector

• Email: aeklofe@oskaloosaiowa.org
• Phone: (641) 676-5012

Camden Appleget, Management Analyst

• Email: cbarber@oskaloosaiowa.org
• Phone: (641) 676-5004

Rental Housing Inspector

Iowa Inspections LLC (City-Contracted Inspector)

• Email: jvanausdall123@gmail.com
• Phone: (515) 587-0065

Source Links

1. City of Oskaloosa Rental Housing Inspection Program
2. Rental Housing Registration Form
3. Rental Housing Inspection Checklist
4. Administrative Policy for Rental Housing Inspection Program
5. Oskaloosa Municipal Code - Rental Housing Inspection
6. Iowa Short-Term Rental Laws Overview
7. Registered Rental Properties List

Important Disclaimer: Short-term rental regulations frequently change. Always verify current requirements directly with Oskaloosa city officials and consult with legal professionals before starting your short-term rental business. This guide provides general information based on available sources and municipal documents.