Overview

Short-term rentals are allowed in Waterloo, Iowa, but operators must comply with the city's Rental Housing Program requirements. There are no specific short-term rental ordinances separate from the general rental housing regulations, so STR operators follow the same rules as traditional landlords.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Waterloo, IA

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Property Eligibility Assessment

   • Ensure the property is not eligible for the Iowa homestead credit for property tax purposes
   • Confirm the property will not be the domicile of the owner
   • Verify the property meets local zoning requirements for rental use

2. Designate a Responsible Local Agent

   • Appoint a local agent who can respond to tenant concerns and city officials within 24 hours
   • The agent must have authority to take corrective action on property issues

3. Register the Property

   • Submit annual registration application by November 1st
   • Use the online Slate system at: slate.tolemi.com/c/waterloo-ia
   • Pay registration fees (see fee structure below)
   • Registration is valid January 1 through December 31 annually

4. Prepare for Inspections

   • Schedule required periodic inspections with the Building Department
   • Maintain property to minimum standards for health, safety, and welfare
   • Address any violations promptly

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required Documents:

• Rental Unit Registration Application (online via Slate system)
• Responsible Local Agent Designation (as required by City Code 9-7-3)
• Annual Registration Renewal (due by November 1st)

Fees:

• Standard Registration Fee: $25.00 per rental unit
• Late Registration Penalty: $50.00 per rental unit (applies after January 1st)
• Inspection Fees: Contact Building Department at 319-291-4319

Key Guidelines:

• Property Standards: Must comply with all city building and housing codes
• Agent Requirements: Local agent must be designated and available
• Annual Renewal: Registration must be renewed each year
• Inspection Compliance: Properties subject to regular inspections

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

City of Waterloo Regulations (Municipal Code)

Rental Housing Program Requirements (Chapter 9-7):

• Registration required for all rental properties not owner-occupied
• Annual registration mandatory (9-7-5A)
• Responsible local agent designation required (9-7-3)
• Property must meet minimum health, safety, and welfare standards
• Subject to regular inspections by Building Department

Owner/Tenant Responsibilities (9-7-9):

• Landlords must provide tenants with Iowa Landlord and Tenant Law summary
• Properties must comply with building and housing codes
• Ongoing maintenance and repair obligations

Black Hawk County Regulations

• County regulations primarily focus on property taxation and assessment
• No separate county-level rental or STR-specific ordinances identified
• Standard county property tax obligations apply

State of Iowa Regulations

Iowa Landlord and Tenant Act (Iowa Code Chapter 562A):

Landlord Duties:

• Follow building and housing codes affecting health and safety
• Make repairs to maintain fit and livable conditions
• Provide garbage receptacles and removal services
• Supply hot/cold running water and heat (unless tenant pays utilities directly)
• Keep common areas clean and safe
• Maintain electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems

Tenant Duties:

• Follow applicable building and housing codes
• Keep living area clean and dispose of garbage properly
• Use appliances and facilities properly
• Not damage or abuse property
• Avoid disturbing neighbors' peace and quiet

Additional State Requirements:

• Security deposits limited to maximum two months' rent
• 30-day written notice required for rent increases in month-to-month tenancies
• 24-hour notice required for landlord entry (except emergencies)
• Anti-retaliation protections for tenants
• Right to call for assistance protections
• Fair housing law compliance (no discrimination based on protected classes)

Contact Information

City of Waterloo - Primary Contacts

City Clerk's Office (Licensing Questions):

• Phone: 319-291-4323
• Address: 715 Mulberry St, Waterloo, IA 50703 (First Floor of City Hall)
• Responsible for: Rental registration questions, licensing, permits

Building Department (Inspection Questions):

• Phone: 319-291-4319
• Responsible for: Inspection scheduling, property standards, code compliance

Code Enforcement:

• Contact through City Attorney's Office
• Responsible for: Violations, complaints, enforcement actions

City Information:

• General City Phone: 319-291-0141
• City Address: 715 Mulberry St, Waterloo, IA 50703
• Website: www.cityofwaterlooiowa.com

Additional Resources:

Iowa Legal Aid (Tenant Rights Questions):

• Phone: 800-532-1275
• Seniors (60+): 800-992-8161
• Website: www.iowalegalaid.org
• Provides: Legal assistance for low-income Iowans, landlord-tenant law guidance

Iowa State Bar Association (Attorney Referral):

• Website: www.iowabar.org
• Provides: $25 for 30-minute legal consultation

Important Notes for STR Operators

1. No Separate STR Ordinance: Waterloo, IA does not have specific short-term rental regulations separate from general rental housing requirements

2. Online Registration: The city launched the Slate online system in August 2024, which is now the primary method for rental property registration and management

3. Annual Cycle: Registration runs January 1 - December 31 annually, with applications due by November 1st

4. Inspection Program: Properties are subject to regular inspections to ensure compliance with health, safety, and housing codes

5. Local Agent Requirement: All non-owner-occupied rentals must designate a responsible local agent available to respond to issues

Source Links

1. City of Waterloo Rental Housing Program: www.cityofwaterlooiowa.com/departments/building_inspections/rental_registration.php
2. Online Registration Portal: slate.tolemi.com/c/waterloo-ia
3. Iowa Landlord and Tenant Law Summary: cms6.revize.com/revize/waterloo/Clerks/SUMMARY%20-%20TENANT%20RIGHTS%20UNDER%20IOWA%20LAW%20-%20IOWA%20LEGAL%20AID%20-%202022.pdf
4. Waterloo Landlord Manual: iisc.uiowa.edu/sites/iisc.uiowa.edu/files/2022-09/waterloo_landlord_manual_edited.pdf
5. Iowa Legal Aid: www.iowalegalaid.org
6. Iowa State Bar Association: www.iowabar.org

Note: This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Always consult with local authorities and qualified legal professionals for specific compliance questions.