Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in West Des Moines, IA?

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in West Des Moines, Iowa. While the city does not have specific short-term rental regulations, Iowa state law (House File 2641) prevents municipalities from prohibiting short-term rentals outright or requiring specific licenses exclusively for vacation rentals. The city's rental housing framework applies to all rental properties, including short-term accommodations. West Des Moines operates under Iowa's state-level framework that limits local authority while maintaining basic oversight through general rental property regulations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in West Des Moines, IA

1. Research Local Requirements

Before purchasing or converting a property, investigate:

• West Des Moines rental property licensing requirements (biennial inspections required)
• Zoning compliance in your intended area
• State tax obligations for accommodations
• Insurance requirements beyond standard homeowner's policies

2. Property Acquisition and Setup

• Ensure the property meets West Des Moines Property Maintenance Code standards
• Verify zoning allows rental operations
• Prepare property for initial inspection and licensing

3. Complete City Registration Process

• Register rental property with the Building Division
• Schedule mandatory biennial inspection
• Pay applicable licensing fees based on unit count

4. Tax Registration and Compliance

• Register with Iowa Department of Revenue for hotel/motel tax collection
• Understand state (5%) and local lodging tax obligations
• Implement proper record-keeping systems for tax reporting

5. Insurance Procurement

• Secure comprehensive liability coverage (minimum $500,000 recommended based on Iowa standards)
• Obtain property damage coverage for rental activities
• Consider business interruption protection

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City-Level Requirements

• Rental Property Registration: Mandatory registration of all rental properties
• Biennial Inspection: Required every two years by the Building Division
• Rental Housing Certificate: Issued after inspection and fee payment
• Property Maintenance Code Compliance: Must meet city-established minimum standards

State-Level Requirements

• Iowa Sales Tax Permit: Required for hotel/motel tax collection
• State Tax Registration: For 5% state hotel/motel tax on rentals ≤90 days

Documentation Checklist

• Property deed or ownership proof
• Property address and floor plans
• Owner/operator identification and contact information
• Local contact information for issue response
• Proof of insurance coverage
• Tax identification numbers (EIN/SSN)
• Safety compliance certificates

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

West Des Moines City Regulations

Based on the city's rental housing inspection program:

Inspection Requirements:

• All rental properties must be licensed and inspected every two years
• Initial inspection by Building Division
• 30-day repair period after inspection for identified violations
• First reinspection included in fee; additional inspections incur extra charges

Property Standards:

• Must comply with West Des Moines Property Maintenance Code
• Structural soundness requirements
• Safety equipment standards (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms)
• Exterior property maintenance standards
• Prohibition on inoperative vehicles stored on property

Fee Structure:

• Biennial license fee based on number of units
• Additional inspection fees for incomplete repairs

Polk County Regulations

No specific county-level short-term rental regulations were identified in the provided content. County regulations would apply equally to all rental properties within their jurisdiction.

Iowa State Regulations

House File 2641 Limitations on Local Authority:

• Cities cannot prohibit short-term rentals outright
• Cannot require specific licenses exclusively for vacation rentals
• Allows general rental property permits for all rentals, including short-term
• Establishes state hotel/motel tax framework

State Tax Obligations:

• 5% hotel/motel tax on accommodations rented for 90 consecutive days or less
• Registration with Iowa Department of Revenue required
• Regular filing requirements (quarterly or monthly based on volume)

General Safety Requirements:

• Compliance with state building and safety codes
• Standard residential property requirements apply

Contact Information for Local Authority

West Des Moines Building Inspection - Rental Housing Division

• Email: rent@wdm.iowa.gov
• Phone: (515) 222-3630
• Address:
  • Development Services Department
  • 4200 Mills Civic Parkway, Suite D1
  • PO Box 65320
  • West Des Moines, IA 50265
• General City Contact: (515) 222-3600

Iowa Department of Revenue

• Website: tax.iowa.gov
• Phone: (515) 281-3114 or (800) 367-3388
• Purpose: State tax registration and hotel/motel tax compliance

Complaint Reporting

• Rental Complaints: rent@wdm.iowa.gov or (515) 222-3630
• General City Issues: SeeClickFix system available through city website

Links to Source Pages

Primary Sources

1. West Des Moines Rental Housing Program: www.wdm.iowa.gov/residents/housing/rental-housing
2. Rental Inspection Checklist: www.wdm.iowa.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/325/638648366086900000
3. Rental Property Certification Application: www.wdm.iowa.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/324/637044086680130000
4. West Des Moines City Code: codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/westdesmoinesia/latest/overview

Secondary Sources

5. Iowa Short-Term Rental Laws Overview: www.checkmaterentals.com/blog/iowa-short-term-rental-laws
6. Iowa STR Insurance and Regulatory Information: www.steadily.com/blog/airbnb-short-term-rental-laws-and-regulations-in-iowa

Additional Considerations for Investors

Enforcement and Penalties

• Operating without proper registration may result in violations
• Non-compliance with inspection requirements can lead to certificate revocation
• Rental complaints are investigated with 30-day repair periods typically allowed

Transfer and Renewal

• Rental Housing Certificates are transferable to new owners
• Certificates remain valid until next inspection cycle
• Annual renewal processes apply for business registrations and tax obligations

Best Practices for Compliance

• Maintain comprehensive records of all inspections, repairs, and compliance efforts
• Establish relationships with local contractors familiar with city standards
• Consider professional property management for out-of-state owners
• Stay informed about potential regulatory changes at state and local levels

This guide provides the foundational framework for operating a compliant short-term rental business in West Des Moines, Iowa. Given the evolving nature of short-term rental regulations, investors should maintain regular contact with local authorities and stay informed about legislative changes that may affect their operations.