What are the key requirements for Cedar Rapids hosts?

Local contact person must be able to respond to the property within 30 minutes

What should Cedar Rapids hosts know about max occupancy is strictly capped?

Max occupancy is strictly capped at 12 people regardless of house size

What should Cedar Rapids hosts know about the 7% local hotel tax?

The 7% local hotel tax is in addition to the 6% state sales tax

What are the key requirements for Cedar Rapids hosts?

Rentals for 31 days or more are exempt from the STR permit requirements

Cedar Rapids Short-Term Rental Regulations: A Complete Guide

Summary

Cedar Rapids requires all short-term rental operators to obtain an annual rental permit, maintain specific liability insurance, and adhere to life-safety and occupancy standards.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 11 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Standard permit fee: $150
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To host a short-term rental in Cedar Rapids, you must register your property with the Building Services Department and pay a $150 annual fee. You are required to maintain at least $500,000 in liability insurance and provide a local 24/7 contact person who can respond to property issues within 30 minutes.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$150

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Cedar Rapids allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: Requires written owner consent for rental permit application
•Cedar Rapids: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Cedar Rapids: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(12)

•Cedar Rapids STR warning: Max occupancy is strictly capped at 12 people regardless of house size
•Cedar Rapids requires STR registration. The permit is called "Short-Term Rental Permit". Apply through Building Services Department. Processing time: 2-4 weeks. Renewal is required.
•Cedar Rapids: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.

Application Process(8)

•Cedar Rapids STR permit - Step 1: Register for Iowa Tax Permit. Obtain an Iowa Sales Tax Permit from the Iowa Department of Revenue to facilitate local and state tax tracking. Required documents: Federal ID or Social Security Number. Time: 1-2 weeks.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Cedar Rapids charges a registration fee of $150 (annual).

Taxes(3)

•Cedar Rapids: The 7% local hotel tax is in addition to the 6% state sales tax
•Cedar Rapids charges a Local Option Hotel and Motel Tax of 0.07%. This applies to stays under 90 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit state and local lodging taxes directly to the Iowa Department of Revenue
•Iowa has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Cedar Rapids limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.
•Cedar Rapids enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Cedar Rapids occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 12 total. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Cedar Rapids limits STRs to a maximum of 12 guests. Formula: 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 12 total

Safety Requirements(1)

•Cedar Rapids requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Emergency egress map, Proper maintenance of walkways and handrails, Functioning emergency lighting if applicable.

Penalties(2)

•Cedar Rapids: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Cedar Rapids enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $250 fine. Second offense: $500 fine. Third offense: $750 fine. Daily fine: $250 per day. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(3)

•Cedar Rapids exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
•Cedar Rapids: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Cedar Rapids: Rentals for 31 days or more are exempt from the STR permit requirements

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Cedar Rapids

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(3)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Cedar Rapids

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Cedar Rapids?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Cedar Rapids?

3What are the insurance requirements for Cedar Rapids hosts?

4Are there specific operational requirements for Cedar Rapids rentals?

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