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All states

Iowa short-term rental regulations

Iowa · The Hawkeye State8 markets coveredUpdated Apr 19, 2026
Restriction mix8 markets
Prohibited0
Strict1 · 13%
Moderate7 · 88%
Permissive0
Sort
Strict

Heavy restrictions apply

1 market

Heavy regulation: caps, primary-residence rules, lottery permits, or night limits.

Des Moines

Iowa

Strict

Short-term rentals in Des Moines are regulated as accessory uses that require a rental certificate, registration with the city, and adherence to occupancy and...

Permit requiredNight limitPrimary residence
Permit fee $2500.1% tax
Moderate

Permit required · STRs broadly allowed

7 markets

Permit + tax registration required; otherwise STRs are broadly allowed.

Ames

Iowa

Moderate

Ames regulates short-term rentals as 'Guest Lodging,' requiring mandatory registration and distinguishing between owner-occupied 'Home Shares' and non-primary...

Permit requiredNight limitPrimary residence
Free permit0.1% tax

Decorah

Iowa

Moderate

Decorah requires short-term rentals to be registered under the city's rental housing permit program, though no permit or inspection fee is charged for...

Permit requiredNight limitPrimary residence
Free permit0.2% tax

Iowa City

Iowa

Moderate

Short-term rentals in Iowa City require a valid rental permit, Board of Adjustment approval, and compliance with biennial safety inspections and zoning caps.

Permit requiredNight limitPrimary residence
Permit fee $1000.1% tax

Cedar Falls

Iowa

Moderate

Cedar Falls regulates short-term rentals through its general Minimum Rental-Housing Code, requiring a permit, triennial inspections, and local agent...

Permit requiredNight limitPrimary residence
Permit fee $2500.2% tax

Cedar Rapids

Iowa

Moderate

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

Permit requiredNight limitPrimary residence
Permit fee $1500.1% tax

Waverly

Iowa

Moderate

Waverly regulates short-term rentals under its general Rental Housing Code, requiring registration, a local agent, and a 12% total lodging tax.

Permit requiredNight limitPrimary residence
Permit fee $200.1% tax

Grinnell

Iowa

Moderate

Grinnell requires all short-term rental operators to obtain an annual permit, pass a safety inspection, and maintain local contact availability.

Permit requiredNight limitPrimary residence
Permit fee $500.1% tax

Neighboring states & common comparisons

Wisconsin18 marketsIllinois14 marketsMissouri13 marketsMinnesota10 marketsSouth Dakota6 marketsNebraska3 markets

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