What should Des Moines hosts know about 120-day annual cap for non-owner-occupied?

120-day annual cap for non-owner-occupied properties

What are the permit fees in Des Moines?

Density restrictions may apply within 700 feet of other licensed units in certain contexts

What are the key requirements for Des Moines hosts?

24/7 local contact must be provided to neighbors and the city

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Des Moines?

NX2a zoning districts require owner or tenant residency

Des Moines Short-Term Rental Regulations & Requirements

Baseline Verification

100%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 8, 2026

Summary

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 safety standards.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 41 (moderate)

Why this classification:

•Moderate night cap: 120 nights/year
•Standard permit fee: $250
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No primary residence requirement
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

If you rent out your property for less than 30 days, you must register with the Neighborhood Services Department and obtain a rental certificate. Non-owner-occupied properties (where the owner does not live on-site) are capped at 120 rental days per year, and all hosts must provide a 24/7 local contact.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

120/year

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$250

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

•Des Moines: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Des Moines allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: Requires written consent from the property owner.
•Des Moines limits hosts to a maximum of 1 STR properties per owner.
•Des Moines: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(13)

•Des Moines: A fire inspection may be required before you can operate. Schedule early as this can delay your start date.
•Des Moines: Hosts must report their rental activity null to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.
•Des Moines requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Minimum coverage: $500,000. Liability insurance specifically covering short-term rental use is required.

Application Process(8)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Des Moines: Step 1: Zoning Verification - Confirm your property is in a zone that allows short-term rentals and check if district-specific rules (like NX2a) apply. Documents needed: Property address. Estimated time: 1-2 days. More info: https://www.dsm.city/departments/neighborhood_services/neighborhood_inspections/index.php Step 2: Prepare Documentation - Draft a floor plan showing all sleeping areas, a parking plan for off-street parking, and obtain proof of $500,000 liability insurance. Documents needed: Floor plan, Insurance policy, Parking plan. Estimated time: 1 week. Step 3: Submit Rental Certificate Application - Apply for a rental certificate through the Neighborhood Services Department's Neighborhood Inspection Zoning Division. Documents needed: Application form, Fee payment. Estimated time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 250. More info: https://www.dsm.city/departments/neighborhood_services/neighborhood_inspections/rental_inspections.php Step 4: Schedule Inspection - A city inspector will visit the property to ensure compliance with life-safety codes, including smoke/CO detectors and emergency egress. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks.

Fees & Costs(2)

•Des Moines: Density restrictions may apply within 700 feet of other licensed units in certain contexts
•Des Moines charges a registration fee of $250 (annual).

Taxes(2)

•Des Moines charges a Local 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 hotel taxes in Iowa.
•Iowa has a state sales tax of 0.05% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(6)

•Des Moines limits STRs to 120 nights per year. This applies to unhosted rentals.
•Des Moines: 120-day annual cap for non-owner-occupied properties
•Des Moines: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•Des Moines occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom + 2 additional guests. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Des Moines requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Guest log maintenance, Egress windows in sleeping areas, No non-functioning vehicles on property.

Penalties(2)

•Des Moines: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Des Moines enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Notice of Violation. Second offense: Municipal infraction and fines. Third offense: Permit revocation. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(3)

•Des Moines: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Des Moines exempts the following from STR regulations: hosted rentals (where host is present), long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Bed and breakfasts, Hotels.

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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.

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

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Decorah

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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 short-term specific units.

Permit required

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Iowa City

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

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Cedar Falls

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

Permit required

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Des Moines

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(7)

Requirements(13)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(2)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(6)

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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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 Des Moines?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Des Moines?

3Are there rental night limits in Des Moines?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Des Moines?

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