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

Strict

IowaUpdated Mar 29, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 8, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

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

Severity 41

Classification

Strict

Severity

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

What this means for you

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

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limit120/year

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$250

Processing time2-4 weeks

4 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1120-day annual cap for non-owner-occupied properties
2Density restrictions may apply within 700 feet of other licensed units in certain contexts
324/7 local contact must be provided to neighbors and the city
4NX2a zoning districts require owner or tenant residency

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility7 rules

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.

Requirements13 rules

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 process8 rules

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 & costs2 rules

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).

Taxes2 rules

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 & restrictions6 rules

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 requirements1 rule

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.

Penalties2 rules

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.

Exemptions3 rules

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.

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Des Moines

0/4

steps completed

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.

1-2 daysFree

Documents needed

Property address

Official resource

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.

1 weekFree

Documents needed

Floor plan
Insurance policy
Parking plan

Step 3

Submit Rental Certificate Application

Apply for a rental certificate through the Neighborhood Services Department's Neighborhood Inspection Zoning Division.

2-4 weeks$250

Documents needed

Application form
Fee payment

Official resource

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.

1-2 weeksFree

Frequently asked questions

4 answered

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 city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Des Moines

Strict

IowaUpdated Mar 29, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 8, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

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

Severity 41

Classification

Strict

Severity

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

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limit120/year

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$250

Processing time2-4 weeks

4 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1120-day annual cap for non-owner-occupied properties
2Density restrictions may apply within 700 feet of other licensed units in certain contexts
324/7 local contact must be provided to neighbors and the city
4NX2a zoning districts require owner or tenant residency

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility7 rules

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.

Requirements13 rules

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 process8 rules

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 & costs2 rules

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).

Taxes2 rules

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 & restrictions6 rules

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 requirements1 rule

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.

Penalties2 rules

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.

Exemptions3 rules

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.

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Des Moines

0/4

steps completed

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.

1-2 daysFree

Documents needed

Property address

Official resource

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.

1 weekFree

Documents needed

Floor plan
Insurance policy
Parking plan

Step 3

Submit Rental Certificate Application

Apply for a rental certificate through the Neighborhood Services Department's Neighborhood Inspection Zoning Division.

2-4 weeks$250

Documents needed

Application form
Fee payment

Official resource

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.

1-2 weeksFree

Frequently asked questions

4 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

4 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Zoning Verification

Prepare Documentation

Submit Rental Certificate Application

Schedule Inspection

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?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

4 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Zoning Verification

Prepare Documentation

Submit Rental Certificate Application

Schedule Inspection

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?

Disclaimer