What are the key requirements for Waverly hosts?

A responsible local agent must be designated for all rental properties.

What are the key requirements for Waverly hosts?

Rental permits must be renewed every three years.

What should Waverly hosts know about total lodging tax is 12%?

Total lodging tax is 12% (5% state excise + 7% local excise).

Are there rental limits in Waverly?

Occupancy is strictly limited based on the number of bedrooms + 1 for large units.

Waverly, IA Short-Term Rental Regulations: A Complete Guide

Summary

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

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 8 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

In Waverly, any property rented for fewer than 31 days must be registered as a rental property through the Community Development Office. Owners must designate a local contact person and complete a self-inspection checklist to ensure safety standards are met. You are also required to collect and remit a combined 12% hotel/motel tax to the state.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$20

Processing Time

1-2 weeks

Max Fine

$750

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Waverly does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Waverly: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Waverly: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Waverly allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Duplex, Multi-family, Rooming House.

Requirements(11)

•Waverly STR warning: Total lodging tax is 12% (5% state excise + 7% local excise).
•Waverly: Hosts must report their rental activity quarterly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.
•Waverly does not require liability insurance for STR hosts, but it is strongly recommended.
•Waverly: A responsible local agent must be designated for all rental properties.

Application Process(8)

•Waverly STR permit - Step 4: Register for Iowa Tax Permit. Register with the Iowa Department of Revenue to collect and remit state and local hotel/motel excise taxes via GovConnectIowa. Required documents: Business Ownership Info, FEIN or SSN. Time: 2-4 weeks.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Waverly charges a registration fee of $20 (one_time).

Taxes(3)

•Iowa has a state sales tax of 0.05% that applies to STR rentals.
•Waverly: Total lodging tax is 12% (5% state excise + 7% local excise).
•Waverly charges a Local Hotel and Motel Tax of 0.07%. This applies to stays under 31 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO generally collect and remit the 5% state and 7% local hotel/motel taxes in Iowa.

Limits & Restrictions(4)

•Waverly occupancy calculation: 2 adults per 1-BR; 4 adults per 2-BR; For 3+ BR, adults equal number of bedrooms plus one. No limit on children.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Waverly: Occupancy is strictly limited based on the number of bedrooms + 1 for large units.
•Waverly enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Waverly limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Waverly requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted emergency contact, Self-inspection checklist compliance, Egress window compliance, Sanitary facility maintenance.

Penalties(3)

•Waverly enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Municipal infraction citation. Second offense: Civil penalties. Third offense: Potential permit revocation. Maximum fine: 750. Permit may be revoked for violations. Criminal penalties may apply.
•Waverly: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.

Exemptions(2)

•Waverly exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
•Waverly: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other 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.

Waverly

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(11)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(4)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Waverly

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 Waverly?

2What is the short-term rental tax rate in Waverly?

3Are there local contact requirements for Waverly rentals?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Waverly?

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