Rental Property Regulations

The State of Iowa requires all towns with a population over 15,000 to have a rental registration program. The City of Ames has adopted a Rental Code that requires all rental properties to register and obtain a Letter of Compliance through a routine inspection process.

When is a property considered a rental property?

Any property offered for rent (money, exchange of services, etc.) is required to be registered with the following exceptions:

• Owner-occupied single-family dwellings (A property is not considered owner-occupied when there is more than one resident that is not related to the owner)
• Bed and Breakfast 
• Guest Lodging when registered under Chapter 35
• Hotels/Motels
• University Housing
• State-licensed health and custodial facilities and other occupancies regulated by federal authority
• Fraternity and sorority houses

What is the registration process?

Prior to advertising the property, a registration form(PDF, 87KB) must be submitted. Once submitted, our Administrative Services team will schedule an initial inspection of the property.