Rental Housing

With a wide range of styles and prices to complement every family from young professionals to empty nesters, the City of West Des Moines has housing options for everyone. Newcomers to the area can choose from apartment living, townhomes, condos and single family homes within carefully planned communities. Providing both affordable housing and upscale single family homes are key in maintaining balance and promoting growth.

Apartment living is an important part in the residential mix of West Des Moines. Offering affordable to upscale designs, there is a comfortable spot for everyone. 

Rental Housing Inspection Program

Rental Property in the city must be licensed and inspected every two years by the Building Division. Rental properties are required to meet the minimum standards established by the West Des Moines Property Maintenance Code. Owners are required to register their rental properties and schedule an inspection. Rental property is any property not occupied by the owner, even those occupied by family members who are not the owners. After the inspection, owners are notified of any required repairs and are given 30 days to make repairs.

The biennial license fee is charged based on the number of units. The fee includes the biennial inspection and the first reinspection of repairs, if necessary. There is a fee schedule for additional inspections if all repairs are not completed at the first reinspection.

When the fees are paid and all repairs are completed properly, a Rental Housing Certificate is issued to the owner. This certificate is valid until the next inspection and is transferable to a new owner. However, the certificate may be revoked if new violations occur between inspection periods and are not corrected.

Complaints concerning buildings should be made to the Building Inspection Office at (515)222-3630. Complaints are investigated and if found to be valid, the owners are notified of any required repairs and 30 days are generally allowed to complete the repairs.