Airbnb & Short-Term Rental Rules in Des Moines, IA (2026)

Whether Des Moines, IA permits short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) has not been confirmed from an official source. Contact the local planning department at (515) 283-4192 to verify current STR rules — including whether hosting is permitted at all, registration requirements, and any local restrictions — before listing your property on Airbnb, VRBO, or a similar platform.

Statewide Preemption

Registration Requirements

Whether short-term rental registration is required in Des Moines has not been confirmed from official sources. Contact the local planning department or local building department to verify current registration requirements before hosting on Airbnb, VRBO, or similar platforms.

Operational Rules

No specific operational rules listed for short-term rentals in Des Moines beyond standard property codes.

• •STR registration required for rentals of less than 30 consecutive days
• •Iowa does not have statewide STR preemption — Des Moines may regulate STRs locally
• •Building must meet occupancy and safety code requirements
• •All listings must include Des Moines registration number
• •Iowa Hotel/Motel Tax (5%) plus local hotel tax applies to STR revenues
• •Certificate of Occupancy required for rental properties

Penalties for Violations

Specific penalty amounts for STR violations in Des Moines are not listed. Contact the local planning department for enforcement information.

• ⚠$250-$1,000 per violation for unregistered STR operation
• ⚠Registration revocation for multiple code violations

Frequently Asked Questions