Every rental property in Des Moines must hold a rental inspection certificate before it is occupied, with an initial single-family inspection fee of $136 under the city's current Neighborhood Inspection fee schedule.
Des Moines requires an inspection certificate before a tenant moves in, so the inspection belongs on your timeline right after closing. For the Iowa rules that apply statewide, see DSCR loans in Iowa.
What does a Des Moines rental inspection cost?
Under the city's Neighborhood Inspection fee schedule, a Des Moines initial rental inspection costs $136 for a single-family home and $161 for a duplex, and a renewal inspection costs $96 and $122.
| Property | Initial inspection | Renewal inspection |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family | $136 | $96 |
| Duplex | $161 | $122 |
Exception: Later council resolutions may have changed these fees. Confirm the current schedule with the city.
According to the Des Moines Neighborhood Inspection fee schedule, as of October 2026.
Do out-of-area Des Moines owners need a local agent?
Yes. An owner who lives outside Polk County or a county contiguous to it must appoint a management agent over the age of 18 who lives in Polk County or a contiguous county, under Des Moines Municipal Code 60-31.
- A $26 research fee applies if the rental certificate application is not returned within 10 days.
Exception: These details come from the city's 2021 application form. Check the current form when you apply.
According to the Des Moines Application for Rental Certificate (2021), as of October 2026.
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This page is general education about business-purpose real estate financing and state law as published by official sources on the date shown. It is not legal, tax or lending advice, not an offer to lend and not a rate quote. Laws and lender guidelines change; confirm current rules with the lender, the title company and your own attorney or tax adviser.