If a rental property in Iowa fails to meet legally required health and safety standards, tenants have the right to report their landlord to local public officials who may choose to follow up, inspect the property and cite the landlord for such violations.
What Are Considered Unsafe Living Conditions in Iowa?
In Iowa, unsafe living conditions exist when a rental property doesn’t have safe and working:
- Plumbing.
- Heating.
- Hot running water.
- Garbage removal.
- Provided appliances.
- Common areas.
- Smoke alarms and (where required) CO detectors.
A landlord’s direct or indirect interruption of utility services may qualify as an unsafe condition, along with any other issue that substantially impacts health and safety on a property.
What Should Tenants Do Before Reporting a Violation in Iowa?
In most cases, before reporting a violation, a tenant in Iowa must notify the landlord in writing about the issue and ask him to fix it within seven days.
How Can Tenants Report a Violation in Iowa?
Tenants in Iowa should report violations to the local office or officers responsible for housing code enforcement. The exact process depends on municipality.
| Location | Organization | Contact |
| Des Moines | Neighborhood Inspections Division | Call (515) 283-4046 or email |
| Cedar Rapids | Housing Inspection Division | Online Form |
| Davenport | Development and Neighborhood Services | Online Form |
After receiving a complaint, an inspecting officer might contact the tenant for more information. Then the officer will usually inspect the property and cite the landlord for any code violations.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Des Moines?
A tenant in Des Moines can report a health or safety violation by calling (515) 283-4046 or emailing the Neighborhood Inspections Division. Make sure to provide a location, a detailed description of the issue including pictures if possible, and contact information.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Cedar Rapids?
A tenant in Cedar Rapids can report a health or safety violation by calling (319) 286-5197 or using the online form provided by the Housing Inspection Division. Issues fall under “Housing Concerns.” Select an issue and location, provide details, and submit. Include contact information when not using a registered account.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Davenport?
A tenant in Davenport can report a health or safety violation by calling (563) 326-6198 or using the online form provided by Development and Neighborhood Services. Select an issue and location, attach a photo if possible, describe the issue, and submit. Anonymous complaints are allowed although contact information is preferred.
What Could Happen to a Landlord After a Complaint Is Made in Iowa?
After a tenant files a complaint about unsafe living conditions in Iowa, an officer may inspect the property. The landlord must fix noted code violations, within a maximum of 30 days. Otherwise, the landlord could be fined and the local government might file to condemn the property.
Sources
- 1 Ia. Code § 562a.15(1)(a) (2022)
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“The landlord shall: (1) Comply with the requirements of applicable building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety. (2) Make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition. (3) Keep all common areas of the premises in a clean and safe condition. … (4) Maintain in good and safe working order and condition all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and other facilities and appliances, including elevators, supplied or required to be supplied by the landlord. (5) Provide and maintain appropriate receptacles and conveniences, accessible to all tenants, for the central collection and removal of ashes, garbage, rubbish, and other waste incidental to the occupancy of the dwelling unit and arrange for their removal. (6) Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times and reasonable heat…”
Source Link - 2 Ia. Fire Code § 100.18(2)(b) (2022)
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“The rules shall require the installation of smoke detectors in existing single-family
rental units and multiple-unit residential buildings.”
Source Link - 3 Ia. Fire Code § 100.18(3)(b) (2022)
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“The rules shall require the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in existing
single-family rental units and multiple-unit residential buildings that have a fuel-fired heater
or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage.”
Source Link - 4 Ia. Code § 562a.21(1) (2022)
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“Except as provided in this chapter, if there is a material noncompliance by the landlord
with the rental agreement or a noncompliance with section 562A.15 [landlord duties] materially affecting health and safety, the tenant may elect to commence an action under this section and shall deliver a written notice to the landlord specifying the acts and omissions constituting the breach and that the rental agreement will terminate upon a date not less than seven days after receipt of the notice if the breach is not remedied in seven days[.]”
Source Link
