Airbnb Laws and Regulations in Iowa- What Hosts Need to Know
Iowa, like many states, is continuing to update Airbnb laws and regulations as the need for short-term rentals increases. By updating current Airbnb laws and regulations, both hosts and guests are better protected. Iowa has currently updated insurance requirements for short-term rental hosts in Des Moines and continues to look at developing the laws and regulations in the future. As legislation continues to change, hosts should look for short-term rental updates within local municipalities.
If you have questions about short-term rentals in Iowa, contact Proper Insurance. Our agents are experts in the vacation rental industry. Call 888-631-6680 today.
Des Moines, Iowa
Updates Insurance Requirements for Short-Term Rental Hosts
Des Moines is a major city that has updated their Airbnb laws and regulations. They are now requiring hosts to secure liability insurance at a minimum of $500,000. “Such coverage shall defend and indemnify the owner, any named additional insured, and any tenants in the building for their bodily injury and property damage arising from the short-term rental use.” The city also updated all licensing and registration fees, permits and zoning, and exterior and interior requirements.
The following regulations are in place:
- Safety: All sidewalks, walkways, stairs, driveways, parking spaces, and similar areas shall be kept in a proper state of repair and maintained free from hazardous conditions.
- Maintenance: Every handrail and guard shall be firmly fastened, returned to the wall and capable of supporting normally imposed loads, and shall be maintained in good condition.
- Outside Maintenance: Premises and exterior property, including fence lines, shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 12 inches, and all noxious weeds shall be prohibited.
- Infestation: All structures and exterior property shall be kept free from rodent harborage and infestation.
- Structural Upkeep: All accessory structures, including detached garages, sheds, fences, and walls, shall be structurally sound and in good condition. Structures shall be only used for tenant occupant use.
- Other: No inoperative or unlicensed motor vehicle shall be parked, kept, or stored on the property.
- The rest of the updated laws and regulations on an inspection checklist can be found here.
Get Short-Term Rental Insurance
Proper Insurance leads the nation in short-term rental insurance, with over 200,000 policies written in all 50 states, and is exclusively endorsed by Vrbo. Backed by Lloyd’s of London and Concert Specialty Insurance Company, The Proper Policy is built for the risks of short-term renting, covering vacation homes, townhouses, condos, duplexes, cabins, cottages, apartments, and more. A dedicated risk manager at Proper Insurance can prescribe a policy that fits the exposure of your short-term rental property.
Please note: The information provided is intended as a guide and may not be comprehensive or current. Regulations may change and could vary by area or situation. Always consult local authorities or a legal professional to ensure you have the most accurate information for your short-term rental property.
