Renter
211988Search
Apartment window at dusk, keys on the sill

Des Moines, IA · Landlord entry

Des Moines landlord entry

Entry rules in Des Moines start with Iowa law (Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) and the lease — emergencies, repairs, and showings are not always the same notice. Write down any entry you believe was improper. Des Moines 311 may take a harassment or conditions complaint; it does not replace legal aid. Iowa URLTA is the book. Des Moines Neighborhood Inspection is the conditions door.

You do not have to solve the whole case tonight. Take the next right step.

Get free helpDes Moines renter rights

Do this today

  • Write the date, time, and how they entered.
  • Ask in writing for notice next time, if that is the rule.
  • If it felt like harassment, Des Moines 311 or legal aid — not a group chat.

Can a landlord in Des Moines enter whenever they want?

Generally no — except that emergencies and the lease can change the picture. Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is the Iowa starting point. Write down any entry you believe was improper. Iowa URLTA is the book. Des Moines Neighborhood Inspection is the conditions door.

What if they keep coming in?

A pattern of unannounced entry can be a harassment or privacy problem. Des Moines 311 may take a complaint. Legal aid can tell you whether Iowa gives a specific remedy. Do not change the locks without advice.

Is Des Moines the same as the rest of Iowa for renters?

Iowa URLTA is the book. Des Moines Neighborhood Inspection is the conditions door. Polk County small claims — landlord-tenant hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.

The Des Moines layer

Iowa URLTA is the book. Des Moines Neighborhood Inspection is the conditions door.

Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Iowa Code §§ 562A.1 to 562A.37) is the Iowa floor. We name it. We do not paraphrase a day-count or a dollar cap out of it.

Des Moines questions

How much notice does a landlord in Des Moines have to give before entering?

That hour-count or day-count is in Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and sometimes in a city rule. This desk does not invent it. Write down what happened and take it to legal aid or Des Moines 311.

Is Des Moines the same as the rest of Iowa for renters?

Iowa URLTA is the book. Des Moines Neighborhood Inspection is the conditions door. Polk County small claims — landlord-tenant hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.

What number should I call in Des Moines?

Danger: 911. Mental-health crisis: 988. City services: 311. Court papers: LawHelp.org the same day. Des Moines 311 does not replace legal aid when a case is filed.

National answers on this desk

Last reviewed 8 September 2026. Legal information, not legal advice. Not a law firm. hello@renterprotection.org