Des Moines habitability

Do this today

• Photograph the condition. Write the date.
• Dial 311 or file with Des Moines 311.
• If there is no heat, no water, or a gas smell: 911 or the utility first.

What does “livable” mean in Des Moines?

Heat, water, sanitation, and structural safety are the usual floor. The exact list is in Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and often in the city housing code Des Moines 311 enforces. This desk does not reprint temperature charts or hour-counts.

What if nothing happens after I report it?

Keep the request numbers from 311 or Des Moines 311. Take that file to legal aid. Do not skip rent on a rumor. If the condition is dangerous tonight — no heat in winter, a gas leak, a collapsed ceiling — treat it as an emergency.

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

National answers on this desk

• Is a landlord notice the same as being evicted?
• What number should I call right now?
• Is there a national tenant-rights law in the United States?
• What should I do if I get an eviction notice?
• How do I find free legal help as a renter?
• Can my landlord enter without notice?