Rental Licensing & Inspections

Rental Licensing

The City is using a new online portal to process rental license applications and renewals. If it is your first time applying for a rental license, you'll need to register first.

• Apply for a rental license
• Renew a rental license
• Rental licensing and inspection fees

Successful Property Management Course

Landlords must complete the Successful Property Management Course. This class provides comprehensive information on successfully managing residential rental property. It is offered two times per year at the NICC Town Clock Business Center. Learn more!

Landlord Forms

• Designated Agent Registration Form
• Withdraw a Rental License
• Update Contact Information - Property Owner or Manager
• Housing Appeal or Request for Modification Form
  

Rental Inspections

Preparing for an Inspection

Preparing in advance for a rental inspection will save you time and money on inspection fees. From notifying your tenants and a comprehensive pre-inspection checklist to what tools and supplies to bring to the inspection, these tips will help you prepare for a successful inspection.

• Tips to Prepare for a Housing Inspection

Eligibility for Self-Certification

Every other two-year cycle, properties in good standing will be allowed to self-inspect and self-certify that each unit is code complaint. Properties must meet the following criteria to be eligible for self-certification:

• The previous inspection was completed in person and achieved a passing result
• Owner/agent has not been designated as a "Priority Category"
• Owner/agent has attended the required Successful Property Management Course
• No citations have been issued for property maintenance code (IPMC) violations at the unit during the prior 2-year period
• Rental fees paid prior to March 1 deadline
• Self-certification must be completed prior to July 1 deadline

Use the Self-Certification Checklist when performing a self-certification. The City will notify you if you are eligible to self-certify.

Priority Category Designation

A property owner or agent will be designated as a “Priority Category” when, in a 12-month period, the property owner or agent has had three instances of any of the following occurrences:

• Suspension of license(s)
• Revocation of rental license(s)
• Issuance of citation(s) for property maintenance code violations
• Failure to perform a criminal background check
• Prolonged failure to comply with orders

For more information, review the "Priority Category" Property Owner Policy guide sheet.

Additional Resources for Landlords

Renting to a Housing Choice Voucher Holder

• Assistance Connect Login
• Becoming an HCV Landlord
• HCV Myth-Busting Fact Sheet
• HCV General Lease-Up Process for Landlords
• HUD HCV Landlord Resources & Newsletter
• ACH Direct Deposit Form
• Vacant Unit Listing
• Vacant Unit Listing Form
• W-9 Form

Screening Prospective Tenants

• Iowa Court Records
• Background Check Consent Form

Rental Property Regulations

• International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)
• City Code
• Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law (IA Code 562A)

Rental Property Resources

• Smoke Alarm Brochure
• Recycling Services and Large Item Pick-Up Flyer 
• Large Item Pick-Up
• Urban Revitalization Program
• Tenant Resources
• Trespass Authorization & Notice Form
• Trespass Authorization & Notice Instructions

Utility Resources

• City Utility Bill (Water) Financial Assistance Programs
• Application for Reduced Utility Fees
• Landlord Contact Form for Tenant Delinquency
• Refuse Credit Request Form
• Alliant Energy
• Black Hills Energy

Healthy Homes Program

The Healthy Homes Program takes a comprehensive approach by focusing on housing-related hazards in a coordinated fashion, rather than addressing a single hazard at a time including: mold, water intrusion, lead paint, allergens, asthma, carbon monoxide, home safety, pesticides, and radon (a dangerous gas found mainly in basements). The program is available to low- to moderate- income residents including renters.

• Healthy Homes Program