The City of Dubuque’s 10,000 rental units are periodically inspected by the Housing and Community Development Department for compliance with the Property Maintenance Code (Title 14, Chapter 1, Article J) and to ensure that the units provide decent and safe rental housing. Each rental unit must be annually licensed and an annual fee is charged. All owners are required to comply with these requirements. Our department maintains an inventory of all licensed rental units, issues license applications, and receives all fees.

Our inspectors also respond to complaints from renters or neighbors if problems with a rental property occur. Owners are informed of all complaints and encouraged to be present at all inspections. A City Council-appointed Housing Code Appeals Board meets periodically to hear requests from landlords regarding code enforcement orders issued by inspectors.