Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Des Moines, IA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Des Moines, IA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are allowed only as a conditional use. Key constraints include a maximum of one STR per detached single-household structure, unit caps (10% in multi-household structures), and a 120-day annual limit for non-owner-occupied rentals. Owner-occupied units where the host is present are exempt from the 120-day cap, but owners must maintain primary residency for at least 245 days annually. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rentals are allowed only as a conditional use. Key constraints include a maximum of one STR per detached single-household structure, unit caps (10% in multi-household structures), and a 120-day annual limit for non-owner-occupied rentals. Owner-occupied units where the host is present are exempt from the 120-day cap, but owners must maintain primary residency for at least 245 days annually.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Des Moines. 1) Apply for and obtain conditional-use approval from the Board of Adjustment (advertising is prohibited until this is granted). 2) Provide owner and authorized management agent contact information, including tax ID, to the community development director. 3) Comply with operational requirements including posting safety signage, maintaining liability insurance of at least $500,000, and keeping guest registration records.

1) Apply for and obtain conditional-use approval from the Board of Adjustment (advertising is prohibited until this is granted). 2) Provide owner and authorized management agent contact information, including tax ID, to the community development director. 3) Comply with operational requirements including posting safety signage, maintaining liability insurance of at least $500,000, and keeping guest registration records.

Vrbo is permitted in Des Moines, IA under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Des Moines are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Des Moines. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.