Rental Code Enforcement

Rental Inspections

The City of Waukee recently launched its Rental Inspection Program; this effort is required pursuant to Chapter 364.17 of the Iowa Code. The purpose of this code is to ensure property owners, their agents and others who rent out residential dwellings/sleeping units, meet their responsibilities with respect to safety of the premises. The City of Waukee has established and adopted the following Municipal Code, Chapter 156.

“NO PERSON SHALL RENT, LEASE, LET, OPERATE OR OTHERWISE ALLOW THE OCCUPANCY OF ANY DWELLING UNIT OR ANY PORTION OF ANY DWELLING UNIT (INCLUDING SLEEPING ROOMS) UNLESS THEY HOLD A VALID RENTAL INSPECTION CERTIFICATE* ISSUED BY THE CITY OF WAUKEE.”

*The Rental Inspection Certificate is valid for two years from date of issuance. Properties which were issued Certificates of Occupancy within the previous two years do not need to seek inspections and licensing.

Complaints

The Waukee Development Services Department will also respond to complaints from renters or neighbors if problems with rental properties occur. Owners are informed of all complaints and are encouraged to be present at all inspections. A City Council-appointed Board of Appeals meets periodically to hear requests from landlords regarding code enforcement orders issued by inspectors. Find the Rental Housing Complaint Form below.

Applications and Forms

Rental Housing Inspection Certificate Application (Required)
Rental Inspection Appeal Request Form (As needed)Or      Printable PDF Version
Rental Housing Complaint Form (For tenants)Or      Printable PDF Version


License and Inspection Fees

Beginning Tuesday April 18, 2023:

Upon City Council approval, fees related to rental applications & recertifications will update from $50 to $65 as shown below. A breakdown of each rental type and associated fees can be found here.

DescriptionFee
Single-Family Home, Individually Owned Townhome or Individually Owned Condo$50 65
Duplex Building (plus $15 per unit)$50 65
Single Owner Multi-Family, Condo or Townhome Building (plus $15 per unit)$50 65

Penalty and Appeal Fees

ReasonFee
Failure to Register$150
Complaint Inspection$150
Board of Appeals Application$100