Cities within Iowa with a population of 15,000 or more are mandated by the State of Iowa to have a rental housing inspection program. Therefore to comply with this mandate the city has established an ordinance for rental housing inspections "in order to establish minimum quality standards for all residential dwellings, dwelling units, rooming houses and rooming units; to provide for the enforcement of such standards; to establish a program of regular rental inspections; and to protect the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the City of Council Bluffs, Iowa." 

The rental housing inspectors perform random and complaint-based inspections looking for dangerous conditions and violations of compliance with minimum physical standards for residences. There are 8,500-11,000 units registered with the city. Inspectors normally will perform 10-12 inspections per day.

Registration

All owners of rental property are required to register each rental unit with the City annually. For single family dwellings, the rental registration fee is $35.00 per unit. For two family dwellings (duplex), the rental registration fee is $70.00. Multi-family dwellings, the rental registration fee is $25.00 and $17.50 per unit. The rental registration renewal reminder forms are mailed to the owners at their last known address. Deadline for rental registrations are December 31st of each year.

Late Fees and Non-Registration Fees

The late fee for non-registration is $25.00 per dwelling unit.
The penalty fee for non-registration of a rental unit (per unit) is $1,000 and institution of this fee will place the dwelling or dwelling unit on a one year inspection cycle for three years. Dwelling units that are found non-registered must pay registration fees: a single family dwelling fee is $200.00 per year for three (3) years, a two-family dwelling (duplex) is $400 per year for three (3) years and Multi-family dwellings are $200.00 and $50.00 per unit per year for three (3) years.

Rental Housing Re-inspection Fees

The Rental Housing Re-inspection fees are as follows:
1st Re-inspection = No Fee
2nd Re-inspection = $50.00 per inspection
3rd and Subsequent Re-inspection = $100.00 per inspection
No Show Fee for missing a scheduled inspection = $100.00
Inspection fee for three (3) year cycle for Non-registered houses = $100.00 per inspection

Call the Housing Inspectors at (712) 890-5383. Normal office hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Excerpts From The 2009 International Property Maintenance Code
Emergency Escape & Rescue Openings
2018 Rental Registration Form
2019 Rental Registration Form
Rental Housing Inspection Form
Dual Function Smoke Detectors
Rental Housing Complaint Form
Landlord Contractor Registration