Des Moines, Iowa Short-Term Rental Market Overview
Visitor Profile
Visitors to Des Moines, Iowa, are typically seeking a blend of Midwestern charm, cultural richness, and family-friendly attractions. Leisure travelers often come for the city’s vibrant arts scene, which includes museums, sculpture parks, and galleries. Families and nature lovers are attracted to the Blank Park Zoo, scenic botanical gardens, and parks with outdoor recreational opportunities. Business travelers and convention attendees value the city’s professional venues and the historic Iowa State Capitol, while food enthusiasts enjoy discovering its renowned local cuisine and farmers markets.
Overall, guests who stay in short-term rentals in Des Moines are looking for authentic experiences that showcase the city’s unique blend of arts, history, and outdoor leisure. These visitors appreciate well-rounded travel experiences that combine urban exploration with scenic or family-oriented activities, making Des Moines a versatile and inviting destination for diverse traveler avatars.
Top Attractions
Des Moines, Iowa, offers a vibrant mix of cultural, artistic, and recreational attractions that make it a compelling destination for travelers. Visitors can explore the renowned Pappajohn Sculpture Park and the Des Moines Art Center, both of which showcase impressive collections of modern and contemporary art. The Iowa State Capitol provides a historical and architectural highlight, while the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden offers serene green spaces and stunning blooms that appeal to nature lovers. For families and kids, the Blank Park Zoo and the Science Center of Iowa deliver engaging and educational experiences.
Beyond its museums and parks, Des Moines boasts a lively downtown scene with farmers’ markets, shopping, and dining options that capture the city’s energetic spirit. Tourists often enjoy guided tours of the city’s landmarks, along with outdoor activities like biking and water sports at local lakes and trails. With its blend of cultural richness, outdoor adventure, and warm community feel, Des Moines truly combines the charm of a small town with the amenities of a big city, making it a must-visit destination in the Midwest.
Regulations
The short-term rental (STR) landscape in Des Moines, Iowa, features a structured regulatory environment designed to balance the interests of property owners with community standards and safety. Hosts can expect requirements involving licensing, zoning, occupancy, health and safety standards, and tax obligations. Understanding these components is essential for operating legally and responsibly within the city, highlighting a framework that emphasizes compliance and accountability.
Key Regulatory Considerations:
– Licensing and Permits: Hosts in Des Moines must obtain proper licensing to operate a short-term rental. This typically involves an application process managed by city authorities, with associated fees and periodic renewal requirements to maintain the permit.
– Primary Residence Requirements: Regulations may specify whether a short-term rental must be the owner’s primary residence or if non-owner-occupied properties are permissible. Details on any limits to the number of rental days per year or requirements for host presence should be carefully reviewed.
– Zoning and Location: The city enforces zoning laws that may restrict or allow STR activities in certain neighborhoods or districts. Checking local zoning maps and ordinances is crucial to ensure compliance.
– Occupancy, Health & Safety: Des Moines mandates adherence to occupancy limits and safety standards such as installation of smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers. These standards protect both guests and hosts.
– Tax Obligations: Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting applicable transient occupancy taxes and sales taxes as defined by city and state authorities.
– Operational Standards & Enforcement: Additional rules may govern advertising accuracy, noise control, guest conduct, and penalties for non-compliance, which could include fines or revocation of licenses.
For the most current and legally binding information, property owners should consult the City of Des Moines’s Official Short-Term Rental Licensing and Regulations Page or visit the city’s official website to access the full ordinances and updates.
Des Moines, Iowa Market Performance Trends
Des Moines, Iowa Rental Market Insights
10-Year Market Growth
Booking Activity
- 1-3 Months:63.9% Booked
- 4-6 Months:58% Booked
- 7-9 Months:36.8% Booked
- 10-12 Months:6.3% Booked
Cancellation Policies
- Flexible:32.5%
- Moderate:29.9%
- Strict:32.3%
- Super Strict:32.3%
- N/A:3.3%
Minimum Stay
- 1 Day:301
- 2 Days:154
- 3 Days:66
- 4-6 Days:21
- 7-29 Days:19
- 30+ Days:25
