As the home of the University of Iowa, Iowa City sees a large influx of people moving to town each year. 

To make this experience a little less daunting, we have compiled a list of helpful tips people should know before, during, and after renting a property. Watch this rental guide video and follow the tips below.

Be aware when shopping for
a rental home

So, you’re ready to look for your first apartment. Be aware of the following red flags in order to avoid a poor rental experience.

  • Property manager refuses to give you a copy of the lease to review.
  • Property manager puts pressure on you to sign immediately.
  • Property manager refuses to show the apartment you are interested in renting and gives excuses for why the rental unit can’t be shown, such as "the owner is traveling" or "the property manager is sick."
  • Property does not have a valid rental permit issued by the City. To check for a valid rental license for Iowa City properties, search our permit database. 

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Is this the right property for you?

  • Make sure to walk through the unit with the owner or property manager. Double check the address to make sure you’re visiting the unit you will be leasing. Make sure the amenities match what was advertised.
  • Consider the parking situation for you and guests. Do you need a parking permit? How many spots are available? On-street parking only? Remember you can't store your vehicle on the street during vacations and breaks. Violators can be towed.
  • Ask current tenants in the apartment complex how much they pay in utilities. Utility costs can vary greatly depending on the type and age of housing.
  • Drive by the unit at night. Is it secure? Does it have adequate lighting? Will you be comfortable living there?
  • Ask the property manager how maintenance issues are addressed. Do they have staff on call? What is the expected response time?
  • Research the owner and their properties online. Have there been consistent maintenance issues, non-responsive property management, alleged misconduct, etc.

Once you find a suitable property

  1. Review and understand the lease before you sign it. Always keep your lease, as you may need to refer to it when issues arise.
  2. Know what utilities the property manager pays and what you are responsible for, such as water, garbage, gas, electric, cable, and internet.
  3. Verify the start and end date of the lease.
  4. Verify the rent charged and if pro-rated if not a full month.
  5. Review all lease terms. The lease should cover items such as what types of damage you are responsible for, what maintenance you must perform, such as mowing or snow removal, are you allowed to sublet your room/unit, can you have pets, can you add roommates, etc.

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After you sign the lease and move in

  • At move in, document any and all damages/problems that you see. Take date stamped photos of the unit. Make a copy for your records and provide a copy to your property manager within the first 7 days of the lease term.
  • Get renter’s insurance. You should get renters insurance because it protects your belongings from theft or property damage. The property manager's policy does not cover your personal belongings. If you have car insurance, you might want to check with the company to see if rentals can be added to an existing policy. You may also be added to your parent’s homeowner’s insurance (check with their company’s policy for details). The benefits of renter’s insurance are great, and the cost is usually low.
  • Befriend your neighbors. When an issue arises, it is much easier to discuss with a neighbor to resolve if you know each other.

What if something goes wrong after you move in?

Invariably something will not work. The fridge, the oven, a leaking faucet, a window won’t open, etc. Here are some suggestions:

  1. Notify the property manager in writing. Let the property manager know the problem and the date it started.
  2. Follow up with a phone call.
  3. Depending on what it is, allow a reasonable time for the property manager to schedule and get the item repaired/replaced.
  4. If the item does not get repaired after you notify the property manager in a reasonable time, contact Neighborhood and Development Services to report the issue for Iowa City properties. If this is a code violation, the City can assist in enforcing the housing code. Contact us at 319-356-5135 or report online with our reporting app, ICgovXpress.

For more serious problems, review Iowa Legal Aid’s advice on how to get property managers to make repairs.

Where to go for help with legal issues

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If you are a University of Iowa Student, you can access Student Legal Services for free. Their rental guide is an excellent source of information.

Campus office: G115 Iowa Memorial Union, Iowa City
Phone: 319-335-3276
email: student-legal@uiowa.edu

Eligible low-income Iowans can access free legal help from Iowa Legal Aid for civil law problems, including housing. The website has helpful information on tenant rights.

Phone: 1-800-532-1275
Office: 1700 S. 1st Avenue, Suite 10, Iowa City, IA 52240

Fair Housing is a Right!

If you believe you have been the victim of discrimination, report it by contacting the City of Iowa City Human Rights Office. You can file your housing complaint online.

Phone: 319-356-5022
Email: humanrights@iowa-city.org

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Pets vs service and assistance animals

Many places for rent in Iowa City may not allow pets, but service and assistance animals are classified differently than the common, household pet. Individuals with a disability may request to keep a service or assistance animal as a reasonable accommodation to a housing provider's pet restrictions. The Fair Housing Act requires a housing provider to allow a reasonable accommodation involving a service or an assistance animal in situations that meet certain conditions. Learn more at the State of Iowa's Civil Rights Commission's website. 

Garbage & Recycling Where You Live

If you rent a single-family home or rent a unit that is part of a 4-unit or less building, you are likely served by the City of Iowa City curbside collection program which includes pickup options for garbage, recycling, and organics (food waste and yard waste). Learn more at www.icgov.org/resourcemanagement.

If you rent an apartment that is part of a 5-unit or larger building, you are served by private garbage and recycling collection services. Your property manager is required to provide on-site garbage and recycling services for tenants. If you live in an apartment in Iowa City and are unsure how to use your recycling program, follow the steps recommended at www.icgov.org/apartmentrecycling.

City Government