Rental Housing Inspection Program (Proposed Policies & Forms)

The purpose of this program is to provide safe and sanitary housing conditions for the residents of Creston by establishing minimum standards and regular inspections for all rental housing units in Creston.  Full details of the program are available in the Rental Housing Inspection Program Administrative Policy.

The authorization to carry out this program is set out in the Creston Code of Ordinances, Chapter 147.

All rental properties within Creston's city limits must be registered with the City.  Registration is required so that the City has the most current contact and ownership information.  Rental Housing Registration Forms shall be provided and records maintained by the City.  The registration fee is $50 for the first housing unit and $15 for each additional housing unit.

At the time of registration, the owner or owner's designated representative must verify that their properties meet the requirements outlined in the Rental Inspection Checklist. Additionally, by submitting a registration application with the City, the owner is granting consent to an inspection of the rental property by the inspector and/or City for the purpose of determining compliance with this program.  City staff will contact landlords via mail with a notice to schedule the inspection of their rental properties.  When landlords receive their notice, they will need to contact the City's designated Rental Inspector, Iowa Inspections, at 515-587-0065.  The inspection fee is $100.00 for a single or first unit and $40.00 for each additional unit within the same building.  The fee is paid directly to the inspector at the time of inspection.

Current tenants of a rental property may file complaints of violation regarding a rental housing property.  Complaints shall be made in writing using the Rental Housing Complaint Form and delivered to the City of Creston.