Iowa Renters’ Guide: Occupancy Limits & Overcrowding Laws

Finding affordable and safe shared housing in Iowa can be challenging, and renters often have questions about how many people can legally live in a rental unit. Iowa’s occupancy limits and laws around overcrowding are designed to keep renters safe and to ensure everyone has a healthy living space. Understanding these rules helps protect your rights and avoid costly mistakes.

What Are Occupancy Limits in Iowa?

Occupancy limits refer to the maximum number of people allowed to live in a rental unit. In Iowa, these rules are typically set by local city or county codes, but landlords must also comply with federal fair housing laws and the Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law^[1].

• Local ordinances: Most cities in Iowa follow a standard of two people per bedroom plus one additional person for the unit ("2+1 rule").
• Fair housing: Landlords can set reasonable limits, but may not discriminate based on familial status, such as having children.
• Safety standards: Units must have enough bedrooms, exits, and living space per person as required in municipal or county codes.

Understanding Overcrowding

Overcrowding happens when too many people live in a unit compared to its size or legal capacity. Signs of overcrowding include:

• Insufficient sleeping space or beds
• Noisy or unsanitary conditions
• Strain on bathrooms or kitchen

How Do Iowa’s Local and State Rules Work?

While Iowa’s Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law does not set a specific statewide occupancy limit, most cities use the International Property Maintenance Code or local housing codes. For example, Des Moines Housing Code outlines minimum space and occupancy requirements per person.

• Generally, each bedroom must have at least 70 square feet for the first person, and an additional 50 square feet for each extra person.
• Living rooms and other spaces may have separate square footage requirements.
• Check with your city or county housing department for your specific area’s occupancy rules.

Official Forms: Reporting Overcrowding or Violations

• Local Nuisance or Housing Complaint Forms: Used to report suspected overcrowding or unsafe conditions to local housing authorities. Each city/county may have its own form; for example, Des Moines residents can use the Report a Problem online system.
• Tenant Complaint Form (Iowa Civil Rights Commission): If you believe a landlord is enforcing occupancy rules in a discriminatory way (e.g., against families with children), file a housing discrimination complaint with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission.

Example: If your landlord tries to evict you solely because your family includes children—when total occupancy remains within local code limits—you can use the Iowa Civil Rights Commission’s form to file a discrimination complaint.

What If I Receive an Overcrowding Notice?

If your landlord or a city inspector claims your unit is overcrowded, they must generally provide written notice. Iowa law requires that tenants be given reasonable opportunity to correct the issue if it violates the rental agreement or safety codes. This could include:

• Removing extra occupants or negotiating a lease change
• Requesting inspection or clarification with the local housing authority

Persistent violations may lead to eviction proceedings, which are typically handled in the Iowa District Court system. See Iowa Courts for more details about eviction and small claims processes.

Right to Reasonable Accommodation

If you or a household member requires a reasonable accommodation because of a disability (such as needing an additional caregiver living in the home), you may request this from your landlord. Iowa law and the federal Fair Housing Act protect your right to ask for exceptions to standard occupancy rules in certain situations.

Which Tribunal Handles Disputes?

Disputes about occupancy limits, evictions, or repairs are handled in your local Iowa District Court (small claims or landlord-tenant division, depending on your county).

FAQ: Iowa Occupancy Limits & Shared Housing

1. How many people can live in a rental unit in Iowa?
   Most areas use the 2+1 rule: two people per bedroom, plus one extra person for the unit. Always check your local city or county code for exact rules.
2. Can my landlord evict me if I have too many roommates?
   Yes, if you violate legal occupancy limits or lease terms. However, you must get written notice and an opportunity to fix the situation.
3. Does Iowa law allow landlords to set their own occupancy limits?
   Landlords can set limits, but must not violate local codes or discriminate (such as forbidding children in the home).
4. Who do I call if I suspect a neighbor is overcrowding a unit?
   Contact your city housing authority or code enforcement office using their official nuisance or housing complaint procedures.
5. What if my landlord uses occupancy limits to discriminate against families?
   You can file a housing discrimination complaint with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission.

Summary: What Iowa Renters Need to Know

• Occupancy limits are set by local code—usually two per bedroom plus one.
• Your landlord must follow both local and state laws on overcrowding and discrimination.
• If you’re sent an overcrowding notice, respond quickly, and seek guidance if needed.

Being informed helps you protect your housing rights and navigate shared living situations safely and legally.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Iowa District Court – Landlord-Tenant/Evictions
• Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law
• Iowa Civil Rights Commission: File a Discrimination Complaint
• Iowa Legal Aid – Free help for qualified tenants
• Check your local city/county housing or code enforcement office for occupancy complaint forms

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1. Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law: Official Code PDF
2. Des Moines Housing Code: Official City Site
3. Iowa Civil Rights Commission – Housing Discrimination: Official Commission Site

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