Tenants
Complaints
If you have a concern regarding your rental home, you may file a complaint. Complaints must be first submitted to your landlord. Landlords are given 7 days to address the complaints upon receiving notification. If unresolved, tenants may file a complaint with the Code Enforcement Officer.
Resources
The following are a list of resources for tenants that includes rental assistance, counseling, and guidance.
- Rental Housing Guide
- HOME Inc.
- Iowa Legal Aid (ILA)
- Iowa Civil Rights Commission
- Warren County Public Health
- United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The City of Indianola has compiled a list of resources and information regarding rental housing. This document includes information regarding the adopted rental code, what to expect on an inspection, and resources regarding housing.
This document is known as the Rental Housing Guide and should only be used as reference by rental property owners, property managers, tenants and likewise. It should not be interpreted as the rule of the law.
HOME, Inc. provides counseling and educational services for both tenants and landlords. Additionally, they provide resources on housing and utility assistance, veteran and disability services, and more. Visit the HOME, Inc website for more information.
HOME Inc. can be contacted by calling (515) 243-1277.
Iowa Legal Aid (ILA) provides legal assistance to "low-income and vulnerable Iowans". Visit the Iowa Legal Aid website here.
All housing-related activities such as rental housing is subjected to the federal Fair Housing Act and the Iowa Civil Rights Act (Iowa Code Chapter 216). Learn more about codes and regulations on rental properties here.
If you would like to file a housing complaint with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission or have questions about the law, please visit the Iowa Civil Rights Commission's website.
Warren County Public Health services, assists and investigates complaints regarding dangerous buildings, public nuisances, health hazards, unhealthy living conditions, dangerous animals and illegal dumping. Visit their website here.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Is available for rental and housing assistance, such as finding places to live and finding a housing consult. Visit the HUD website for the State of Iowa here.
The Warren County Housing Authority (WCHA) oversees Section 8 housing programs in Indianola. For more information about the Housing Choice Voucher program and Section 8 Housing, please visit their website here.
Buildings built prior to 1978 are likely to contain lead-based paint. Prior to any renovations, repairs, or painting, tenants should be provided important lead hazard information prior to work. The Renovate Right pamphlet is made available by the EPA here.
To learn more about lead in your home, please visit the EPA's Lead website here.
- What is the process for filing a complaint against a rental property?
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If you are concerned about a non-emergency issue, you will need to first contact your landlord. Your landlord should have seven (7) days to address the complaint upon notification. If left unresolved, please contact the Code Enforcement Officer to file a formal complaint to the city. Concerns regarding significant health, safety, or general welfare issues, a tenant may contact the Code Enforcement Officer to schedule a complaint based inspection.
Complaint based inspections are of no charge to landlords or tenants. To learn more about how to file a complaint, please visit our website:
- How do I know if the rental unit I am living in is certified?
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Certificates must be readily available to prospective tenants and current residing tenants by the property owner and/or landlord at all times. If you are unable to receive or view a certificate by a landlord or leasing agent, please contact the Code Enforcement Officer.
- How will I be notified of an upcoming inspection?
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Property owners and landlords are responsible for ensuring that all tenants are notified at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to an inspection. Notices must be complaint with those methods outlined in the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law (Iowa Code 562A.8).
- How do I find smoke free housing?
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Smoke free housing can be found on the Iowa Smoke Free Homes website: smokefreehomes.iowa.gov