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.
- 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)
HOME, Inc. provides counseling and educational services for both tenants and landlords. Visit the HOME, Inc website for more information.
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.
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.