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Landlord Resources

In the State of Iowa and the City of Davenport, landlords and tenants have certain basic rights and requirements that are intended to protect both parties and the owner’s investment. It takes the joint effort of investor‐owners, tenants and the City to ensure a quality rental market in Davenport.

Refer to City Code Chapter 8.15 for details on the Property Maintenance Code. The code adopts the 2015 version of the International Property Maintenance Code.

Rental Property Maintenance & Inspection Requirements

Picture representing inspection services being providedIowa state law and Davenport City ordinance requires the inspection of all rental housing on a regular basis to ensure quality rental housing conditions, and to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the community.

Our Rental Property Owner’s Guide to Davenport’s Property Maintenance Code provides information on:

The guide also includes: 

  • The Violation Point Matrix/Rental Property Inspection Checklist
  • Information on Appealing Property Maintenance Citations
  • Information on Appealing a Rental License Revocation

Download, View or Print a Copy of the Guide

In addition to rental property maintenance codes, rental properties are subject to general/community-wide property maintenance and building codes.  Landlords are advised to communicate these codes and their tenant's responsibilities in ensuring compliance with these codes.  Links to this information can be found below.

Rental Property Lien Exemption

The Rental Property Lien Exemption program is designed to assist rental property owners from having liens placed against their property due to failure by the tenant to pay utility bills they may be responsible for under their rental/lease agreement.

Landlords have a 60 calendar day window after the City is notified the tenant has started water service with Iowa American Water Company to provide written notice to the City under State of Iowa Code 384.84(4)(e). Participation in the program protects property owners from having unpaid charges for sewer, clean water and/or garbage utility fees assessed against their rental property while a tenant occupies the property.  The program does not apply to charges for repairs related to service of sewer systems, stormwater drainage systems, sewer treatment and solid waste disposal if repair charges become delinquent.

Use the process below to register for the program.

  • Sign-up to find out when and under what name the tenant has signed up for water service. E-mail [email protected], subject Tenant Lookup, request access to the tenant lookup tool, provide your (property owner) name, and a list of rental property maintained. Revenue will process the request and notify when the property owner when an account has been created to use Current Tenant Lookup tool.
  • Once it is known water service has been started and by whom, and before the 60 calendar day window from water service startup, submit a request for Rental Lien Exemption for the property.  

Under the program, property owners are responsible to report changes in rental property ownership during a rental/lease contract period. Use this form to submit information regarding change in ownership of a residential rental property. Notice must be submitted within 30 days of completing changes in ownership.

Questions regarding this program should be directed to the City of Davenport’s Revenue Department at 563.326.7707.























Landlords can notify the City of Davenport about a tenant occupied residential rental property to exempt the property from lien for delinquent sewer, clean water and garbage fees, if the city is notified within 60 calendar days from the date that the tenant started water service with Iowa American Water.

If a landlord wishes not to have charges for sewer, clean water or garbage fees levied against their rental property while a tenant occupies the property, State of Iowa code 384.84(4)(e) states the landlord must send a written notice to the City with required information. The City of Davenport has created a website which will allow landlords to submit the required information directly to the City.  A new form must be submitted for each new tenant.

Click here to submit a form to participate in the Rental Property Lien Exemption Program.

Click here to submit a form notifying the City of Davenport of a change in ownership of a residential rental property. This form must be completed within thirty (30) days of the completion of the change of ownership.

This program does not apply to charges for repairs related to a service of sewer systems, storm water drainage systems, sewer treatment and solid waste disposal if the repair charges become delinquent.

If you have any questions regarding this program, please feel free to contact us directly at 563-326-7707.

Landlord Education Assistance Program

Crime prevention protects the value of property and the safety of our community. 

All property owners who have rental property must complete the Landlord Education Assistance Program (Crime Free Multi‐Housing Program). The program is $25 per person and provides tools and techniques rental property owners and managers can use to keep drugs and illegal activities off rental property. 

Use the link below to learn more or to register for a session. 

Landlord Education Assistance Program (LEAP)
Receive Email Notification of Changes in Rental Property Maintenance Code

Use this link to signup for notification when new documents and rental property maintenance code changes. 

Hit the subscribe button to register. 

  • Enter RENTAL PROPERTY RESOURCE DOCUMENTS in the Title of the subscription page. 
  • Enter your e-mail address.
  • Select the frequency to send you updates. 

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Contact

Development & Neighborhood Services
1200 E 46th St
Davenport, IA 52807
Phone:
563.326.6198
Email: