Housing Code

Online Portal Information

How to register 

Please go to our portal at https://www.citizenserve.com/urbandale, and follow these steps:

1. Select "My Account" on the top right-hand side of the page.
2. "New to our portal?" Click Register Now.
3. Select Business owner, fill in required fields, and click submit.
4. You are now a portal user; next, apply for a license "Housing Certificate"

How to apply for a license, also known as a "Housing Certificate"

1. Log in using your username and password.
2. Under the Online Service- Rental Certification, click "Apply For a License"
3. Fill in required fields and select submit.
4. If your organization has multiple properties, you will need to apply for a license for each property.
5. Once your license has been processed and paid for at that address, you will be able to log in and schedule inspections, see inspection corrections, and download a Housing Certificate.

Housing FAQ's

• Do I need a Permit?

IRC/IBC 105.1 Permits are Required

When any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system. Fences would also be included. A Housing Certificate will not be issued if there are outstanding building violations. If you are unsure, please call our office.

• Do I Need to contact the Fire Marshal?

Fire Marshal approval is required on multi-family buildings ONLY. A Housing Certificate will not be issued if there are any outstanding fire code violations. Please contact Urbandale Fire Department for status reports or any additional questions. Jon Rech 515-331-6733 or jrech@urbandale.org.

• Do I need to be there for the inspection?

You are required by State Law to notify your tenants of entry into the unit with a 24-hour advance notice. An adult 18 years of age or older must be present for the inspection and that person should either be the tenant or an authorized owner's representative. Please coordinate with your tenants to schedule inspections.

• How long does it take to get a certificate, and where do I get one?

Single family and duplexes- Owners will have up to 30 days from the date of the first inspection to complete any corrections, once all corrections are inspected and approved your "Housing Certificate" will be available to download via our portal http://citizenserve.com/urbandale.

Multi-family complexes- Timing is key! Please try to have your license applied for before March 31st. This would allow ample time to schedule inspection and make the needed corrections. Once all corrections are inspected and approved, your "Housing Certificate" will be available to download via our portal: http://www.citizenserve.com/urbandale. This process must be completed before your June 30th expiration date.

• Should I be concerned if I have lead-based paint in my home?

If renovation work is being done on any housing built before 1978, the Iowa Department of Public Health Lead Bureau should be contacted at 1-800-972-2026.

Additional Housing Information can also be found at:

Information on Mold and Mildew
EPA - Guide to Mold and Moisture (PDF)
EPA - Mold Course https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-course-introduction
Download EPA Mold Course (5.5M PDF) (Click Here)

Home, Inc.
Community Housing Services Program
1618 Sixth Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50314
515-243-1277
http://www.homeincdsm.org/

Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency
Apartments and Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program for all of Polk County
2309 Euclid Ave
Des Moines, IA 50310
515-323-8950