In an effort to ensure the provision of safe and sanitary rental housing for its residents, the City of Carter Lake has adopted a Rental Housing Inspection Program. The program is administered by the Building Inspection Department and its contractor. Important information about the program is provided below.
The Rental Housing Program Administrative Policy (PDF) contains information on program establishment and administrative procedures for the program. This document also contains a list of items the inspectors will be looking for during inspections.
Any housing unit which is rented (or being offered for rent) within Carter Lake’s city limits must be registered with the City. Landlords must register new properties within 30 days of acquisition or within 30 days of putting a property out into the rental market. Unregistered rental properties face a $100 per property.
The Rental Housing Registration Form (PDF) must be submitted in-person or by mail to the Carter Lake City Hall at 950 E. Locust Street, Carter Lake, IA 51510.
The baseline schedule for the inspection of all rental properties shall be once every three (3) years. As a benefit to compliant landlords, properties that pass the first inspection, with no noted concerns from the inspector, will not need to be inspected for another four years. Rental properties that require three or four inspections to pass will be assessed fines for failure to meet the requirements.
City staff will contact landlords via mail with a notice of when their rental properties are scheduled for inspection.
We understand that landlords and tenants will have questions and concerns. Review the Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) and if you still have questions, call City Hall at 712-347-6320.
Chapter 134 of Carter Lake Ordinance (PDF)
Tenant Complaint Form (PDF)
Request for Board of Appeals Hearing (PDF)