Frequently Asked Questions

Rental properties will be inspected every 2 years by may be more or less frequent depending on factors including the condition and age of the rental property, inspection history, tenant/management complaints, and natural disasters such as flooding.

The City of Indianola provides a rental housing inspection checklist for property owners and landlords to utilize prior to rental inspections. Though this checklist is not all encompassing of all local, state, and federal laws, it will be utilized to determine if a rental meets the housing quality standards established by the City of Indianola.

If you are purchasing a rental property, please notify the Code Enforcement Officer to complete a transfer of ownership. A notice is required ninety-six (96) hours after a rental property is sold, transferred, conveyed, or otherwise disposed of ownership, interest or control. This notice should include the name and address of the person that is purchasing or gaining control of the property. Additionally, you will need to re-register the property under your name and contact information. The rental inspection certificate will continue to be in good standing until the date of its original expiration, if approved. 

Failure to re-register and/or notify the Code Enforcement Officer within thirty (30) days will result in the revocation and suspension of a rental certificate.

Yes - Smoke detectors are required for rental properties. A smoke detector will be required for each sleeping room. 

If the rental property is a single-family dwelling, a tenant is responsible for interior conditions of the rental. The property owner/landlord will be responsible for exterior conditions such as holes and gaps that may be allowing insects and rodents to enter into the home. If the rental property is a multi-family dwelling and affects two or more units, the property owner/landlord is responsible for addressing the issue.