Des Moines weighs tenant-requested radon tests for rentals
Ask Interactive NewsLook for updates to this storyFind out what has changed since this story was published.
Des Moines officials discussed possible rental-code changes at an Oct. 19 City Council work session, but no ordinance was adopted. The discussion does not change what landlords or tenants are currently required to do.
Under the proposal, tenants could ask landlords to test a rental for radon. If readings were high, tenants could seek installation of a mitigation system or end the lease and recover the security deposit, Iowa Public Radio reported. Councilmember Linda Westergaard cautioned against automatically returning a full deposit when a tenant had caused damage.
What changes for renters now? Nothing yet: the testing threshold, deposit rules and final ordinance language remain unsettled. Staff were to return with more detail on testing and related requirements. The meeting record said the broader package could be considered as early as Nov. 2, but that was not a confirmed vote date. Iowa Public Radio reported January 2027 as a possible effective date only if the changes are approved.
Sources
- Des Moines considers radon testing options for tenants, Iowa Public Radio
- 10-19-26 City Council Work Session, Govly; meeting record attributed to City of Des Moines – DMTV
- Des Moines, IA: City Council meetings and agendas, MyTown
Ask Interactive NewsLook for updates to this storyFind out what has changed since this story was published.
Discover more from Interactive News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.