The City of Ames Inspection Division is responsible to ensure that all rental properties are maintained in compliance with Chapter 13 of the Ames Municipal Code (Rental Housing Code).  This is accomplished through regular rental inspections of each property. 

If safety issues arise outside of the inspection process, please follow the steps below under 'Tenant / Property Manager Issues'.  We are unable to answer legal questions or give legal advice outside of what our rental code requires.  Should any questions pertaining to your lease or your rights as a tenant arise, you may want to contact one of the service providers listed below:

The Legal Aid Society of Story County

Iowa State University Student Legal Services

HOME, Inc.

City of Ames - Rent Smart Ames

Resources for Tenants

Tenant Landlord Act

Rental Housing Code 

Tenant / Property Manager Issues

As a tenant, if you have an unresolved code violation in your unit, you may file a 'Tenant Complaint Form' with the Inspection Division.  Any tenant complaint must include written proof of notification to the property owner/manager of the unresolved code violation.  Inspections staff will review the submitted complaint and will contact the tenant to discuss the next steps.

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