City officials promote pre-sale inspections for rental properties in Ames

The Ames City Property Maintenance Appeals Board convened on June 6, 2025, to discuss various issues related to property maintenance and rental inspections in the city. The meeting focused on enhancing awareness among potential property buyers and landlords regarding compliance with city codes and inspection standards.

The discussion began with a proposal to improve communication with potential buyers of rental properties. Board members emphasized the importance of pre-sale inspections, which the city offers to help prospective landlords understand the requirements before purchasing a property. This initiative aims to prevent buyers from making substantial investments only to discover later that their property does not meet rental standards.

A city representative highlighted the existing pre-sale inspection program, which allows potential buyers to request an inspection before finalizing their purchase. This inspection provides a detailed list of necessary improvements to meet rental compliance. If a buyer decides not to proceed with the purchase due to costly repairs identified during the inspection, they are required to pay a nominal fee for the service.

The board acknowledged that awareness remains a significant challenge, particularly in a competitive housing market where buyers may feel pressured to act quickly without fully understanding the implications of rental property ownership. Members noted that while the city provides resources and guides on its website, many potential landlords may not seek this information proactively.

Further discussions revealed that the city is exploring additional educational initiatives, including a proposed "landlord academy" to inform both new and experienced landlords about compliance issues and best practices. The goal is to foster a collaborative relationship between the city and property owners, ensuring that inspections are viewed as supportive rather than punitive.

The board also addressed concerns regarding misrepresentation in rental listings. Members discussed the possibility of introducing citations for properties advertised inaccurately, particularly regarding the number of legal bedrooms. This measure aims to protect potential renters from misleading advertisements and ensure compliance with city regulations.

In conclusion, the Ames City Property Maintenance Appeals Board is actively working to enhance communication and education around property inspections and compliance. The board's efforts reflect a commitment to supporting landlords while ensuring that rental properties meet necessary standards for safety and habitability. Future initiatives will focus on improving awareness and collaboration between the city and property owners to mitigate issues before they arise.