Frequently Asked Questions
This list is not meant to be exhaustive. If you still have questions or do not understand your rights or responsibilities, please call HOME, Inc. at 515-243-1277.
Renters/Tenants
Do you offer rental assistance? No. Contact United Way’s 211 for a list of agencies that are currently providing rent help. HOME, Inc. may have limited funds for qualifying families with an eviction and school-aged children.
What do I do if I get an eviction notice? An eviction should not be confused with a termination. The termination process can be used by both a landlord or a tenant to voluntarily end a tenancy. Usually the landlord or the tenant does not need to have a reason for termination. Termination of tenancy notices are not evictions. Unlike termination, the eviction process is a court action brought by the landlord in order to regain possession of the rental unit. Landlords always have to give a written notice before filing an eviction with the court. Some notices give the tenant time to “cure” the problem, and the tenant may be able to remain in the dwelling unit. Other notices may terminate the lease and the tenant may be asked to move out. It is important to act quickly if you have received a notice. If you do not understand a notice, please call HOME, Inc. immediately and speak to a Housing Counselor.
Does the landlord have to give notice before coming into my home? Except in cases of emergency, a landlord must give the tenant at least 24 hours’ notice of his/her intention to enter the unit.
How do I get my deposit back? According to Iowa law, the landlord must return a written itemized list of deductions and remaining deposit or full deposit to the tenant within 30 days after receipt of the tenant’s forwarding address or termination of the rental agreement, whichever occurs last. Learn more from our blog post regarding deposits.
What do I do if my landlord is not making repairs? Tenants have a right to safe and sanitary conditions. If you live in a city large enough to have a rental inspector, the inspector can require the landlord to make repairs. There is a state law prohibiting retaliation from a landlord if you contact an inspector. In smaller towns, you can serve your landlord a notice to make repairs yourself or end the lease and move out. Be sure to call HOME, Inc. for help with this process. You MUST continue to pay your full rent amount; Iowa does not allow withholding of rent for lack of repairs. Learn more from our blog post regarding repairs.
What are the laws on therapy and service animals? Iowa Civil Rights Laws and the federal Fair Housing Act prohibit discrimination in housing accommodations against those who use service and/or emotional therapy animals. You cannot be charged a pet deposit or pet rent for having a service or therapy animal (although you would have to pay for any damages your animal causes). If your lease or rental agreement includes a “no pets” provision, it does not apply to these types of animals. To fall under this provision, you must have a disability and you must have a disability-related need for the animal. You will be required to have a letter from a medical professional for this to give the landlord. For more info – https://icrc.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2015/AssistanceAnimalsFactSheet.pdf
What is the eviction process? Evictions are a small claims civil court process. Tenants must get notice of any eviction court hearing at least 3 days before it takes place. If the tenant is not served notice at least 3 full days before the hearing, the court should postpone the hearing. There are several ways the written notice can be served. It is important that you go to the court hearing as a no show will cause you to lose the case. Evictions are public record, so anyone can see them on Iowa Courts Online. If you are low income, Iowa Legal Aid may assist you for free. www.iowalegalaid.org
Do you give legal advice? We are unable to give legal advice, however, we counsel both landlords and tenants on their rights and responsibilities and provide referrals when necessary.
Do you provide temporary housing? Unfortunately, no, we do not have the ability to provide temporary housing. If you are experiencing homelessness, please contact Primary Health Care’s Centralized Intake, 515-248-1850.
Landlords
https://www.homeincdsm.org/renters-landlords/handbook/
Do you give legal advice? We are unable to give legal advice, however, we counsel both landlords and tenants on their rights and responsibilities and provide referrals when necessary.
How do I evict someone? Only a magistrate in Small Claims Civil Court can actually evict someone. Landlords always have to serve a written notice(s) to the tenant before filing eviction (FED) documents with the court. Some notices give the tenant time to “cure” the problem, and the tenant may be able to remain in the dwelling unit. Other notices terminate the lease and the tenant may be asked to move out. If you do not understand the process, please call and speak to a Housing Counselor. Here is a link to the small claims civil court process in Iowa:
https://www.iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/representing-yourself/small-claims/
What are the laws on therapy and service animals? Iowa Civil Rights Laws and the federal Fair Housing Act prohibit discrimination in housing accommodations against those who use service and/or emotional therapy animals. You cannot charge a tenant a pet deposit or pet rent for having a service or therapy animal (although they would have to pay for any damages the animal causes). If your lease or rental agreement includes a “no pets” provision, it does not apply to these types of animals. Tenant must have a letter from a medical professional for this to give the landlord. For more info – https://icrc.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2015/AssistanceAnimalsFactSheet.pdf
Does the landlord have to give notice before entering a tenant’s home? Except in cases of emergency, a landlord must give the tenant at least 24 hours’ notice of his/her intention to enter the unit.
How do I return a deposit? According to Iowa law, the landlord must send a written itemized list of deductions and remaining deposit, or full deposit to the tenant within 30 days after receipt of the tenant’s forwarding address or termination of the rental agreement. If you do not have the tenant’s forwarding address, you can send the itemized list to the old address. It is best to send this certified mail and keep the mail receipt with your copy of the letter. The bad-faith retention of a deposit by a landlord, or any portion of the rental deposit, can subject the landlord to punitive damages. Link to Iowa Deposit Code – https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.12.pdf
Homeownership
How do I get a list of HUD homes for sale? We do not have a list of HUD homes. Please see the HUD website at www.hudhomes.com.
Is there an online Homebuyer Education program? Yes. Please visit the eHome Online Homebuyer Education page on our website.
Do you sell homes outside of Des Moines? No, HOME, Inc. only builds in the City of Des Moines.
Is the program only for first time homebuyers? Yes, HUD defines first time homebuyers as anyone who has not owned a home in the last three years or a single person who previously owned a house with a spouse.
What is the eligibility criteria to qualify for a HOME, Inc. house? You must meet income guidelines as defined in the “Financing” section on our Homes Available page. You must also complete the Homeownership Readiness Assessment. Visit this page to access the questionnaire.
Do you help buy homes on contract? We can help with the basics, but if you are looking for legal advice please contact Iowa Legal Aid toll-free at 1-800-532-1503 or locally at 515-243-1193.
I want to buy a house, where do I start? Start here on our website.
Do you provide mortgages? No. We provide the property and potential grants for down payment assistance based on qualifications. Homeowners will still need to obtain conventional financing.
Do you offer down payment assistance? Yes, but only for HOME, Inc. properties and the amount varies upon buyer eligibility.
Donors & Community Supporters
How do I donate to HOME, Inc.? There are many ways to give to HOME, Inc. including the Annual Fund, Planned Giving, Tributes & Memorials, in-kind donations, and Sponsorship Opportunities. Visit our Get Involved page to donate online with a credit card or learn more. Donations can also be made by cash or check and mailed to 1618 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314. Checks can be made out to HOME, Inc.
Where exactly does my donation go? Through HOME, Inc.’s General Fund 100% of your donations go towards the programs and services we provide – directly impacting the families we serve.
Is my donation tax-deductible? Yes! Your donation to HOME, Inc. is fully tax deductible to the extent of the law. The level of tax-deductibility depends on the amount donated. Please consult your tax adviser for specific tax advice.
Do you only accept monetary donations? There are many ways to support HOME, Inc. including Planned Giving (bequests, insurance policies, gifts of stock and/or mutual funds), in kind donations, and Sponsorships. Visit our Get Involved page to learn more.
Who do I contact for more information on donations?
Carrie Woerdeman (she/her)
Executive Director
515-650-2321
woerdeman.carrie@homeincdsm.org