How to Screen Tenants in Des Moines, IA…
Simplify your tenant screening today. Provide your applicant’s name and email, and we’ll handle identity verification, secure consent, and deliver an official credit report along with a multi-state criminal background check.
No monthly fees – pay as you go.
Essential Tools for Landlords
From downtown apartments near the Principal Riverwalk to single-family homes in Beaverdale and rentals in the East Village, our tenant screening services provide landlords with essential tools to make informed, confident decisions throughout the Des Moines rental market.
Neighborhood Insights
Des Moines boasts diverse rental opportunities across its neighborhoods. RealSerious.com’s tenant screening services are designed to help protect properties and identify tenants more likely to meet lease agreements.
Featured Neighborhoods
Downtown: Ideal for professionals seeking proximity to business hubs, dining, and cultural attractions.
East Village: Known for its trendy vibe, historic charm, and demand among young professionals and students.
Beaverdale: A family-friendly neighborhood with unique Tudor-style homes and strong community ties.
Drake Neighborhood: Popular with students and faculty due to its proximity to Drake University.
South Side: Offers affordable housing options and access to schools, making it attractive to families.
West Des Moines: A growing suburban area with a mix of upscale rentals and modern developments.
What is Included in Your Standard Service?
Our comprehensive tenant screening reports help Des Moines landlords make informed decisions about prospective renters. The reports include, where available:
• Credit Score & Factors (ResidentScore®)
• Reported Addresses & Employment
• Credit Card & Loan Payments
• Ch 7 & 13 Bankruptcy Remarks
• Returned Check Collection Accts
• Unpaid Utility & Landlord Collections
• Foreclosures & Repossessions
• Multi-State Criminal Records*
• National Sex Offender Registry
• Global Sanctions
See a sample report.
Turnaround Times: Most results are delivered instantly after identity verification. Some reports may take up to 1–2 days due to local jurisdiction delays or common name matches.
*DISCLAIMER: No tenant criminal background check is 100% complete. Coverage for our standard tenant screening report may vary due to (1) jurisdictions limiting what records are eligible to return and (2) TransUnion and/or its partners limiting records that do not meet their data quality standards. Learn more about tenant criminal records.
Des Moines Landlord FAQs
If you have a question, contact us. Note: For specific landlord-tenant legal matters, please consult an attorney or local authority.
Are Des Moines landlords allowed to require application fees?
Yes, but it’s recommended to keep fees reasonable to reflect actual screening costs.
Can criminal background checks be used to evaluate an applicant?
Yes, landlords in Des Moines may conduct criminal background checks. However, it’s important to adhere to fair housing guidelines and avoid discriminatory practices. For compliance information, consult the Iowa Civil Rights Commission.
Des Moines Landlord Resources
Below are links to help within your local area. For statewide information, visit the Iowa tenant screening page.
Polk County Courthouse
500 Mulberry St, Des Moines, IA 50309
https://www.iowacourts.gov/iowa-courts/district-court/judicial-district-5/district/5/county/polk
Filing information for evictions and other landlord-tenant disputes.
Des Moines Code Enforcement
Phone: 515-283-4046
https://www.dsm.city/departments/neighborhood_services/neighborhood_inspections.php
Addresses issues related to junk and debris, junk cars, pests, rental housing conditions, hazardously tall grass and noxious weeds, and nuisance odors.
Des Moines Area Association of REALTORS®
Offers training, and networking opportunities for property managers.
Des Moines Neighborhood Services Department
https://www.dsm.city/departments/neighborhood_services/property_redevelopment.php