Rental requirements in Des Moines
$1,200
Avg. monthly rent
620+
Typical credit minimum
3x
the monthly rent in gross monthly income
Local insight
Des Moines is affordable but downtown and East Village rents have risen with financial sector growth. Private landlords dominate and pre-verified income reports remove the verification burden they most often skip.
The Des Moines rental market
Des Moines offers a comparatively accessible rental scene shaped by finance, insurance, and health-care workers, with downtown apartments and suburban single-family rentals both common. Areas like East Village and Ingersoll appeal to younger renters, while families often look toward West Des Moines or Ankeny.
Landlords in Des Moines typically value steady employment and prior rental history over flashy paperwork. Bring recent pay stubs, a reference from a previous landlord, and proof of funds for move-in costs to keep the approval process smooth.
Des Moines has a steadier, less seasonal rental market than college towns, with options concentrated downtown, around Drake University, and in quieter suburban pockets. Landlords tend to emphasize rental references and stable local employment over flashy credit scores. Driving is straightforward and parking is generally easier than in larger metros, though DART buses serve the main corridors. Winter maintenance is worth asking about up front, since sidewalk clearing and heating-system reliability can vary by property.
What you get with Settl Verified Passport
Identity Verification
Government ID + selfie check. Proves you are who you say you are.
Bank-Linked Income
Connects to your bank to verify actual deposits against stated income.
Shareable Profile
A unique URL landlords can visit to see your full verified profile and score.
Instant for Landlords
No waiting for paperwork. Landlords see a verified profile the moment you share it.