Eviction in Polk County (Des Moines), Iowa

Where eviction cases are filed in Polk County (Des Moines), what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.

Quick facts: eviction in Polk County (Des Moines)

Eviction court: Iowa District Court for Polk County (Fifth Judicial District) - small claims — State district court (small claims; forcible entry and detainer) Court page
Filing fee: $115 small claims filing (FED with $6,500 or less in damages); $215 if filed as a regular civil petition Iowa Judicial Branch Civil Court Fees (Iowa Code 631.6, 602.8105)
Notice before filing (state law): 3 days' written notice of nonpayment and of the landlord's intent to terminate if rent is not paid within that period. After that notice, no separate 3-day notice to quit is required before filing. Iowa rules
HUD Fair Market Rent, 2-bedroom (FY2026): $1,318/month HUD
Renter households: 67,049 (33% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024

Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-22

Where eviction cases are filed in Polk County (Des Moines)

Eviction cases in Polk County (Des Moines) are heard by the Iowa District Court for Polk County (Fifth Judicial District) - small claims (State district court (small claims; forcible entry and detainer)).

Polk County Clerk of Court — 500 Mulberry Street, Room 212, Des Moines, IA 50309 · website

Court eviction page · E-filing · Self-help center

FED (eviction) actions may be brought in small claims and are heard mostly by judicial magistrates. Filing must be electronic unless the court permits paper. Clerk: 515-561-5718, countyclerk.polk@iowacourts.gov.

How much it costs to file an eviction in Polk County (Des Moines)

$115 small claims filing (FED with $6,500 or less in damages); $215 if filed as a regular civil petition

Service costs extra. An Application to Defer Costs may be filed if you cannot afford the fee.

Source: Iowa Judicial Branch Civil Court Fees (Iowa Code 631.6, 602.8105)

The Iowa eviction process

Iowa state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Polk County (Des Moines):

Serve written notice: 3-day notice to pay (nonpayment), 7-day notice to cure (lease violation), 30-day notice (month-to-month), or 3-day notice for clear and present danger
If required, serve a 3-day notice to quit (not needed after a 3-day nonpayment termination notice)
File a forcible entry and detainer petition; court sets a hearing within 8 days of filing (up to 15 days if plaintiff requests)
Serve original notice at least 3 days before the hearing (acknowledged delivery, personal service, or posting plus regular and certified mail after two failed attempts)
Hearing before the court (tried as an equitable action, no jury in small claims)
Judgment for removal; execution for the defendant's removal issues within 3 days of judgment and is carried out by the sheriff

Full Iowa eviction rules with sources →

Rent in Polk County (Des Moines)

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA HUD Metro FMR Area (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):

Studio	$1,063
1 bedroom	$1,109
2 bedrooms	$1,318
3 bedrooms	$1,794
4 bedrooms	$1,841

Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation

Median gross rent in Polk County (Des Moines): $1,149/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).

HUD designates this metro a Small Area FMR area: Housing Choice Voucher programs here use ZIP-code-level Small Area FMRs; figures shown are the metro-wide FMRs used for other programs.

County tenant ordinance

No county-level landlord-tenant ordinance identified; city ordinances (if any) are covered on city pages.

Eviction help in Polk County (Des Moines)

Free legal help

Iowa Legal Aid — Free civil help including eviction; apply via the Get Help page. Des Moines office: 606 Walnut Street, 25th Floor.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file an eviction in Polk County (Des Moines)?

Eviction cases in Polk County (Des Moines) are filed with the Iowa District Court for Polk County (Fifth Judicial District) - small claims.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Polk County (Des Moines)?

$115 small claims filing (FED with $6,500 or less in damages); $215 if filed as a regular civil petition.

Where can I get help with an eviction in Polk County (Des Moines)?

Iowa Legal Aid.

What is the fair market rent in Polk County (Des Moines)?

HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit is $1,318 per month (1-bedroom: $1,109).

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.