1 Answer

I found this online and copied it here. There is a website referenced at the end, which may be helpful.  This is from 2010, but it gives you a scenario...   I truly hope you aren't the squatter.

My home is in Des Moines, Iowa. I have a squatter in my home who started as a "rescue" guest, then claimed tenant's rights, and then stopped the eviction process on the grounds that my home does not have a rental certificate. Where do I go next to have this squatter removed from my home? How long will it take, and about how much should I expect it to cost? 
Submitted: 3 years ago.
Category: Real Estate Law
Expert: LawTalk replied 3 years ago.
Good afternoon,

I'm sorry to hear of your dilemma.

The failure to have a rental certificate renders the property incapable of being rented out and renders any tenancy void. It does not prevent the owner of a property from evicting someone who was previously an invited guest and now will not leave.

You will need to have a local landlord/tenant attorney prepare and serve an eviction proceeding on the person in your property. The cost is generally about $1,500.00 and it will typically take 7 to 11 weeks, including the 30 day notice which must be given to the individual terminating the tenancy---even if there is no payment of rent involved.

If the property is without a rental certificate, the landlord may still collect back rent which might have been agreed to be paid by the tenant. The landlord in this situation also may face a fine for renting without a certificate.

Here is a link which will provide you with additional information:
http://www.robertpetersonlaw.com/Real%20Estate%20Issues/Landlord%20and%20Tenant%20Law%20in%20Iowa.aspx
I wish you the best in 2010.