Short Term Lease Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA (67 Rentals)

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Rental terms in Des Moines as short as a month! Perfect when you can't commit to a full year of renting.

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R&T Lofts
Rent Specials
$1,000 - $1,800Short Term Available
Lease terms options include:
6 Months, 16 Months, 24 Months
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R&T Lofts

717 Locust StDes Moines, IA 50309
Family Friendly
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  • Customer Reviewed
  • Smoke Free
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Velocity
Rent Specials
$899 - $3,062Short Term Available
Lease terms options include:
6 Months, 18 Months
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Velocity

225 E Center StDes Moines, IA 50309
Eco-Friendly
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  • Customer Reviewed
  • Matterport 3D Tour
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Maxwell
Rent Specials
$900 - $1,650Short Term Available
Lease terms options include:
6 Months, 18 Months
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Maxwell

915 Mulberry StDes Moines, IA 50309
Corporate Housing
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  • Utilities Included
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The Lyon
$777 - $997Short Term Available
Lease terms options include:
12 Months, 14 Months
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The Lyon

660 E 5th StDes Moines, IA 50309
Furnished
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Flux
$827 - $1,576Short Term Available
Lease terms options include:
3 Months, 15 Months
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Flux

1400 Walnut StDes Moines, IA 50309
Corporate Housing
  • Verified
  • Utilities Included
  • Matterport 3D Tour

Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

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The Grove at Hickman
Rent Specials
$695 - $795Short Term Available
Lease terms options include:
3 Months, 6 Months, 9 Months, 12 Months
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The Grove at Hickman

2400 Hickman RdDes Moines, IA 50310
Affordability
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When Life Happens: Your Options for Ending a Rental Lease Early

Unexpected life events can force you to break your lease. Learn how to communicate with your landlord, negotiate a solution, and understand your legal options for early termination.

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The Freedom of Short-Term Rentals: Exploring the Advantages for Renters

From flexibility to potential costs, explore the key benefits and drawbacks of short-term rental housing from a renter's perspective.

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Concord Apartments
Short Term Available
Lease terms options include:
6 Months, 9 Months, 12 Months
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Concord Apartments

732 18th StDes Moines, IA 50314
Corporate Housing
  • Utilities Included
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Hickman House
Short Term Available
Lease terms options include:
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Hickman House

2221 63rd StDes Moines, IA 50322
  • Utilities Included
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Ingersoll Flats
Short Term Available
Lease terms options include:
6 Months, 9 Months, 12 Months
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Ingersoll Flats

2714 Ingersoll AveDes Moines, IA 50312
Affordability
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The Gardens Independent Plus
Short Term Available
Lease terms options include:
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The Gardens Independent Plus

2910 E 16th StDes Moines, IA 50316
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included

Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

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ReNew Jordan Creek
Rent Specials
$1,095 - $1,625Short Term Available
Lease terms options include:
6 Months, 15 Months, 18 Months
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ReNew Jordan Creek

210 S Prairie View DrWest Des Moines, IA 50266
Corporate Housing
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Redwood Altoona
Rent Specials
$1,599 - $2,308Short Term Available
Lease terms options include:
6 Months, 15 Months
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Redwood Altoona

437 Elgin Ln NWAltoona, IA 50009
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Redwood Ankeny
Rent Specials
$1,905 - $2,881Short Term Available
Lease terms options include:
6 Months, 15 Months
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Redwood Ankeny

1370 SW Radcliffe LnAnkeny, IA 50023
Corporate Housing
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Des Moines's Best Affordable Neighborhoods

Learn about Des Moines and the best places to live with original content written by our Local Expert Joseph Isenberg

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Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 2

Des Moines, IA Local Guide

Photo of Justin Habersaat - Editing Staff
Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

From the lounge to the laundry room, understand your rights and responsibilities in shared apartment spaces. Get tips on pet rules, noise, and security.

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Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.

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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.

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Quick Rent Budget Calculator

How much rent can you afford?

The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.

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Des Moines Overview

It’s likely that you only really hear about Des Moines every four years when the presidential caucuses kick off in this city. But that’s only part of the great culture and history of Des Moines. It’s over 150 years old and in that time has grown to be a Midwestern hub of culture and commerce. If you’re in the insurance industry, Des Moines is the absolute best place to live as it is the home of several large insurance companies. Des Moines isn’t just for insurance people, though, it’s a city that keeps growing, and it’s even been attracting more and more young people. If you’re looking for apartments in Des Moines, this must be an exciting time in your life because Des Moines is a great (not to mention inexpensive) place to live.

Why live in Des Moines, IA?

Des Moines is a constantly underrated city. It’s not the most talked about city, but it sure has a lot going on! It’s the home of several professional minor league sports teams, including the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League. Des Moines is also a smart city. It has an impressive public school system and houses five colleges and universities. Iowa’s work force, including that of Des Moines, ranks as one of the best educated in the country due to its 80% high school graduation rate. Des Moines’ real claim to fame is its importance in the presidential election, many candidates set up campaign offices here due to its position as the site of the first caucuses.

Des Moines, IA
Population: 216,853

Ranked #101

in US Census Population by City

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Des Moines, IA Rentals by Map

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See the most popular apartments and homes in Des Moines, IA

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Des Moines, IA Apartments Map
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Getting Around Des Moines, IA

Walk Score®

53 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

45 / 100

Somewhat Bikeable

Minimal bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

31 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?

  • Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
  • Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
  • Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Des Moines, IA Area Reviews

  • Parks
  • Entertainment
  • Local Vibes
  • Restaurants
  • Location
  • Traffic
  • Public Transportation
  • Outdoor Access
  • Cost of Living
  • Safety

Joseph • 4+ years in Des Moines

May 14, 2025

Many residents prefer the western suburbs or more distant communities like Indianola, Boone, Ames, or Newton. Certainly those are all viable options.I would never pick Des Moines for its schools, for example. But the city has many fine neighborhoods which are worth a look.

Frequently Asked Questions about Short-term Des Moines Apartments

What is the Cheapest Short-term apartment in Des Moines?

Currently the most affordable Short-term Apartment in Des Moines is at Douglas Oaks listed at $650.

How much is the average rent for a Short-term Des Moines Apartment?

The average rent for a Short-term Apartment in Des Moines is $1,312.

What is the largest Short-term Des Moines Apartment for rent?

Today's Short-term apartment with the most square footage in Des Moines is a 1,870 square feet unit starting from $1,805 at Ashworth Pointe & Foxboro Townhomes.

What is the average size for Des Moines Short-term Apartments for rent?

The average size for a Short-term rental in Des Moines is currently at 727 sq ft.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

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A Local Expert's Guide To the Top Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent in Des Moines, Iowa

Written by: Joseph Isenberg

I'm Joe, the ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Des Moines and Central Iowa. My parents moved to Central Iowa in 1967, and my family has been here ever since.

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Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.