Short Term Lease Apartments for Rent in Des Moines, IA Under $1,200 (45 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.

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Create a productive work-from-home apartment setup, even in a small space or studio. Discover layout ideas, desk solutions, and organization tips that actually work.

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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 Klein Building
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Klein Building

3614 6th AveDes Moines, IA 50313
  • Utilities Included
  • Smoke Free
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3612 Ingersoll Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

3612 Ingersoll Ave

3612 Ingersoll AveDes Moines, IA 50312
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10th Street Lofts
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

10th Street Lofts

110-112 10th StDes Moines, IA 50309
Corporate Housing

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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Oak Creek Chateau
2 Bedroom Apartments

Oak Creek Chateau

595 N Pleasant Hill BlvdDes Moines, IA 50327
  • Utilities Included
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Hickman House
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Hickman House

2221 63rd StDes Moines, IA 50322
  • Utilities Included
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Wellington Apartments
Rent Specials
$1,074 - $1,799
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,074 - $1,799
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Wellington Apartments

4700 EP True PkyWest Des Moines, IA 50265
Corporate Housing
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour
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Winwood Apartments
$1,070 - $1,570
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,070 - $1,570
Total Monthly Price
$1,070 - $1,570
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Winwood Apartments

6031 Meadow Crest DrJohnston, IA 50131
Furnished
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  • Customer Reviewed
  • Utilities Included
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Hamlet Apartments
$937 - $1,300
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$937 - $1,300
Total Monthly Price
$937 - $1,300
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Hamlet Apartments

2210 Ep True PkyWest Des Moines, IA 50265
Active Lifestyle
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

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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The Flats Apartments
Rent Specials
$769 - $1,131
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$769 - $1,131
Total Monthly Price
Varies
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

The Flats Apartments

3000 University AveWest Des Moines, IA 50266
Corporate Housing
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

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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Showing Results 1-45, Page 1 of 1

Des Moines, IA Local Guide

Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University

From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.

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

Explore Des Moines, IA Rentals by Map

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Des Moines, IA Area Reviews

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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 The Concord Building listed at $630.

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 $1,281.

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 $1,788 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 666 sq ft.

Expert Rental Resources

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.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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

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 Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention

Written by: Robin Stewart

There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.

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How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide

Written by: Robin Stewart

Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.

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Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.