At a Glance
| Question | Answer | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit limit? | No statutory limit | Landlords may charge any amount |
| Rent control? | No | No statewide or local rent control |
| Required notice to raise rent? | 30 days | For month-to-month tenancies |
| Lease required in writing? | Yes, for leases > 12 months | Shorter tenancies may be oral |
| Landlord entry notice? | Reasonable notice | No specific statute; reasonable notice implied |
Security Deposits
Indiana does not impose a statutory limit on the amount a landlord may charge as a security deposit. Landlords are free to set any deposit amount.
Landlords must return the security deposit within 45 days of the tenant vacating the unit. The return must include an itemized list of any damages claimed and the estimated or actual cost of repairs. If the tenant disputes the deductions, the burden of proof falls on the landlord to demonstrate the damages were beyond normal wear and tear.
Eviction Procedures
Indiana requires landlords to follow specific legal procedures to evict a tenant. Self-help evictions (changing locks, shutting off utilities, removing belongings) are prohibited.
Notice Requirements
- 10-Day Notice: For nonpayment of rent
- Unconditional Quit: For lease violations, Indiana does not require a specific cure period; landlords may provide a reasonable notice to quit based on the terms of the lease
- 30-Day Notice: For termination of a month-to-month tenancy without cause
Indiana's eviction process moves through the courts, and landlords must obtain a court order before removing a tenant. The timeline can vary by county.
Rent Control
Indiana does not have any form of rent control at the state or local level. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide at least 30 days' notice before a rent increase takes effect.
Lease Agreements
Indiana follows the Statute of Frauds, which requires leases for longer than 12 months to be in writing. Shorter tenancies, including month-to-month agreements, may be established through oral agreements. Written leases are strongly recommended for clarity.
Required Disclosures
Indiana landlords must provide the following disclosures:
- Lead-based paint (pre-1978 properties, federal requirement)
- Manager or agent identity: The name and address of the property owner and any person authorized to manage the property or act on the owner's behalf
- Flood zone: If the property is located in a flood plain, the landlord must disclose this fact
- Sex offender registry: Tenants must be informed of how to access the sex offender registry
Tenant Rights
Indiana provides the following protections for tenants:
- Habitability: Landlords must maintain rental units in compliance with applicable building codes and in a condition fit for habitation, including working plumbing, heating, electricity, and structural integrity
- Retaliation protection: Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants who exercise their legal rights, such as reporting health or safety code violations
- Discrimination protection: The Indiana Civil Rights Law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, and ancestry
- Right to privacy: Although Indiana does not have a specific entry notice statute, tenants have a right to quiet enjoyment, and landlords are expected to provide reasonable notice before entry
- Smoke detectors: Landlords must provide functioning smoke detectors in rental units