Indiana Landlord-Tenant Laws: Complete Guide for Property Owners

Indiana is widely considered a landlord-friendly state, with relatively straightforward regulations that give property owners significant flexibility in managing rental properties. Understanding the key statutes under Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31 is essential for running a compliant and successful rental business.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general legal information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed attorney in Indiana for guidance specific to your situation. Information last verified: March 2026.

Key Indiana Rental Laws at a Glance

Security Deposits

Indiana does not impose an explicit statutory cap on security deposits, but the standard market practice limits the total of all deposits (security deposit plus any pet deposit) to 1.5 times the monthly rent. Pet deposits are typically limited to 25% of one month's rent.

Landlords must return the deposit — or provide an itemized list of deductions — within 45 days after the tenant moves out and provides a written forwarding address. Allowable deductions include unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, and unpaid utility or sewer charges.

For more detail, see our Security Deposits deep dive.

Eviction Procedures

Indiana follows a strict court-supervised eviction process. Self-help evictions (changing locks, shutting off utilities) are illegal.

Common Eviction Notices

• 10-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit — for nonpayment of rent
• Notice to Cure or Quit — for lease violations, with a reasonable cure period
• Unconditional Quit Notice — for illegal activity or severe lease breaches
• 30-Day Notice — for terminating month-to-month tenancies

2026 Updates

Indiana enacted SEA 142, which addresses the sealing of certain eviction records, and SEA 157, which permits expedited removal of squatters through affidavits.

For more detail, see our Eviction Process guide.

Rent Increases

Indiana has no statewide rent control — landlords may increase rent by any amount. However, specific notice requirements apply:

• Month-to-month leases: At least 30 days' written notice before any increase
• Fixed-term leases: Rent cannot be raised during the lease term unless the lease specifically allows it; commonly 90 days' notice before renewal
• Increases cannot be discriminatory or retaliatory

For more detail, see our Rent Increases guide.

Required Disclosures

Indiana landlords must provide several mandatory disclosures:

1. Lead-Based Paint — for properties built before 1978 (federal requirement)
2. Landlord/Agent Identity — name and address of the person authorized to manage the property and receive notices
3. Smoke Detector Acknowledgment — written notice that the unit has working smoke detectors
4. Flood Zone Information — disclosure if the property is in a designated flood area
5. Bed Bug History — known infestations must be disclosed
6. Mold Disclosure — significant mold presence that could pose health risks
7. Utility Arrangements — shared utility arrangements must be disclosed

For more detail, see our Required Disclosures guide.

Maintenance and Habitability

Under Indiana's implied warranty of habitability (IC §32-31-8-5), landlords must maintain rental units in a condition that is safe, clean, and fit for human occupancy. This includes:

• Delivering the premises in compliance with health and housing codes
• Maintaining electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems
• Ensuring hot and cold running water
• Keeping common areas clean and in proper condition
• Maintaining heating systems that function at all times
• Keeping elevators and any appliances provided as lease inducements in working order

Tenants must provide notice of any noncompliance and allow a reasonable time for repairs before taking legal action.

For more detail, see our Maintenance Obligations guide.

Late Fees

Indiana law does not mandate a grace period for rent payments and does not cap late fees. Late fees must be:

• Reasonable in amount
• Clearly stated in the lease agreement
• Not excessive or punitive

A common benchmark is 5-10% of the monthly rent, though the amount should reflect the landlord's actual damages from late payment.

For more detail, see our Late Fees guide.

Lease Requirements

Indiana allows both written and oral lease agreements, though written leases are strongly recommended. Key requirements include:

• Leases exceeding three years must be recorded with the county recorder
• Leases longer than 12 months should be in writing for enforceability under the Statute of Frauds
• Month-to-month tenancies require 30-day notice for termination by either party
• Landlords may add new lease terms with 30 days' notice during the tenancy

For more detail, see our Lease Requirements guide.

Local Ordinances

Several Indiana cities have additional landlord-tenant regulations:

• Indianapolis — Rental Inspection Program, enhanced code enforcement
• Bloomington — Rental unit registration and inspection requirements
• Fort Wayne — Residential rental licensing program
• South Bend — Rental registration and habitability inspections

Always check local ordinances in addition to state law.

Getting Started with Compliance

Managing compliance across Indiana's regulatory landscape doesn't have to be overwhelming. Landager helps landlords track compliance status, manage lease terms, and stay updated when regulations change.

Explore more Indiana compliance topics:

• Security Deposits
• Eviction Process
• Required Disclosures
• Rent Increases
• Lease Requirements
• Maintenance Obligations
• Late Fees