Indiana Eviction Process: A Landlord's Step-by-Step Guide

Indiana's eviction process is strictly court-supervised — landlords must follow specific legal procedures to remove a tenant. Self-help evictions such as changing locks, removing doors, or shutting off utilities are illegal under Indiana law and can expose landlords to significant liability.

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

Legal Grounds for Eviction

Indiana landlords may initiate eviction proceedings for several reasons:

Eviction Notices and Timelines

10-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit

When a tenant fails to pay rent, the landlord must issue a 10-day notice giving the tenant the opportunity to pay the outstanding balance or vacate.

• Tenant has 10 calendar days to pay or move out
• If the tenant pays in full within the 10-day period, the eviction cannot proceed
• The notice must clearly state the amount owed

Notice to Cure or Quit

For lease violations other than nonpayment (e.g., unauthorized pets, excessive noise, property damage), the landlord provides a cure notice with a reasonable cure period, typically 10 days.

• The notice must describe the specific violation
• The tenant must be given the opportunity to remedy the issue
• If the violation is cured, the landlord cannot proceed with eviction

Unconditional Quit Notice

For severe breaches — such as illegal activity on the premises — the landlord may issue an unconditional quit notice with no opportunity to cure. Indiana may apply a 45-day move-out window in such cases, though shorter timelines can apply in emergencies.

30-Day Notice to Quit (Month-to-Month)

To terminate a month-to-month tenancy without cause, the landlord must provide at least 30 days' written notice before the next rent-due date.

No Notice Required (Expired Lease)

If a fixed-term lease expires and the tenant does not vacate, the landlord is not required to provide additional notice unless the lease agreement specifies otherwise.

The Court Eviction Process

If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord proceeds to court:

Step 1: File the Complaint

File a complaint for possession (and any unpaid rent) at the appropriate Indiana court. Small claims courts handle cases under $10,000.

Step 2: Serve the Tenant

The tenant must be formally served with the summons and complaint. Methods include:

• Personal delivery to the tenant
• Leaving with a responsible person at the residence
• Posting conspicuously on the property
• Certified mail with return receipt

Step 3: Court Hearing

The court will schedule a hearing, typically within 1-2 weeks of filing. The landlord bears the burden of proof and must present:

• A copy of the lease agreement
• Evidence of the violation or nonpayment
• Proof that proper notice was given
• Documentation of any damages

Step 4: Judgment and Writ of Possession

If the court rules in the landlord's favor, a Writ of Possession (or Writ of Execution) is issued. The tenant typically has 48-72 hours to vacate after the writ is served.

Step 5: Sheriff Enforcement

If the tenant still refuses to leave, only a sheriff or constable can physically remove the tenant. Landlords cannot forcibly remove tenants themselves.

Tenant's Abandoned Property

When tenants leave belongings behind after eviction, Indiana law requires landlords to:

• Provide notice to the tenant about the abandoned property
• Allow a reasonable period for the tenant to claim their belongings
• Obtain a court order if necessary before disposing of the property

2026 Legislative Updates

Indiana has enacted two significant changes effective in 2026:

• SEA 142 — Addresses the sealing of certain eviction case records, protecting tenant records in qualifying situations
• SEA 157 — Allows for expedited removal of squatters through affidavits, streamlining the process for landlords dealing with unauthorized occupants

Prohibited Landlord Actions

The following actions are illegal during the eviction process:

• Changing locks or removing doors
• Shutting off utilities (water, gas, electricity)
• Removing the tenant's personal property without court order
• Threatening or intimidating the tenant
• Retaliating against tenants for exercising legal rights

Best Practices for Landlords

1. Document everything — Keep copies of all notices, communications, and lease violations
2. Follow exact notice requirements — Improper notice is the most common reason evictions are dismissed
3. Use written notices — Include tenant name, address, reason for eviction, date, deadline, and your signature
4. Serve notices properly — Follow the allowed service methods
5. Be patient with the process — Attempting to shortcut the legal process creates liability
6. Consider legal representation — An attorney can ensure compliance and handle court appearances

How Landager Helps

Landager helps landlords manage the eviction timeline by tracking notice periods, storing documentation, and providing reminders for each step of the process — helping ensure full compliance with Indiana law.

Back to Indiana Landlord-Tenant Laws Overview.