Indiana (IN) law guide
Quick answer
Indiana landlord-tenant law is governed by Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31. There is no cap on security deposits, but landlords must return the deposit within 45 days of move-out with an itemized statement or forfeit the right to keep any of it. Indiana has no statewide rent control and bans local rent control ordinances. For nonpayment of rent, landlords must give tenants a 10-day pay-or-quit notice before filing for eviction.
Security Deposit Limit
No statutory cap
Deposit Return Deadline
45 days after move-out
Statewide Rent Control
None, banned statewide
Nonpayment Eviction Notice
10-day pay or quit
Indiana rental market snapshot
Population
6.85 million (2024 Census estimate)
Renter households
About 30% of households are renter-occupied
Median rent
About $1,363/mo for a 2-bedroom (2026 state average)
Largest rental markets
Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, Bloomington
Indianapolis rents average around $1,250 to $1,335/mo for a 2-bedroom, making Indiana one of the more affordable Midwest rental markets. Fort Wayne trends slightly lower, often under $1,200/mo for comparable units.
Indiana sets no limit on how much a landlord can charge for a security deposit. In practice, most landlords charge one to two months' rent.
Landlords must return the deposit within 45 days of lease termination and move-out. They must either return the full amount or mail an itemized list of deductions with any remaining balance. If the landlord misses the 45-day deadline, they forfeit the right to keep any portion of the deposit and the tenant can sue for the full amount plus attorney fees.
Indiana has no statewide rent control, and state law explicitly bans local governments from enacting rent control ordinances (IC 32-31-1-20). Landlords can raise rent to any amount with proper notice.
For month-to-month leases, landlords must give at least 30 days written notice before a rent increase takes effect. Fixed-term leases cannot be raised mid-term; any increase applies at renewal. Indiana has no statutory cap on late fees, but fees must be disclosed in the lease.
For nonpayment of rent, Indiana landlords must serve a 10-day pay-or-quit notice (IC 32-31-1-6). The tenant has 10 days to pay all owed rent or vacate before the landlord can file in court.
For other lease violations, landlords must give the tenant a reasonable time to cure the breach. Indiana courts generally interpret that as at least 30 days for non-emergency violations. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal.
Indiana requires landlords to give reasonable notice before entering a tenant's unit, which courts typically interpret as 24 to 48 hours (IC 32-31-5-6). Entry must occur at reasonable times. Landlords may enter without notice only in a genuine emergency threatening life or property.
For repairs, landlords must address urgent issues (no heat, water, or plumbing failures) within about 24 to 48 hours. Non-urgent but required repairs are generally expected within 30 days. Tenants should submit repair requests in writing to create a clear record.
Indiana landlords must maintain habitable conditions throughout the tenancy. That means a structurally sound building with working heat, plumbing, electricity, and compliance with applicable housing codes. Tenants can raise habitability failures as a legal defense in eviction court.
Indiana law prohibits landlord retaliation. A landlord cannot evict, raise rent, or reduce services in response to a tenant reporting code violations, contacting a housing agency, or asserting legal rights. Tenants targeted by retaliatory action can raise it as a defense and may recover damages.
Indiana enforces the federal Fair Housing Act, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status. The Indiana Civil Rights Law adds additional protections. Complaints can be filed with the Indiana Civil Rights Commission or HUD.
There is no automatic right to break a lease early in Indiana. However, valid reasons that limit tenant liability include active military deployment (Servicemembers Civil Relief Act), domestic violence (Indiana law provides a lease-termination right for victims), an uninhabitable unit the landlord failed to fix, or a landlord's own material breach. Tenants who break a lease without a valid reason may owe rent through the end of the term. Small claims court handles disputes up to $8,000 (up to $10,000 for unpaid-rent cases).
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Governing statute: Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31. Laws change; confirm the current statute or consult an attorney before acting. Last reviewed 2026-06-05.
Indiana FAQ
Indiana landlords have **45 days** after the tenant moves out to return the deposit or send an itemized written list of deductions. Missing this deadline voids the landlord's right to keep any of the deposit, and the tenant can sue for the full amount plus attorney fees.
No. Indiana has **no statewide rent control**, and a state law (IC 32-31-1-20) explicitly bans cities and counties from creating local rent control ordinances. Landlords can raise rent to any amount with the required advance notice.
For month-to-month leases, landlords must provide at least **30 days written notice** before a rent increase takes effect. Fixed-term leases cannot be raised mid-term; any change applies at renewal.
Indiana law requires **reasonable notice**, which courts typically interpret as **24 to 48 hours**. Entry must happen at a reasonable time. Emergency situations (fire, flooding, gas leak) allow entry without prior notice.
The landlord must first serve a **10-day pay-or-quit notice**. If the tenant does not pay or vacate within 10 days, the landlord files an eviction complaint in the local court. A hearing is typically scheduled within a few weeks, and a judgment for possession can follow shortly after if the tenant has no valid defense.
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