Indiana landlord-tenant laws.
Notable Indiana quirk
One of the most landlord-friendly regimes: no deposit cap, no late-fee cap, and IC 32-31-1-20 voids local ordinances on deposits, screening, or fees. Botching the 45-day deposit notice costs the full deposit plus attorney's fees — but never double damages. Units in a 100-year flood plain must be disclosed in the lease (IC 32-31-1-21).
Indiana landlord law FAQ
How long do I have to return a security deposit in Indiana?
45 days after the tenancy ends and possession is returned, with an itemized written notice of deductions mailed to the tenant (IC 32-31-3-12, 32-31-3-14) — but the clock doesn't run until the tenant gives you a mailing address in writing. Miss the 45 days and you're deemed to agree no damages are due: the full deposit must be refunded immediately, plus the tenant's attorney's fees (IC 32-31-3-15, 32-31-3-16).
Is there a limit on security deposits in Indiana?
No. IC 32-31-3 sets no cap on the amount — the lease and the market control — and IC 32-31-1-20 voids any city or county ordinance that tries to regulate deposits, screening, lease terms, or landlord fees locally.
What is the maximum late fee for rent in Indiana?
There is no statutory cap and no mandatory grace period — IC 32-31 is silent on late fees, so the written lease controls; the fee should still be a reasonable estimate of your loss rather than a penalty. For nonpayment itself, the default remedy is the 10-day pay-or-quit notice (IC 32-31-1-6), which the lease may modify.
How much notice before entering a rental in Indiana?
"Reasonable" written or oral notice, with entry only at reasonable times — Indiana codifies no fixed hours or minimum period (IC 32-31-5-6(g)). No notice is needed in an emergency threatening safety or property (IC 32-31-5-6(f)), and entry rights can't be used to harass the tenant.
What is the small claims limit in Indiana?
$10,000 for claims filed after June 30, 2021 (IC 33-29-2-4), including landlord-tenant possessory actions where the rent due is $10,000 or less. Marion County's township small claims courts have the same $10,000 ceiling (IC 33-34-3-2).
How much can a landlord charge for late rent in Indiana?
No statutory cap — must be in the lease and reasonable. Grace period: None statutory — the 10-day pay-or-quit notice (IC 32-31-1-6) is a cure window, not a grace period, and the lease may modify it. Late fee terms should always be written into the lease.
What is the security deposit limit in Indiana?
No cap. The deposit must be returned within 45 days after move-out.
How much notice does a landlord need to enter a rental in Indiana?
Reasonable notice.
Is there rent control in Indiana?
Prohibited.
Sources
Summarized from public statutes, state bar guides, and provincial residential tenancy acts. Last reviewed 2026-07-17. Deposit statute: Ind. Code §§ 32-31-3-12 to 32-31-3-16 (45-day return & damages notice). Late fee statute: None — statutory silence in IC 32-31; the lease controls.
- Ind. Code § 32-31-3-12 (deposit return)
- Ind. Code § 32-31-5-6 (entry)
- Ind. Code § 32-31-1-6 (10-day nonpayment notice)
- Ind. Code § 33-29-2-4 (small claims)
- IN Office of Court Services — Small Claims Manual (2026)
This page is general information, not legal advice. Consult a local attorney for your specific situation.
Other states
Iowa
2 months' rent
Kansas
1 month (unfurnished) / 1.5 months (furnished)
Kentucky
No cap
Louisiana
No cap
Maine
2 months' rent
Maryland
1 month's rent (since Oct. 1, 2024; up to 2 months only under the narrow § 8-203(b)(2) utility-assistance exception)
Massachusetts
1 month's rent
Michigan
1.5 months' rent