If your landlord files an eviction against you in Indianapolis, you’re far from alone. That happens about 2,000 times every month.
Below, you’ll find information about how the eviction process works, how to prepare for court and what help is available to you.
These are tips I’ve picked up from talking with attorneys and my time writing about evictions in Indianapolis.
This guide isn’t meant to cover everything you might need to know. But hopefully it’s a good starting point.
Most important
Go to your hearing. If you don’t go to court, you will be evicted without the judge hearing your side.
Be prepared. Make paper copies of evidence you want to use. It’s helpful to have enough copies for yourself, your landlord and the judge. If you don’t have a printer, try your library.
Ask for help. Call the Indianapolis Tenant Hotline at 317-327-2228 as soon as possible. The hotline can give you information about your rights and refer you to legal aid.
The two steps of eviction
1. Possession hearing
Do you have to move out?
You can talk to your landlord and try to come to an agreement (this is called a settlement). If you don’t make an agreement, the judge will have a hearing to listen to both sides and decide if you have to leave.
2. Damages hearing
Do you owe any money?
Your landlord might ask for a damages hearing, which would be scheduled for a later date. This is where the judge decides if you owe money to the landlord.
Many eviction cases don’t include a damages hearing, though. The landlord might be satisfied with getting possession, or they might turn over any alleged debts to a collection agency.
Free help in court
There may be attorneys who can help you for free. An attorney can explain your case, negotiate with your landlord and represent you in court.
But … you still might have to move out. An attorney may get you more time to leave.
(Update on Feb. 4, 2026: The program offering free legal representation is going through changes. Attorneys are still in courts, though. I wrote about the changes here.)
Also good to know
Your eviction hearing won’t be as formal as the cases you’re used to seeing on TV. But it’s still a serious matter.
Judges might prefer to be called “your honor.”
Try to stay calm and polite when you’re talking to the judge, your landlord or an attorney.
Speak only when it’s your turn.
Common terms you might hear
Continuance: When a judge reschedules your hearing. You can ask for a continuance for work, child care and other reasons.
Default judgment: If you don’t show up to your hearing, the judge can rule against you automatically.
How to find your case
You can find your eviction case on mycase.in.gov. Search your name or case number for updates. Example: The judge reschedules your hearing.
After court
If the judge agrees with you, your case is dismissed and you don’t have to move.
If the judge agrees with your landlord, the judge will tell you when you have to move. The judge can also approve an agreement you made with your landlord.
The judge might schedule a damages hearing to decide whether you owe money for back rent, repairs or other damages.
How to seal your eviction
You can get your eviction taken out of the public record if:
- Your case was dismissed, or
- The case was decided in your favor, or
- The judgment against you was overturned, or
- You don’t owe money, and it’s been 7+ years since the case ended
You can find more information about eviction sealing at indianalegalhelp.org.
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.
Mirror Indy reporter Tyler Fenwick covers housing and labor. Contact him at 317-766-1406 or tyler.fenwick@mirrorindy.org. Follow him on X @ty_fenwick and Bluesky @tyfenwick.bsky.social.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
