Indiana has notoriously lax renter protections.
The state, for example, is one of only five that doesn’t have a statute allowing tenants to withhold rent until necessary repairs are made, according to the legal publication Nolo.
Still, there are resources to educate renters about what rights they do have. Some organizations also provide rent assistance and offer guidance on how to deal with bad landlords.
Indianapolis Tenant Hotline
The Indianapolis Tenant Hotline, at 317-327-2228, provides information about renter rights and makes referrals to legal aid.
Indiana 211
Indiana 211 is a free and confidential service that connects people to resources. The website also includes information about cash assistance programs and organizations that assist in paying for housing.
Marion County Public Health Department
The Marion County Public Health Department’s Housing and Neighborhood Health division investigates complaints related to substandard housing conditions, sanitation and health and safety hazards in homes and buildings. File a complaint here. The phone number is 317-221-2141.
Housing4Hoosiers
Housing4Hoosiers has a breakdown of Indiana renters’ rights. The guide includes everything from upkeep in a unit to renter obligations.
Township trustees
Township trustees offices provide assistance with rent and utilities for those in need who qualify.
Neighborhood organizations
Some neighborhood organizations provide assistance with rent and utility payments. Find your neighborhood organization here.
Did a landlord or rental company discriminate against you?
The Indiana Civil Rights Commission, available at 800-628-2909, handles housing discrimination complaints. A complaint must be filed within 365 days of the date the alleged discrimination took place. Discriminatory acts can include refusing reasonable changes to accommodate a disability and refusing to rent or sell housing.
The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, available at 317-644-0673, conducts fair housing investigations and, if necessary, files enforcement actions.
Do you have a bad landlord?
The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development handles complaints related to bad landlords who fail to provide safe and decent housing. The department also takes complaints for federal housing discrimination.
Indiana Legal Services, available at 844-243-8570, offers legal help to people who meet income requirements. The website has topic pages, including on evictions, housing discrimination and rental home conditions.
Do you have an eviction on your record?
Indiana lawmakers recently passed a law allowing renters to seal previous evictions from their record. Indiana Legal Help has information on how to file eviction sealing forms.
Mirror Indy reporter Tyler Fenwick covers economics. Contact him at 317-766-1406 or tyler.fenwick@mirrorindy.org. Follow him on X @ty_fenwick.