Can Indiana Landlords Raise Rent After Accessibility Upgrades?

When you request an accessibility upgrade in your Indiana rental—like grab bars, ramps, or accessible doorways—you may wonder if your landlord can raise your rent. Rent increases after such upgrades can feel unfair or confusing. This guide explains the laws, your options, and where you can find help as a Hoosier renter.

Accessibility Upgrades: Your Rights as a Renter

Indiana law, alongside the federal Fair Housing Act, protects renters from discrimination based on disability. If you have a physical or mental disability, you have the right to request reasonable modifications to your home at your expense. Sometimes, assistance may be available for these changes.

Can My Landlord Raise the Rent Because of an Accessibility Upgrade?

Generally, in Indiana, your landlord cannot automatically raise your rent just because you need or request an accessibility modification. Here’s what the law says:

• If you pay for the modification, the landlord can’t charge extra rent.
• If the landlord pays for the modification (with your agreement), a rent increase may be negotiated, but only if both sides agree.
• A landlord may ask you to restore the premises to the original condition when you move out, except for modifications that do not affect future tenants' use.

Indiana does not have statewide rent control, so landlords can raise rent at lease renewal (if properly noticed), but increases because of your disability or request may violate fair housing laws.

Giving Notice and Legal Steps for Rent Increases

If your landlord proposes a rent increase after a modification, they must follow the rules set in your lease and Indiana law:

• For month-to-month rentals: Landlords must give 30 days’ written notice before a rent increase.
• For fixed-term leases: Rent usually can’t be raised until the lease ends, unless there’s a clause allowing mid-lease changes.
• No notice is required if you and your landlord explicitly agree on the increase in writing, such as signing a new lease after modifications.

What if You Think the Rent Increase Is Discriminatory?

If you believe a rent increase is related to your disability or a reasonable accommodation request, you can:

• Talk to your landlord and ask for clarification in writing.
• File a housing discrimination complaint with the Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC).
• Contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
• Reach out to a tenant advocacy group or legal aid office for guidance.

Relevant Forms for Indiana Renters

• Fair Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
  When to Use: If you believe your rent increase is related to your disability or accessibility request, use this form to file with the Indiana Civil Rights Commission.
  Official Fair Housing Complaint Form (ICRC).
  Example: You request a wheelchair ramp, and your landlord raises your rent afterward. You believe this is in response to your modification request and wish to file a complaint.
• Reasonable Modifications Request Letter
  When to Use: While there’s no universal form, it’s best to make modification requests in writing. You can use guidance from HUD on how to write a letter.
  HUD Guide to Reasonable Modification Requests.

The Indiana Tribunal Handling Rental Issues

The Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) is the official body handling housing discrimination complaints, including issues relating to accessibility and disability accommodations.

For general landlord-tenant disputes not involving discrimination, cases are handled by local county courts, governed by the Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31: Landlord-Tenant Relations.¹

If You Need to Challenge a Rent Increase Related to Accessibility

• File a complaint with the ICRC using their official form.
• Document any communications with your landlord about modifications and rent.
• Seek legal help if you’re threatened with eviction following a dispute.

FAQs: Rent Increases and Accessibility in Indiana

1. Can my Indiana landlord charge me extra rent after I install a ramp or grab bars?
   No. If you pay for the modification, your landlord cannot increase your rent because of it. Increases related to your disability or accommodation requests may be illegal.
2. Does my landlord have to pay for accessibility changes?
   Generally, you must pay for modifications requested for your needs, unless your landlord volunteers or you both agree otherwise. Government programs may help cover costs in some cases.
3. Can my landlord require restoration after I move out?
   Yes, but only for modifications that would interfere with the next tenant’s use. The landlord cannot require you to remove improvements that don’t affect others.
4. What notice is required for rent increases in Indiana?
   For month-to-month tenancies, 30 days’ notice is required. For fixed leases, rent cannot be increased until renewal, unless your lease says otherwise.
5. How do I report housing discrimination?
   Use the ICRC housing complaint form, or file with HUD, if you suspect discrimination because of a disability or related request.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Renters

• Landlords in Indiana generally may not raise rent solely because you request or install accessibility upgrades.
• Any rent increase that appears tied to your disability or a modification request may violate state or federal law.
• Document your requests and communications, and seek help from the ICRC if you suspect discrimination.

Knowing your rights helps you stay protected, maintain your independence at home, and respond confidently if you face unfair rent increases.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) – File fair housing complaints and learn more about your rights.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – National support for fair housing issues.
• Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority – Housing programs and renter resources.
• Legal Aid Offices – Indiana Legal Services can assist with rental disputes and discrimination.

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1. Indiana Code - Title 32, Article 31: Landlord-Tenant Relations
2. Federal Fair Housing Act
3. Indiana Civil Rights Commission

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