Can Landlords Change Locks Without Consent in Indiana?

If you're renting in Indiana, you might wonder whether your landlord can change the locks on your rental without your consent. Understanding your rights under Indiana law will help you protect your home and respond confidently if you ever face this situation.

Lock Changes and Tenant Rights in Indiana

Lock changes can make renters feel unsafe or powerless, especially without notice. In Indiana, your rights as a tenant are protected under the Indiana Code Title 32 Article 31: Landlord-Tenant Relations.^[1] According to state law, landlords generally cannot change locks or otherwise exclude you from your rental unit without following proper legal procedures.

When Can a Landlord Change Locks?

• Eviction by Court Order: Indiana landlords must obtain a court order to evict and are not allowed to "self-help"—that is, lock out tenants without going through the court.^[1]
• Emergency Situations: In rare emergencies (such as when damage is being done to the property or evidence of criminal activity exists), a landlord might take immediate steps—however, even in these cases, legal notice and process are typically required.
• Mutual Agreement: Sometimes, you and your landlord may agree in writing to a lock change for shared safety, but this must be voluntary.

If a landlord changes the locks outside of these scenarios, it's considered an illegal eviction, sometimes known as a "lockout." You have rights and options under Indiana law.

What Indiana Law Says About "Self-Help" Evictions

Indiana law clearly prohibits landlords from using "self-help" to remove tenants. This means they cannot:

• Change, remove, or add locks without a court-ordered eviction
• Shut off utilities to force you out
• Remove your belongings without a proper eviction process

Instead, landlords must follow the formal eviction process by filing a complaint in an Indiana court. The court will decide whether eviction is warranted, and only then can locks be changed, usually by the county sheriff.

What to Do If You’re Locked Out in Indiana

If you return home to find you've been locked out without a court order:

• Document everything—take photos of the lock, doors, and any notices left behind.
• Contact your landlord in writing (email or text), asking for immediate access and referencing Indiana Code § 32-31-5.
• Contact local law enforcement if you feel your safety is threatened or you cannot access essential items.
• File a complaint with the court or seek legal advice to regain entry or seek damages.

Relevant Official Forms and Where to Get Help

• Notice to Quit (Form not standardized, but required): Used by landlords to begin the eviction process, served to the tenant as advance written notice. Tenants should receive this before any court action. More details and examples of notices can be found at Indiana Courts: Information for Tenants.
• Tenant's Court Motion to Restore Possession: If you've been illegally locked out, you may file a motion in the local court. There is official court guidance for tenants.

The primary tribunal for landlord-tenant disputes in Indiana is your county's Small Claims Court or the general trial court. For Marion County, it's the Marion County Small Claims Court.^[2]

Legal Protections and Next Steps for Renters

Indiana tenants have clear rights under state law:

• Landlords cannot change locks to evict you without a court order.
• You may be entitled to damages or be restored to your unit if unlawfully locked out.
• Always seek help promptly, document incidents, and know your official resources.

1. Can my landlord change the locks if I'm late on rent? No. Even if you’re behind on rent, your landlord must follow the formal eviction process and cannot legally change the locks without a court order.
2. What if I agreed to a lock change but didn't get new keys? Your landlord must provide you with keys immediately. Withholding keys can still be considered a wrongful exclusion.
3. What should I do first if I’ve been locked out? Document the situation, contact your landlord, and reach out to local courts or tenant advocacy groups for immediate help.
4. Does my landlord need to give me written notice before an eviction? Yes. Indiana law requires landlords to give written notice, usually called a "Notice to Quit," before starting a court eviction.
5. Which court handles lockout disputes in Indiana? Small Claims Courts or trial courts in your county handle such tenant complaints and disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Indiana Courts: Information for Tenants – Step-by-step guides and forms for renters.
• Indiana Legal Help – Free legal resources and assistance for renters facing lockouts or eviction.
• Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA) – Rent assistance and renter rights programs.
• Marion County Small Claims Court – For Indianapolis-area renters with disputes.

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1. ^[1] See the Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31: Landlord-Tenant Relations.
2. ^[2] Find your local tribunal at Indiana Small Claims Courts.

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