Dealing With Water Bill Disputes as an Indiana Renter

When you're renting in Indiana, utilities like water may be in your name, your landlord's name, or split among tenants. Disputes over high bills, unclear charges, or payment responsibility can be frustrating. This guide explains your renter rights regarding water bills in Indiana, the official process for resolving disputes, and where to get help.

Understanding Who Is Responsible for Water Bills in Indiana Rentals

Responsibility for utility bills—including water—is determined primarily by your lease agreement. Make sure to read your lease closely to see whether:

• You must pay the water bill directly to the utility company
• Your landlord collects for water as part of rent
• Water charges are divided among multiple tenants

If the lease does not clearly say who pays for which utility, Indiana's landlord-tenant law generally assumes the landlord is responsible, but ambiguities can lead to disputes.^[1]

Common Water Bill Disputes for Indiana Renters

Typical disputes include:

• Unexpected increases or "shared" water bills charged by the landlord
• Bills for periods before or after your tenancy
• Withholding or disconnecting water due to unpaid bills
• Landlord refusing to make repairs causing high usage

Your First Steps When Noticing a Water Bill Problem

If you spot a problem with your water bill or charges:

• Double-check the lease for utility payment terms
• Gather copies of recent bills, payment receipts, and your lease
• Send your landlord a written notice describing the dispute and request clarification or correction. Keep a copy for your records.

If the issue is a leak or maintenance problem, notify your landlord in writing as soon as possible. Indiana law requires landlords to keep the rental fit and in good repair.^[2]

How to Formally Dispute a Water Bill in Indiana

In Indiana, you have these main options:

• Negotiate with your landlord, providing evidence of incorrect charges
• Contact the water utility directly if you believe there's a billing mistake and the account is in your name
• File a written complaint with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) if the issue involves a regulated water utility
• For unresolved situations impacting your tenancy (like threat of shutoff or retaliation), you can seek resolution through Small Claims Court or, in lease-violation cases, the Indiana Courts' Residential Eviction Proceedings.

Official Indiana Forms for Utility Disputes

• Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) Consumer Complaint Form:
  Utility Consumer Complaint Form (no formal number).
  When to use: If you have a dispute with a regulated water utility (e.g., billing error, incorrect shutoff), complete this form and submit it to the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC). For example, if you receive a bill for excessive water usage that you believe is incorrect, you can file this form and the OUCC will investigate.
• Small Claims Court Forms:
  Seek "Small Claims Complaint" forms (varies by county). Example: Small Claims Complaint Form.
  When to use: If you're seeking reimbursement for overcharges or damages from your landlord due to a disputed water bill that wasn't resolved, file the form with the court in your county.

Which Tribunal Handles Indiana Renting Disputes?

Indiana does not have a separate housing tribunal. Disputes between tenants and landlords, including water bill conflicts, are heard in the Small Claims Division of your local County Superior or Circuit Court. For eviction-related disputes, see the Indiana Courts' Residential Eviction Proceedings portal.

Key Indiana Laws and Protections for Renters

• Indiana Code Title 32 Article 31 (Landlord-Tenant Relations) explains lease requirements and the duties to maintain essential utilities.
• Landlords cannot turn off utilities as a way to force you out or collect unpaid rent. See IC 32-31-5-6 for the prohibition against unlawful exclusion.
• You have a right to "habitable" housing, including water, under IC 32-31-8.

Keep written records of all communication and payments related to your water bill dispute.

FAQ: Indiana Water Bill Disputes for Renters

1. Can my landlord shut off my water if I don't pay a disputed bill?
   No. Indiana law prohibits landlords from shutting off your water to force payment or eviction. Only your water utility—if the account is unpaid—may disconnect service after proper notice.^[2]
2. What if my lease is silent about who pays the water bill?
   If your lease does not specify, the landlord is generally responsible for providing essential utilities. You may clarify or mediate the issue in court if needed.^[1]
3. How do I submit a utility complaint in Indiana?
   Use the IURC Utility Consumer Complaint Form for disputes with regulated water utilities. For landlord disputes, see Small Claims Court procedures.
4. What should I do if a leak causes a high water bill?
   Immediately notify your landlord in writing. Landlords are required to maintain rental property and fix leaks promptly. If not addressed, you may bring this issue to a local housing inspector or court.^[2]
5. Who can help me if my landlord refuses to address a water bill issue?
   Contact the Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) for utility disputes, or your local legal aid service for landlord/tenant issues.

Need Help? Resources for Indiana Renters

• Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority – housing support and renter assistance resources
• Indiana Attorney General Consumer Protection Division – for unfair landlord practices
• Indiana Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) – submit water utility billing complaints
• For legal help, contact Indiana Legal Services or your local county court's self-help center

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1. [1] Indiana Code Title 32 Article 31 – Landlord-Tenant Relations
2. [2] IC 32-31-5-6: Prohibition Against Unlawful Exclusion and Utility Shutoff

Key Takeaways:

• Indiana landlords generally cannot shut off your water, even in a dispute
• Your lease should spell out utility responsibilities; if silent, the landlord is usually responsible
• Official complaint forms are available for disputes with both utilities and landlords

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