DIY Repairs: Indiana Tenant Rights & Landlord Limits

If you rent your home in Indiana and something breaks or needs fixing, it might be tempting to handle repairs yourself. But before you grab your toolbox, it’s important to understand your rights and what Indiana law allows. This article explains what repairs tenants can legally do, what should be left to your landlord, and how to handle urgent maintenance—with resources and official links to guide you.

What Indiana Tenants Can and Cannot Repair Themselves

In Indiana, both landlords and tenants have clear responsibilities under state law. While minor and cosmetic tasks may be safe, larger or essential repairs are usually the landlord’s responsibility. Making unauthorized repairs or changes may risk your safety and security deposit.

Tenant-Friendly DIY Repairs

• Minor fixes: Changing light bulbs, air filters, or tightening loose screws.
• Basic cleaning: Removing mildew, unclogging minor sink blockages with over-the-counter solutions, or cleaning vents.
• Replacing personal property: Swapping out shower curtains, your curtain rods, or adding adhesive hooks (unless your lease restricts these).

Repairs to Leave to the Landlord

• Major plumbing or electrical work (risk of damage or code violations).
• Structural repairs: Fixing leaks, repairing roofs or windows, or resolving heating/cooling failures.
• Repairs impacting habitability: Anything affecting your health or safety—like broken locks, mold, or pest infestations.
• Work requiring permits: Never undertake repairs that require city/county permits or licensed professionals.
• Alterations without approval: Painting, installing permanent fixtures, or changing locks unless your lease allows it.

Indiana’s Indiana Code §32-31-8 (Tenant Obligations and Rights) details renter and landlord responsibilities.

If Something Needs Repair: The Legal Steps for Indiana Renters

When a repair is needed, always inform your landlord in writing before considering any fixes yourself. Indiana law requires tenants to:

• Promptly notify the landlord in writing about necessary repairs.
• Allow a "reasonable time" for the landlord to make repairs, except for emergencies.

Official Indiana Maintenance Request Example

There is no state-mandated form, but you should provide a detailed written maintenance request—by email, certified mail, or text if your lease allows.

Can Tenants Deduct Repair Costs?

Indiana law does not grant automatic “repair and deduct” rights. You generally cannot subtract repair expenses from your rent unless your landlord agrees in writing. Making unauthorized repairs—even necessary ones—could risk your deposit or result in disputes.

Emergencies: What If Your Landlord Doesn’t Respond?

If a repair makes your unit unsafe or uninhabitable, and your landlord does not act quickly after written notice, you may have options through the courts. Serious issues include:

• No heat in winter
• Burst pipes, flooding, or major sewage backups
• Broken exterior locks/doors

If your landlord does not fix habitability problems after reasonable written notice, you may:

• File a claim in Indiana Small Claims Court
• Ask the court to order the landlord to make repairs or allow you to break your lease (see §32-31-8-5)

Official Form: Indiana Small Claims Complaint

• Name: Small Claims Complaint (No official statewide form; check your county court’s website)
• Use: File this when you are seeking a repair or compensation and the landlord has failed to act after written notice.
• Example: Sarah reports a persistent leak. After two weeks and no repair, she files a Small Claims Complaint asking the court to order repairs or allow her to withhold rent until fixed.
• Where to get it: Indiana Small Claims Courts official site

Summary Table: Repairs, Rights, and Risks

Type of Repair	Can Tenant DIY?	Special Rules
Light bulbs/filters	Yes	Check your lease for specifics
Plumbing/electrical	No	Landlord or licensed pro must do
Structural/roof/major leaks	No	Notify landlord in writing
Painting/alterations	No	Written landlord approval needed

Understanding these limits can help avoid disputes and protect your security deposit.

What If You’ve Already Made a Repair?

If you’ve fixed something already, promptly inform your landlord in writing and save all receipts. Discuss reimbursement, but remember: Indiana landlords aren’t required to pay unless they agreed in advance.

When in doubt, always notify your landlord and wait for their response. Unauthorized repairs may hurt your rental rights.

FAQ: Indiana Tenants and DIY Repairs

1. Can I change locks if my landlord won’t fix a broken lock?
   No, unless your lease or landlord gives written permission. Your landlord must keep doors and windows secure. If not, notify them in writing and seek help through small claims court if needed.
2. May I repair broken appliances myself?
   Only if the appliance is your personal property, or with written landlord permission. Repairs to landlord-owned appliances are their responsibility under Indiana law.
3. Am I allowed to paint my walls or make alterations?
   Most leases ban painting or major alterations without written consent. Always ask your landlord and keep documentation.
4. What should I do if my landlord ignores needed repairs?
   Send a detailed written notice and give your landlord reasonable time to fix the issue. If there’s no response or it remains unaddressed, contact your local small claims court or renter resources for help.
5. Does Indiana allow tenants to use "repair and deduct"?
   No. Unlike some states, Indiana tenants generally cannot deduct repair costs from rent without explicit landlord agreement.

Key Takeaways for Indiana Renters

• Stick to minor DIY fixes—major or habitability repairs are your landlord’s job.
• Always notify your landlord in writing before repairs.
• For unresolved hazards, use Indiana’s small claims process to seek repairs or relief.

Avoid risks to your deposit or lease by understanding what you can (and cannot) repair yourself.

Need Help? Resources for Indiana Renters

• Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority – Renter Resources
• Indiana Small Claims Courts (to file repair complaints or habitability claims)
• Indiana Legal Services – Tenant Legal Aid
• The main tribunal handling rental disputes is your local Indiana Small Claims Court
• Read the latest Indiana Code: Title 32 Article 31 (Tenant and Landlord Law)

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1. Indiana Code §32-31-8 – Tenant Obligations and Rights
2. Indiana Code §32-31-7 – Landlord Obligations
3. Indiana Small Claims Courts

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