Indiana Fair Housing Protected Classes Explained

If you’re renting a home or apartment in Indiana, understanding your fair housing rights is essential. Indiana fair housing laws are designed to protect renters from discrimination and ensure everyone has equal access to housing, regardless of personal characteristics like race, gender, or disability. This article explains the protected classes under Indiana law, provides clear examples of housing discrimination, and outlines what you should do if you believe your rights have been violated.

What Are Protected Classes Under Indiana Fair Housing Laws?

Protected classes are specific groups of people shielded by law from discrimination in housing. Both federal and Indiana state laws make it illegal for landlords, property managers, or real estate agents to treat tenants unfairly based on these characteristics.

Federal and Indiana Protected Classes

• Race
• Color
• Religion
• National origin (country of birth or ancestry)
• Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation under federal interpretation)
• Disability
• Familial status (including children under 18 living with parents or legal guardians, pregnant women, or people securing custody of children)

In Indiana, the Indiana Civil Rights Law also covers these classes statewide, aligning closely with federal laws.^[1]

Examples of Housing Discrimination

Discrimination isn’t always obvious. Some common examples renters may face include:

• Refusing to rent or renew a lease because of your race, religion, or other protected class
• Advertising a rental unit as being only for people of a certain background
• Imposing different rules, higher deposits, or stricter requirements on people from protected classes
• Denying reasonable accommodation or modification requests for tenants with disabilities

How to Report Housing Discrimination in Indiana

If you think you’ve experienced discrimination, you have the right to file a complaint. Indiana’s main tribunal for fair housing issues is the Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC).^[2]

Key Steps for Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint

• Document everything: Keep copies of rental ads, messages, emails, or other communication.
• Time is important: Complaints must usually be filed within 180 days (Indiana) or one year (federal).
• Use the right form: File an “ICRC Housing Discrimination Complaint Form.”
  • ICRC Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF)
  • When to use: If you believe you have been denied housing or treated unfairly in violation of protected class rights.
  • How to use: Fill in personal details, describe the incident, attach supporting evidence, and submit to the ICRC by mail, email, or in person.
• You may also use the federal HUD online complaint process: HUD Discrimination Complaint Form

Once a complaint is filed, the ICRC will review your case, possibly investigate further, and let you know about next steps or your rights to a hearing. For more details on your legal protections, see the Indiana Fair Housing Act.^[3]

Reasonable Accommodation and Modification Requests

If you have a disability, you may be entitled to request changes to policies or reasonable modifications to your home. These requests must be considered by the landlord unless they are an undue hardship or fundamentally alter the provider’s operations. These rights are clearly outlined in state and federal law.

Tip: Requests for reasonable accommodation do not have to be on a specific form, but should always be made in writing whenever possible to create a clear record.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if my city or county adds more protected classes?
   Some Indiana cities may have added extra protections (for example, sexual orientation or source of income). Check with your local human rights commission or city website for details.
2. Can I get in trouble for filing a discrimination complaint?
   No. Both state and federal law protect you from retaliation if you file a housing discrimination complaint in good faith.
3. How long does it take for ICRC to process a complaint?
   The process can take several months. The ICRC will notify you of status updates and next steps as your case proceeds.
4. What happens after I file a complaint?
   The ICRC will review, investigate, and determine if discrimination likely occurred. They will attempt to resolve the issue or conduct a hearing if needed.
5. Who enforces Indiana fair housing laws?
   The Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) enforces fair housing laws. You can visit their website for more guidance and contact information.

Key Takeaways for Indiana Renters

• It’s illegal for landlords to discriminate against renters based on race, religion, disability, sex, and other protected classes.
• If you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the Indiana Civil Rights Commission using the proper form.
• Fair housing protections help ensure everyone has equal opportunity and security in the rental process.

Knowing these basics can help you protect your rights and understand what steps to take next.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC): Main tribunal for discrimination complaints, including online and printable forms.
• Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority: Information on fair housing, tenant rights, and rental resources.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Indiana Field Office: Additional guidance and federal complaint options.
• Indiana Fair Housing Act (Official Legislation)

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1. Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority – Fair Housing Overview
2. Indiana Civil Rights Commission (Official Tribunal for Housing Complaints)
3. Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31 – Landlord-Tenant Law and Fair Housing

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