Filing a Disability Discrimination Claim as a Renter in Indiana

If you're a renter in Indiana and believe you've experienced disability discrimination by your landlord, there are clear steps you can take to protect your rights. Indiana law, alongside the federal Fair Housing Act, ensures that tenants are treated fairly and that landlords provide reasonable accommodations for disabilities. This guide explains how to recognize discrimination and how to file a complaint with official state and federal agencies.

Understanding Disability Discrimination in Indiana Rentals

Disability discrimination occurs when a landlord treats tenants with disabilities unfairly, refuses reasonable accommodations, or denies accessible features that make a rental equally usable. Examples include:

• Denying a rental application because of a disability
• Refusing to allow service animals in a no-pets property
• Not permitting reasonable modifications, like a wheelchair ramp (at the tenant's expense, if required by law)
• Failing to respond to requests for accommodations needed due to a disability

Both Indiana law and the federal Fair Housing Act protect tenants against these actions.

Your Rights Under Indiana Law and the Fair Housing Act

As a tenant, you have the right to request reasonable accommodations and modifications under:

• Indiana Code Title 32: Property
• Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 3601-3619)

Landlords must respond in a timely manner to these requests. It's helpful to document all communications with your landlord.

How to File a Disability Discrimination Complaint in Indiana

If discussions with your landlord do not resolve the issue, you can file a formal complaint. In Indiana, these complaints are handled primarily by:

• Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC)
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Both agencies investigate housing discrimination, and you can file with either or both. It is best to file soon after the incident—ideally within 180 days (ICRC) or one year (HUD)—to preserve your claim.

Official Forms for Filing a Claim

• Indiana Civil Rights Complaint Form
  ICRC Complaint Form (PDF): Use this to start your disability discrimination claim with the Indiana Civil Rights Commission. Example: If your landlord denied your request for a wheelchair ramp, complete and submit this form.
  
• HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
  Form HUD-903.1: This federal form is used to file a housing discrimination complaint with HUD. Example: If you were evicted after asking for a service animal accommodation, submit this form.

Forms can be submitted online, by mail, or in person. Always keep copies for your records.

What Happens After You File?

After your complaint is received:

• The agency will review your claim and investigate the facts.
• Both sides may be contacted for information and documentation.
• The agency may offer mediation to resolve the issue.
• If discrimination is found, you may be entitled to remedies such as policy changes, financial compensation, or rental access.

The investigation process may take several months. While awaiting the result, continue to document any interactions related to your housing situation.

Tip: Acting quickly helps preserve your legal rights and strengthens your case. If you have limited English proficiency or require accommodation to file, you have the right to request assistance.

Important Indiana Housing Legislation

Indiana renters are covered by Indiana Code Title 32: Property, which includes landlord-tenant laws and supports fair housing protections. For additional detail, see HUD’s summary of fair housing rights in Indiana on the HUD Indiana page.

FAQ: Disability Discrimination Complaints for Indiana Renters

1. What counts as a reasonable accommodation?
   A reasonable accommodation is a change in rules or policies that allows a renter with a disability equal use of their home, such as allowing a service animal or providing assigned parking.
2. How long do I have to file a discrimination complaint in Indiana?
   You typically have 180 days to file with the Indiana Civil Rights Commission and one year for HUD. File as soon as possible to protect your rights.
3. Can my landlord charge me more rent if I need a modification?
   No, landlords cannot charge higher rent due to a disability, but you may be responsible for the cost of certain modifications unless covered by law.
4. What evidence should I include with my complaint?
   Include any written communications, notes, photos, and witness accounts related to the discrimination incident.
5. Will filing a complaint protect me from eviction?
   Filing a complaint does not automatically stop an eviction, but retaliating against a renter for asserting fair housing rights is illegal.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Indiana Civil Rights Commission (State agency handling discrimination claims)
• HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Information
• Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority: Renter Protections
• Indiana Attorney General: Tenant Rights
• Indiana Legal Services (Free legal help for eligible renters)

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1. Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC)
2. Indiana Code Title 32: Property
3. Fair Housing Act
4. Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority: Fair Housing
5. HUD: How to File a Complaint

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