Illegal Rental Ad Language in Indiana: What Renters Should Know

Understanding your rights as a renter in Indiana is crucial, especially when it comes to finding housing and ensuring equality in the rental process. Indiana landlords, property managers, and real estate agents must follow both federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination when advertising rental properties. This article explains what language is illegal in Indiana rental ads, so you can recognize red flags and know when your rights may be at risk.

What Laws Govern Rental Advertising in Indiana?

Rental advertising in Indiana is covered by federal protections under the Fair Housing Act and state law in the Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31 – Landlord-Tenant Relations. These laws make it illegal for landlords to publish or distribute rental ads containing discriminatory language related to certain personal characteristics.

Protected Classes in Indiana Rental Advertising

When advertising rentals, Indiana landlords must never advertise a preference, limitation, or discrimination based on:

• Race or color
• Religion
• Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
• National origin
• Disability
• Familial status (for example, whether you have children)

Some local Indiana jurisdictions may have additional protections beyond state and federal law.

Examples of Illegal Rental Ad Language

Advertising that shows any preference or limitation against protected groups is illegal. Here are some examples that would violate the law:

• "No children" or "adults only"
• "Christian home" or "must be Catholic"
• "Perfect for single professionals" (if intended to discourage families)
• "No wheelchairs" or "must be able-bodied"
• "English only" when the rental is open to the general public
• "Whites only" or "prefer Caucasians"

Even phrases that imply a preference—like "ideal for mature adults"—could be illegal if they're meant to discourage families, people of certain ages, or those with disabilities.

What Landlords and Agents CAN Say

• Describe the property, not the person: "2-bedroom apartment with fenced yard" is lawful.
• State actual occupancy limits as required by local code, as long as they're not discriminatory.

If you see any ads or hear statements that seem to exclude or discourage you based on the protected traits above, you may have the right to file a complaint.

If an ad makes you feel unwelcome because of your race, family status, religion, or similar characteristic, keep a copy of the ad and seek help from fair housing authorities.

How to Report Discriminatory Rental Ads in Indiana

If you believe a rental ad violates fair housing laws, you can report it through these options:

• Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) Housing Discrimination Complaint Form: Use this online form to submit a complaint to the state agency.
• HUD Online Housing Discrimination Complaint Form: File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Once you submit a complaint, the ICRC (Indiana Civil Rights Commission) or HUD will investigate your claim. For more details about the process and your rights, you can visit the Indiana Civil Rights Commission website.

Forms You May Need

• ICRC Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
  When to use: If you see or experience discriminatory language in a rental ad.
  How to use: Complete the online or paper form with information about the ad and why you believe it’s discriminatory.
  Download the Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF)

What Happens After You File a Complaint?

The Indiana Civil Rights Commission will review your submission and may contact you for more information. If they determine that the rental ad violates fair housing laws, they can investigate, attempt mediation, or in some cases, refer the matter for further legal action. The ICRC serves as the primary tribunal for housing discrimination matters in Indiana. Their official portal can be found here.

Summary: Recognizing and Reporting Illegal Ad Language

Rental ads in Indiana cannot make statements that show a preference, limitation, or discrimination based on federally and state-protected categories. If you discover such language, you can and should report it to the authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What phrases should never appear in an Indiana rental ad?
   Words or phrases that suggest a preference, exclusion, or limitation based on race, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or having children—such as "no kids," "must speak English," or "Christian tenants only"—are illegal in rental ads.
2. Does the law cover roommate ads?
   Generally, fair housing laws apply to landlords and professional property managers. Roommate ads by individual tenants may be treated differently, but landlords themselves must always comply with fair housing rules.
3. Can landlords set age or occupancy limits in Indiana?
   Landlords may set reasonable occupancy limits in line with the space and local health codes, but cannot use restrictive language to bar families with children. Stating a preference for "adults only" or "no children" is not allowed.
4. Who investigates rental ad discrimination complaints in Indiana?
   The Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) investigates most rental advertising discrimination complaints in Indiana. Learn more about the ICRC's role here.
5. What should I do if I find a discriminatory ad?
   Save a copy or screenshot, then report it to the Indiana Civil Rights Commission or HUD using their official complaint forms linked above.

Key Takeaways

• Discriminatory language in Indiana rental ads is illegal under state and federal law.
• If you see or experience questionable ads, you can file a complaint with the ICRC or HUD.
• Always document the ad and seek advice from official resources.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) – The state tribunal for housing complaints, including rental ad discrimination.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Housing Complaint Process
• Indiana Attorney General – Consumer Protection/Housing
• Indiana Legal Help – Free and low-cost legal services for renters

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1. Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.)
2. Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31 – Landlord-Tenant Relations
3. Indiana Civil Rights Commission – Official State Tribunal
4. HUD Fair Housing Online Complaint Form
5. ICRC Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF)

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