Indiana Landlord Repair Responsibilities: Renter’s Guide

If you’re renting in Indiana, it’s essential to know what your landlord must fix and how to request repairs. Indiana law gives renters important rights to a safe and healthy home. This guide breaks down what landlords are legally required to repair, when repairs must happen, and your options if issues are ignored.

What Must Landlords Repair Under Indiana Law?

Indiana’s Landlord-Tenant Act requires landlords to provide and maintain “safe, clean, and habitable” rental units^[1]. That means a landlord is legally responsible for:

• Keeping major systems (heating, plumbing, electrical) in good working order
• Providing and maintaining locks for exterior doors and windows
• Supplying running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times
• Complying with local health and housing codes affecting safety or habitability
• Repairing serious leaks, pest infestations, and structural issues

The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority summarizes these repair responsibilities for renters and landlords.

When Repairs Must Be Made

Once you notify your landlord (in writing is best) of a needed repair, Indiana law requires prompt action. If the repair impacts health or safety, the landlord must respond within a “reasonable time,” generally understood as about 30 days, or sooner for emergencies.

Common Maintenance Issues Landlords Must Address

• Broken furnaces, nonworking water heaters, electrical hazards
• Non-functioning toilets, sinks, or showers
• Leaking roofs, windows, or pipes
• Mold, pests, or infestations affecting living areas
• Broken doors or windows affecting security

If an issue threatens your safety, such as exposed wiring or no heat in winter, landlords are expected to act urgently.

How to Request Repairs from Your Landlord

To protect your rights and speed up repairs, follow these steps:

• Notify your landlord in writing (email, letter, or text) and keep a copy for your records
• Describe the problem clearly and ask for a specific, reasonable timeline to fix it
• If possible, include photos of the problem

If your landlord doesn’t respond or complete repairs within a reasonable time, Indiana law gives renters the right to take further action.

Official Tenant Notice of Noncompliance Form

Indiana does not require a state-standardized repair request form. However, renters are advised to use a Tenant’s Notice of Noncompliance with Rental Agreement or Landlord Obligations letter:

• Name: Tenant’s Notice of Noncompliance with Rental Agreement or Landlord Obligations
• When Used: If your landlord fails to address needed repairs, this written notice formally requests compliance with Indiana Code 32-31-8.
• Example: You send this notice if your landlord has not fixed a broken heater after your first written request.
• Download the sample tenant notice letter from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority

Your Rights If Landlords Don’t Make Repairs

If you’ve provided written notice and your landlord does not fix the issue, Indiana law allows you to:

• File a claim in small claims court to order repairs or recover damages
• Ask the court to reduce your rent until repairs are made
• Contact your local housing code enforcement agency about serious violations

The main tribunal for residential tenancy disputes in Indiana is the local Indiana Small Claims Court (operated by each county’s Circuit or Superior Court). There is no state landlord-tenant board.

Filing a Tenant Claim in Small Claims Court

• Name: Notice of Claim (Small Claims Court Form)
• When Used: If your landlord ignores repair requests even after official notice, you can use this court form to start a case asking for repairs or compensation.
• Example: You’ve sent notice and waited 30 days; your landlord has not repaired the plumbing. File the Notice of Claim to begin your case.
• Download small claims forms on the Indiana Judicial Branch website

Always check your county rules for specific instructions. Most small claims filings require a fee, which can sometimes be waived for income-eligible renters.

FAQ: Your Indiana Landlord Repair Rights

1. What repairs are Indiana landlords required to make? Indiana landlords must ensure rental properties are clean, safe, and habitable—which includes fixing heating, plumbing, electrical issues, and other hazards.
2. How long does my landlord have to make repairs? By law, landlords should address repair requests within a “reasonable time,” typically around 30 days, but emergencies require faster action.
3. Can I withhold rent if my landlord doesn’t fix something? Indiana law does not automatically let renters withhold rent. Instead, you should give written notice and then may file in small claims court if repairs are not made.
4. What if repairs affect my health or safety? For urgent repairs that threaten health or safety, contact your landlord in writing right away. If not resolved, reach out to your local health department or file a court claim.
5. Who do I contact for enforcement or complaints? For unresolved serious issues, contact your city or county’s code enforcement or health department, and if needed, your local Indiana Small Claims Court.

Conclusion: What Indiana Renters Should Know

• Your landlord must keep your home safe, clean, and habitable under Indiana law.
• Use written notice for repair requests and keep records.
• If needed, you can seek help through the courts or local agencies if your landlord fails to make repairs.

Knowing your rights and following proper steps helps ensure your home remains livable while protecting yourself legally.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority – Official state renter and landlord information
• Indiana Judicial Branch – Landlord-Tenant Forms and Resources
• Find your local Indiana Small Claims Court
• Indiana Attorney General Consumer Protection Division – For complaints and questions
• Contact your city/county Health Department or Code Enforcement for habitability complaints

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1. See Indiana Code Chapter 32-31-8 (Tenant’s Rights and Obligations)
2. Official summary of landlord and tenant laws – Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority
3. Landlord/Tenant Court Forms – Indiana Judicial Branch

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