Indiana Rental Properties: Safe Drinking Water Rules

Access to safe drinking water is not just a matter of comfort—it's essential for the health and well-being of everyone living in a rental home. If you're renting in Indiana, it's important to know what legal standards landlords must meet for water quality, what your rights are, and what steps you can take if you suspect a problem with your drinking water.

Indiana Drinking Water Standards for Rentals

In Indiana, landlords have a legal obligation to provide tenants with water that is safe and fit for human consumption. While there is no standalone Indiana law specifically addressing rental drinking water, landlords must meet all Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) drinking water requirements and the federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

For most tenants, water is supplied by a public utility, which is strictly regulated by IDEM. However, some rural properties may use private wells, and landlords in these settings have additional responsibilities for ensuring safe water.

Landlord Responsibilities

• Ensure all plumbing delivers potable (safe to drink) water
• Maintain pipes, fixtures, and supply lines in good working condition
• Comply with state and local health codes and water safety rules
• For well water, test the supply if contamination is suspected

According to Indiana Code Section 32-31-8-5(a), landlords must “deliver the rental premises to a tenant in compliance with applicable health and housing codes.” Unsafe water can be considered a code violation.

Common Drinking Water Issues

• Discolored, foul-smelling, or odd-tasting water
• Visible debris or sediment in water
• Lead, bacteria, or chemical contamination (often found with aging pipes or private wells)
• Interrupted water supply/unfixable leaks

If you notice any issues, communicate with your landlord promptly—they are required to address repairs or verify water quality according to state law.

How to Address Unsafe Drinking Water in Your Indiana Rental

Tenants should know the steps to take if their rental’s drinking water is questionable. Here’s what you can do:

• Contact your landlord or property manager in writing to report the issue
• Keep records of all communications and take photos or collect samples if safe to do so
• Request water testing for private wells through your local health department
• If the landlord does not respond, escalate your complaint appropriately

Repairs related to unsafe or unusable water may grant you certain legal remedies under the Indiana Code for landlord-tenant relationships (IC 32-31-8). Always consult official instructions and document your case carefully.

Official Forms and Where to File Complaints

• Indiana State Department of Health Housing Complaint Form (no standard number):
  Use this form to report unsanitary or dangerous housing conditions—including unsafe water. Submit to your local health department. Access the official complaint form and instructions here.
  Example: If your tap water is brown or has a chemical odor and your landlord has not fixed the problem, use this form to alert health authorities.
• For city-specific issues: Contact your local city or county health department for additional forms. Most have an online or PDF complaint form on their official website.

Indiana does not have a centralized housing tribunal. Disputes may be addressed in Indiana Small Claims Court if the landlord fails to uphold safe living standards, which include water safety.

Relevant Legislation

• Indiana Code Section 32-31-8-5(a) – Landlord duties regarding compliance with health codes
• IDEM’s Drinking Water Standards – Water safety requirements for public and private supplies

Frequently Asked Questions about Safe Drinking Water in Indiana Rentals

1. Is my landlord required to test the water in my Indiana rental?
   Not for public water, but for private wells (common in rural areas), a landlord should ensure the water is safe. If contamination is suspected, you can request testing through your county’s health department.
2. What if my rental water is brown or smells bad?
   Immediately notify your landlord in writing. If the problem is not resolved, file a complaint with your local health department using the Housing Complaint Form or call the Indiana State Department of Health.
3. Can I withhold rent if there’s unsafe drinking water?
   Indiana law does not provide a blanket right to withhold rent, but you may take legal action or seek repairs through small claims court. Always seek legal advice before withholding rent.
4. Who do I contact if my landlord doesn't respond to water safety issues?
   Contact your local health department or use the Indiana State Department of Health Housing Complaint Form. For legal remedies, small claims court is the relevant venue.
5. What agency oversees tenant-landlord matters in Indiana?
   There is no single tribunal. Most disputes are handled locally through Indiana Small Claims Court or your city/county health department.

Key Takeaways for Indiana Renters

• Landlords in Indiana must provide safe, drinkable water—whether from a public supply or private well
• Always report water problems in writing and keep records of communication
• Use your local health department and official state forms to address unresolved health and safety issues

Staying informed about your rights helps you protect your health while renting in Indiana.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Indiana Department of Environmental Management Drinking Water – Learn about state drinking water standards
• Indiana State Department of Health Housing Complaint Form – Report unsafe water or housing conditions
• Indiana Small Claims Court – Landlord/Tenant Disputes
• Indiana Attorney General Consumer Protection – Rental Issues

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1. Indiana Code §32-31-8-5: Landlord’s Duties
2. Safe Drinking Water Act – US EPA
3. Indiana Department of Environmental Management: Drinking Water Information
4. Indiana State Department of Health: Housing Complaint Procedures
5. Indiana Small Claims Court Landlord-Tenant Self-Service

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