Indiana Senior Housing Rights and Protections

Indiana offers a range of protections for senior renters, ensuring safety, fairness, and access to housing regardless of age. If you’re an older adult renting your home in Indiana, understanding these rights can help you feel secure and empowered.

Who Qualifies as a Senior Renter in Indiana?

Generally, senior housing protections apply to people aged 55 and older. This includes renters of dedicated senior communities and those seeking accommodations as they age.

Key Protections for Senior Housing

Indiana law and federal rules safeguard seniors in several ways. Here’s what to know:

• Anti-Discrimination: Landlords cannot refuse to rent or treat you unfairly because of your age or because you qualify as a senior. This is supported by the federal Fair Housing Act and Indiana's fair housing laws.
• Reasonable Accommodations: Senior tenants with disabilities have the right to request reasonable modifications or accommodations, like ramps or grab bars. Landlords must consider these requests under the Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) rules.
• Eviction Protections: Seniors have the same eviction protections as other renters. Evictions must follow Indiana’s official process, and a landlord cannot evict you without written notice and proper legal procedures.
• Health and Safety: Indiana law requires all rental housing—including senior apartments—to meet basic habitability standards, such as plumbing, heat, and freedom from hazards.

If you believe your rights have been violated or you’re experiencing discrimination, you have options to file a complaint or seek assistance in Indiana.

Federal and State Laws Governing Senior Housing

Senior renters in Indiana are protected by several important laws:

• Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 3601-3619) (Federal): Prevents discrimination against seniors and others based on age or disability.
• Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31, Chapter 8 – Landlord-Tenant Relations: Covers responsibilities of landlords and tenant rights in Indiana.
• Indiana Civil Rights Commission Fair Housing Laws: Details Indiana’s anti-discrimination rules and complaint process.

Senior communities may also follow additional federal rules for "55 and older" housing.

Important Forms for Indiana Senior Renters

• Indiana Civil Rights Complaint Form: Used if you believe you have experienced housing discrimination due to age, disability, or other protected characteristics. For example, if a landlord refuses your rental application because of your age, complete the form to begin the complaint process with the Indiana Civil Rights Commission. View and download the official complaint form here (PDF).
• Reasonable Accommodation Request Letter: There is no official statewide form in Indiana, but you can request accommodations in writing to your landlord. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides guidance and suggested formats. For example, ask the landlord for a grab bar installation due to mobility needs.

Which Tribunal Handles Senior Rental Housing Issues?

Rental disputes, complaints, and fair housing violations related to senior housing are managed by the Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) for discrimination matters. For other landlord-tenant disputes, county-level small claims or circuit courts are used in Indiana.

Protecting Your Rights: Common Issues and Action Steps

What If You Face Discrimination?

If you believe you’ve been unfairly treated or denied housing due to your age, disability, or other protected class:

• Keep records of communications, applications, and any relevant documents.
• File a complaint with the Indiana Civil Rights Commission using their official complaint form.

Reasonable Accommodation: How to Make a Request

If you need modifications for safety or accessibility, send your request in writing to your landlord. Clearly explain your need and provide documentation if possible. Most landlords must waive certain rules (like "no ramps") if the accommodation is reasonable and necessary due to disability.

FAQ: Indiana Senior Housing Protections

1. Can my landlord refuse to rent to me because I’m over 55?
   No, landlords cannot deny you a rental solely based on your age, unless it’s a designated “55 and older” community with specific qualifying rules.
2. What should I do if my landlord ignores my request for an accommodation?
   File a written complaint with the Indiana Civil Rights Commission and keep a copy of your initial accommodation request.
3. Are rent increases treated differently for seniors in Indiana?
   No, Indiana does not have rent control for seniors. All renters receive the same protections, but you must be given adequate notice (often 30 days for month-to-month leases).
4. Who do I contact for help if I’m being evicted from senior housing?
   Contact the Indiana Civil Rights Commission if discrimination is suspected, or consider reaching out to legal aid for general landlord-tenant issues.

Key Takeaways for Senior Renters

• Indiana protects seniors against housing discrimination and ensures fair access to housing.
• Reasonable accommodations must be considered by landlords when requested in writing by seniors with disabilities.
• If you face discrimination or have rental disputes, contact the Indiana Civil Rights Commission or your local court for help.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) – Handles housing discrimination and reasonable accommodation complaints
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Indiana Office – Provides federal guidance and complaint help
• Indiana Legal Services – Free legal help for eligible senior renters
• Indiana Small Claims & Circuit Courts – Handles eviction and landlord-tenant disputes outside discrimination issues

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1. Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31, Chapter 8 – Landlord-Tenant Relations
2. Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 3601-3619)
3. Indiana Civil Rights Commission: Fair Housing Complaint Process
4. HUD: Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications
5. Indiana Judiciary: Find Your Local Court

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