Are landlords in Indiana always required to provide carbon monoxide detectors?

Not always. Indiana state law does not mandate CO detectors in all rentals, but some cities or counties may require them, especially if your unit has gas appliances.

Who is responsible for changing smoke detector batteries in my Indiana rental?

The renter is usually responsible for replacing batteries unless the detector is hardwired or inaccessible, while landlords must ensure devices are present and working.

What should I do if my landlord ignores repair requests for my smoke or CO detector?

Document your written request, then contact your local housing or health department. You may file a complaint or request an inspection.

Can disabling a smoke or CO detector lead to eviction in Indiana?

Yes. Tampering with required safety devices can violate your lease and state law, and may be cause for eviction.

How do I find my local Indiana code enforcement office?

Check your city or county government’s website or call your local housing or health department for guidance.

Indiana Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Laws: A Renter's Guide

Health & Safety Standards Indiana published: June 21, 2025

As a renter in Indiana, it's important to understand the state's smoke detector and carbon monoxide (CO) detector laws. These devices protect your health and provide peace of mind in your home. Whether you're moving into a new apartment or struggling with an unresponsive landlord, knowing Indiana’s regulations can help you advocate for safe living conditions.

Understanding Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Requirements in Indiana

Indiana law sets clear requirements for smoke detectors and, in some cases, carbon monoxide detectors in residential rental properties. The rules exist to reduce the risks of fire and CO poisoning, safeguarding both renters and their families.

What Indiana Law Says

Smoke Detectors: Indiana law (Indiana Code 22-11-18-3) requires all residential rental properties to have working smoke detectors installed. Landlords must provide at least one functional smoke detector per rental unit, placed according to code (generally outside bedrooms or near sleeping areas). Read Indiana Code 22-11-18-3
Carbon Monoxide Detectors: While Indiana does not have a statewide requirement for carbon monoxide detectors in all rentals, local cities or counties may have their own rules—especially in homes with gas appliances or attached garages. Always check with your city or county housing agency for specific mandates.

Landlords must ensure these detectors are installed and working when you move in. After that, maintenance — like changing batteries — is typically the renter's responsibility unless a detector is hardwired or not working properly.

Landlord and Renter Responsibilities

Both landlords and renters play a role in maintaining a safe home:

Landlords:
- Install required smoke detectors before a new rental begins.
- Ensure detectors are in working order at move-in.
- Respond promptly to written repair requests about missing or malfunctioning detectors.
Renters:
- Test smoke/CO detectors regularly and replace batteries as needed.
- Notify your landlord in writing if a detector doesn’t work or is missing.
- Never disable, remove, or destroy a detector device.

If your landlord fails to provide or repair detectors after written notice, you may have additional legal remedies, including contacting the appropriate local health or code enforcement office.

Important Indiana Forms and Filing a Complaint

Indiana Tenant Complaint Form: While Indiana’s state government does not provide a universal, statewide form specifically for smoke or CO detector issues, many local health or housing departments accept general maintenance complaints. For example:
- Indianapolis/Marion County - Request for Inspection: Use the Indianapolis Rental Inspection Request to report unsafe conditions, including missing smoke or CO detectors. After submitting, a city inspector may investigate.

Example for Renters: If you've notified your landlord about a faulty smoke detector in writing and they do not respond, you can use your local housing department’s inspection request form to prompt official action. Always save copies of your communication.

What Happens If a Landlord Doesn't Comply?

If your landlord fails to maintain legally required smoke detectors—or ignores written repair requests—it may be a violation of your right to a habitable home under the Indiana Residential Landlord-Tenant Statute (IC 32-31-8). Renters can seek enforcement by contacting local housing or health inspectors.

Tip: Report life-threatening situations (like a fire hazard or CO leak) to emergency services immediately, then follow up with official complaints as needed.

Relevant Tribunal or Board

Indiana does not have a centralized statewide residential tenancy board. Enforcement is typically handled by local city or county code enforcement offices. For Marion County and Indianapolis, see the City of Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services for health and safety complaints.
Tenancy disputes that require legal action go through your local county court system.

FAQ: Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Laws for Indiana Renters

Are landlords in Indiana always required to provide carbon monoxide detectors?
Not always. Indiana state law does not mandate CO detectors in all rentals, but check with your city or county for any local requirements, especially if your unit has gas appliances.
Who is responsible for changing smoke detector batteries in my rental?
Usually, renters are responsible for changing batteries unless the device is hardwired or the battery is not accessible. Maintenance of the unit itself is normally the landlord's job if it stops working.
What should I do if my landlord ignores detector repair requests?
Document your written request and contact your local housing or health department. You may be able to file a complaint or request an inspection using an official form.
Can I be evicted for disabling a smoke or CO detector?
Yes. Disabling required safety devices may be grounds for eviction because it violates Indiana safety laws and lease agreements.
How can I find my local code enforcement office?
Visit your city or county government website, or call your local housing services or health department for contact details.

Key Takeaways for Indiana Renters

Landlords are legally required to install smoke detectors in all Indiana rentals.
Carbon monoxide detector requirements may depend on local city or county rules.
Act quickly: document safety issues in writing and use official resources to seek help if needed.

Staying informed about these basic safety laws empowers you to create a safer living environment for you and your loved ones.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

City of Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services: Handles rental inspections, building code enforcement, and safety complaints for Marion County.
Indiana Attorney General Consumer Complaint Division: Accepts complaints about landlord-tenant issues statewide.
Indiana Residential Landlord-Tenant Statute (IC 32-31-8): Full text of Indiana's housing laws affecting renters and landlords.
Indiana Department of Health: Offers general resources on home safety and environmental hazards.

Indiana Code 22-11-18-3: Smoke Detector Requirements
Indiana Code IC 32-31-8: Tenant Responsibilities and Landlord Obligations
City of Indianapolis Rental Property Inspection: Official City Inspection Request Form
Indiana Attorney General Consumer Complaint: Submit a Consumer Complaint