Indiana Tenant Rights: Domestic Violence & Lock Changes

If you’re a renter in Indiana experiencing domestic or family violence, specific state protections can help you feel safer in your home. Indiana law gives tenants important rights—including emergency lock changes and breaking a lease without penalties—if you or a household member are a victim of domestic violence. Understanding these rights can help you access protection quickly and confidently.

Your Right to Safety as a Renter in Indiana

Indiana’s laws recognize that safety comes first for tenants who are at risk of harm from domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The law protects the privacy and safety of affected renters through special emergency provisions.

Key Protections for Tenants Experiencing Domestic Violence

• Emergency Lock Changes: You can request a lock change to keep out a perpetrator, provided you supply proper documentation and written notice to your landlord.
• Early Lease Termination: Victims may end their lease early, without penalty, by giving the landlord written notice and supporting documentation.
• Protection from Discrimination: A landlord cannot refuse to rent to you, or evict you, solely because you are a victim of domestic violence.

Official Forms You Need

• Notice to Landlord of Domestic Violence Status (No Official Form Number): When requesting a lock change or seeking to end your lease early, Indiana law requires you to provide a written notice stating that you or a household member is a victim of domestic violence. You must also include a copy of:
  • An order of protection (such as a protective order from an Indiana court), or
  • A police report documenting the incident, dated within the past 30 days.

  Practical Example: If you are threatened by a former partner and have received a court-issued protective order, you can write to your landlord and attach a copy of this order to request a lock change or to start the process of ending your lease early. You can find instructions for protective orders at the Indiana Protection Order Portal.

• Protection Order Application (Indiana Protective Order Registry): To receive an order of protection, you may file through the Indiana Protective Order Registry. The registry streamlines online filing and provides step-by-step guidance.
  When Used: If you need legal protection from an abuser or stalker, this is the first step. Once granted, it can be used to support lock changes or lease termination.

What Documentation Is Required?

• Valid, recent evidence—such as a court order (protective order) or a police report–is required to trigger your rights under Indiana’s tenant protection laws.
• All communication with your landlord should be in writing, and you should keep copies for your records.

For more information on protections and what documentation is necessary, visit the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority.

How to Request a Lock Change or Break Your Lease (Step by Step)

Filing your request properly is crucial to access these legal protections. Indiana law sets out simple steps so you can act swiftly and safely.

• Gather documentation — a protective order or police report showing you (or a household member) are a victim.
• Write a clear letter to your landlord requesting a lock change or early lease termination, and include a copy of your documentation.
• Submit your request in writing (keep copies) and ask for written confirmation from your landlord. For emergencies, notify your landlord as soon as possible.
• The landlord must change the locks within 48 hours of your request and documentation. You may pay for the change, but the landlord cannot unreasonably refuse. Only the tenant and those you authorize will receive keys.
• If you choose to end your lease, provide at least 30 days’ written notice along with documentation.

Relevant Tenancy Legislation and Tribunal

Indiana tenant protections for domestic violence survivors are found in Indiana Code § 32-31-9 (Landlord-Tenant Relations: Domestic Violence Protections). Eviction and rental disputes are generally handled in local Indiana Small Claims Courts. Find court information at the Indiana Judicial Branch: Courts Portal.

FAQ: Indiana Tenant Domestic Violence Rights

1. Can my landlord evict me for being a domestic violence victim?
   No, Indiana law prohibits landlords from evicting, refusing to rent, or otherwise penalizing a tenant solely because they are a victim of domestic violence.
   
2. How quickly must a landlord change the locks in Indiana?
   Upon receiving a written request and supporting documentation, the landlord must change the locks within 48 hours.
   
3. Am I responsible for lock change costs?
   You may be asked to pay reasonable costs, but landlords must permit a qualified professional to change locks if they do not act promptly.
   
4. What counts as valid documentation to support my request?
   A protective order issued by an Indiana court or a police report dated within the past 30 days is required.
   
5. Does breaking my lease for safety reasons hurt my credit or rental history?
   If done under Indiana’s legal protections and proper notice is provided, early termination due to domestic violence should not negatively affect your rental history.

Key Takeaways for Indiana Renters

• Indiana law helps protect renters experiencing domestic violence with special rights to privacy and safety.
• Lock changes and early lease termination require official documentation.
• Act quickly, keep records, and turn to state agencies and courts if your landlord does not comply.

Staying informed will help you assert your rights and stay safe in challenging circumstances.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA): Official housing agency with guidance for tenants statewide.
• Indiana Protective Order Registry: Online portal for requesting, renewing, or managing protective orders.
• Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Support, advocacy, and emergency resources (not a government agency but listed on official Indiana government websites).
• Indiana Judicial Branch: Find Your Local Court: For rental disputes, eviction, or if landlord fails to comply with state law.

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1. Indiana Code § 32-31-9, Domestic Violence & Landlord-Tenant Protections
2. Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority
3. Indiana Protective Order Registry
4. Indiana Judicial Branch: Courts Portal

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