Indiana’s Minimum Rental Housing Health Codes Explained

If you’re renting in Indiana, you deserve a home that’s safe, healthy, and in good repair. Understanding Indiana’s minimum housing health codes helps you know what your landlord must provide and what to do if these standards aren’t met. This guide breaks down key requirements, official steps you can take, and where to get trusted help.

What Are the Minimum Health and Safety Standards for Indiana Rentals?

Indiana law requires all rental homes and apartments to meet basic safety and habitability standards. These standards are described in state laws (see footnotes) and sometimes through local city or county codes. Landlords must ensure rental properties are fit to live in—meaning the property is structurally sound, has running water, heating, and is free from serious health hazards.

Main Health and Safety Requirements for Indiana Rentals

• Safe structure: Rental homes must be weatherproof with safe walls, floors, ceilings, stairs, and handrails where needed.
• Plumbing and water: Functioning plumbing must supply hot and cold running water.
• Heating: Sufficient heat must be provided to keep the home livable during colder months.
• Electrical systems: Electrical wiring, outlets, lighting, and fixtures must be maintained safely and in good repair.
• Sanitation: Landlords must supply working toilets, sinks, bathtubs or showers, and trash receptacles.
• Pest control: Any infestation (bugs, rodents) caused by structural disrepair must be addressed by the landlord.
• No health hazards: The property must be free from issues that pose a health risk, such as mold, lead paint (in some cases), and sewage leaks.

These protections come from Indiana Code (IC) 32-31-8 (the state’s landlord & tenant law), as well as certain local housing codes if your city enforces additional requirements. For more details, you can view the Indiana Code 32-31-8: Tenant Obligations and Landlord Responsibilities and your city or county’s rental regulations.

Your Rights If Minimum Housing Codes Aren’t Met

If your rental is unsafe or violates health codes, Indiana law gives you several options to protect your rights. Start by contacting your landlord in writing, explain the issue, and request repairs. Keep copies of all communication.

What If the Landlord Doesn’t Fix the Problem?

If your landlord fails to repair serious problems within a reasonable time after you’ve put your request in writing, you may:

• Contact your local health or code enforcement agency to report serious violations.
• File a complaint in your county court to seek repairs or damages. The court that typically handles rental housing disputes in Indiana is the local Small Claims or Superior Court.
• For health hazards (like no water, unsafe heat, or mold), you may request local health department inspections. Find contact information for your local housing code enforcement on the Indiana Department of Health’s Environmental Contacts page.

Key Official Forms for Indiana Renters

• Notice of Intent to Withhold Rent (no official state form): Used if you plan to withhold rent due to unaddressed repairs—not recommended in Indiana unless ordered by a court.
  Example: After repeated written requests for heating repairs go unmet, you seek legal advice and provide written notice before any withholding under IC 32-31-8-5. No standard form; write a letter following Indiana law, or seek help from your local legal aid office.
• Court Complaint—Action to Enforce Repair (no numbered form): Used to ask a court to order your landlord to make needed repairs.
  Example: You file a complaint in your county Small Claims or Superior Court along with documentation of your repair requests. Forms and filing instructions are available from your local county court clerk. Learn more at Indiana Courts: Landlord-Tenant Self-Service Center.
• Complaint to Local Health Department/Code Enforcement: Used to request an inspection or investigation for unsafe or unhealthy conditions.
  Example: You submit a complaint to the city or county code enforcement office; forms may vary by locality. Visit Indiana Department of Health – Local Contacts to find the appropriate office for your area.

Which Tribunal Handles Rental Housing Issues in Indiana?

Residential landlord-tenant disputes (including health and safety code violations) are generally handled in the Indiana county Small Claims or Superior Courts. Filing procedures and forms may vary by county. Find your court at the Indiana Judicial Branch official directory.

Relevant Indiana Tenancy Legislation

• Indiana Code 32-31-8 – Tenant Obligations and Landlord Responsibilities
• Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) – Housing and Environmental Health
• Check your local housing code enforcement office for city/county-specific rules

1. What should I do if my rental doesn’t have heat or running water?
   Tell your landlord in writing to fix the problem right away. If nothing happens and it’s an urgent health risk, contact your local health department or code enforcement, and consider reaching out to legal aid for advice.
2. Can I stop paying rent if my landlord won’t fix serious problems?
   Indiana does not let renters withhold rent for repairs unless the court orders it. Stopping payment on your own can risk eviction. Always seek legal advice first and keep good records.
3. Which government office handles rental health complaints in my city?
   This is often your city or county housing code enforcement, or the local health department. They can inspect and investigate health and safety violations. Find the correct office using the Indiana Department of Health’s contact directory.
4. Is my landlord required to provide pest control?
   If a pest problem comes from structural issues or the rental’s condition, the landlord must take care of the infestation. If pests result from tenant actions, the tenant may be responsible.
5. Where can I read the actual rental health and safety laws?
   You can find them in Indiana Code 32-31-8 or through your city/county housing code regulations.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Indiana Attorney General: Landlord-Tenant Rights & Complaints – Information and complaint forms
• Indiana Legal Services – Free or low-cost legal help for renters
• Indiana Courts – Landlord-Tenant Self-Service Center – Court guidance, forms, and process explained
• Indiana Department of Health: Local Housing Code Contacts

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1. Indiana Code 32-31-8 – Tenant Obligations and Landlord Responsibilities
2. Indiana State Department of Health – Healthy Homes
3. Indiana Judicial Branch – Local Courts Directory
4. Indiana Attorney General – Landlord-Tenant Division

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