Landlord Apartment Showings During Move-Out in Indiana

When you’re ending your lease in Indiana, you might wonder if your landlord can show your apartment to new tenants or buyers while you are still living—and packing—in the unit. Understanding your rights under Indiana law can help you feel more confident during this transition.

Understanding Your Rights as a Tenant in Indiana

In Indiana, there is no specific law outlining how much notice a landlord must give before entering a rental unit to show it to prospective renters or buyers. However, general tenant protections still apply under the Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31, Chapter 5 (IC 32-31-5) governing landlord-tenant relations.^[1]

When Landlords May Enter Your Apartment

• Landlords can typically only enter your unit for specific reasons, such as repairs, inspections, or showing the property to potential tenants or buyers.
• Unless there is an emergency, reasonable notice (often 24 hours) and entry at "reasonable times" are generally expected, though not strictly defined in state law.
• The exact notice period may also be specified in your lease. Always check your lease agreement for additional rules.

If your landlord wants to show your apartment while you're still living and packing in it, they should make a reasonable effort to notify you in advance. Open communication can help avoid misunderstandings.

What Counts as "Reasonable Notice"?

• Although Indiana law does not mandate a set number of hours for notice, 24 hours is often considered reasonable best practice.
• Notice can be given in writing, by phone, or in person depending on your communication with the landlord.
• Visits should be scheduled at reasonable times, generally during normal business hours unless you agree otherwise.

What If the Showings Are Disruptive?

While landlords have a right to show the apartment, you also have a right to quiet enjoyment and privacy. If the showings become excessively frequent or disruptive, communicate your concerns in writing to your landlord. If issues continue, you may consider filing a complaint.

Relevant Forms for Indiana Renters

• Notice of Intent to Vacate (no official state-issued form): Use a written letter to provide your landlord with notice that you are moving out, as required by your lease. See a template from Indiana Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.
• Consumer Complaint Form (Indiana Attorney General): If you believe your landlord is violating your rights (for example, entering without notice), file a Consumer Complaint Form with the Attorney General's office.

There is no official landlord entry notice form in Indiana, but always keep records of landlord communications, and whenever possible, request that notices be in writing for clarity.

Action Steps for Renters

If you need to address unwanted or frequent apartment showings during your move-out process:

• Review your lease for specific entry and notice terms.
• Ask your landlord to provide notice in writing before showings.
• If showings become excessive, politely request fewer or more convenient time slots.
• If your landlord enters without notice or at unreasonable times, document each incident.
• If the issue continues, file a Consumer Complaint Form with the Indiana Attorney General.

Which Indiana Agency Handles Landlord-Tenant Complaints?

Indiana does not have a dedicated landlord-tenant tribunal, but most renter disputes—including unlawful entry or harassment—can be reported to the Indiana Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.^[2]

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord show my apartment without notice in Indiana?
   Indiana law does not set a strict notice period, but landlords are generally expected to provide reasonable notice (typically 24 hours).
2. What if my lease says something different about notice?
   Your lease terms apply if they are more specific than state law. Always check your lease for entry rules and requirements.
3. Can I refuse apartment showings while I’m packing?
   You generally cannot refuse all showings if your landlord follows reasonable notice and scheduling. However, showings should not be excessively disruptive.
4. How do I file a complaint about improper landlord entry?
   You can submit a Consumer Complaint Form to the Indiana Attorney General’s office for review.
5. Who enforces renter rights in Indiana?
   The Indiana Attorney General Consumer Protection Division generally reviews landlord-tenant complaints but cannot give legal advice or represent tenants in court.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Indiana Attorney General Consumer Protection Division – File complaints, get general rights information.
• Download the Consumer Complaint Form (PDF)
• Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31, Chapter 5 (Landlord-Tenant Law)
• Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority – Housing resources and support.

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1. Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31, Chapter 5: Landlord and Tenant – Obligations
2. Indiana Attorney General Consumer Protection Division: Landlord-Tenant Complaints

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