Can my landlord legally cut off my electricity in Indiana for not paying rent?

No, Indiana law prohibits landlords from shutting off utilities to force payment or eviction.

What should I do if my landlord turns off my power?

Document the incident, contact your utility provider, send a written demand to your landlord, and if needed file a complaint in local court.

Who do I contact if my utilities are disconnected?

First, contact your utility company. If the shutoff was done by the landlord, contact your local court or the Indiana Courts Self-Service Legal Center.

Can I deduct utility payments from my rent if my landlord didn't pay the bill?

Yes, if the landlord is responsible for the utility and fails to pay, you may pay and deduct the amount from future rent with proper documentation.

Who handles utility and eviction disputes in Indiana?

Your local Indiana small claims or superior court handles these landlord-tenant disputes.

When Can Indiana Landlords Shut Off Electricity for Non-Payment?

Utilities, Services & Billing Indiana published June 21, 2025

Worried about your landlord shutting off your electricity in Indiana because you missed a payment? Understanding your rights as a renter and the legal process landlords must follow can help protect you from unsafe or unlawful utility disconnections.

Who Is Responsible for Electricity Bills in Indiana Rentals?

Generally, your lease agreement will state if the landlord or the tenant is responsible for paying for electricity and other utilities. In most cases:

If utilities are included in your rent, the landlord pays the electric bill.
If utilities are not included, you pay the electric bill directly to the utility company.

Always check your written lease to confirm who is responsible for each utility.

Is It Legal for a Landlord to Shut Off Electricity for Non-Payment?

Indiana law does not allow landlords to shut off essential utilities (like electricity) to force a tenant to pay rent or move out. This practice is considered an illegal "self-help eviction," and tenants are protected by Indiana statutes.

Landlords cannot disconnect, cause disconnection, or deliberately interrupt tenant utilities as a form of punishment or eviction.^[1]
Only the utility company, following their own procedures and notice requirements, can lawfully turn off your electricity for non-payment to the utility—not your landlord.

If the landlord is the account holder with the utility company and fails to pay, tenants have specific protections and remedies. Read more about those protections below.

What Should Tenants Do If the Landlord Illegally Shuts Off Utilities?

If your landlord has shut off your electricity or is threatening to do so, here are the steps you can take:

Document everything: Take photos or videos, save texts or emails, and record the date and time.
Contact the utility provider to confirm who controls the account and the reason for disconnection.
Send a written demand to your landlord requesting prompt reconnection.
If utilities are not restored, you may file a complaint with your local court for an emergency injunction or damages.

If your landlord unlawfully disconnects your utilities, you may be entitled to damages and/or have your electricity restored through court action.

Relevant Official Forms for Indiana Renters

Verified Complaint for Emergency Possession (Form name varies by county court): Use this form to ask a local court for emergency intervention when your landlord has unlawfully cut off utilities. For example, if your electricity is disconnected in the summer heat, file this complaint at your county small claims or superior court. Indiana Courts - Self-Service Legal Center has guidance and links.
Pleadings for Damages or Injunctive Relief: If you want to recover costs or request a legal order to restore service, you can file pleadings in your local court. See Indiana Small Claims Court forms for templates and instructions.

If you are unsure which form to use or how to submit it, contact your local county clerk or consult the Indiana Courts Self-Service Legal Center.

What Indiana Law Says About Utility Shutoffs and Tenant Protections

Indiana's Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31 lays out the rights and duties of landlords and tenants. Specifically:

Indiana Code § 32-31-5-6 prohibits landlords from interfering with utilities as a way to force tenants out or collect rent.
Violating this law may let tenants recover actual damages, attorneys' fees, and sometimes seek an emergency order from the court.

If your lease or landlord arrangement says the landlord pays electricity but fails to pay, you may get advance notice from the utility company. Indiana law allows tenants in this situation to pay the utility themselves and subtract the payment from future rent (with proof). Always keep your receipts and written communication.^[2]

Who Handles Disputes? The Tribunal for Landlord-Tenant Matters in Indiana

Most landlord-tenant disputes, including those about utility shutoffs, are handled by the Indiana State Trial Courts (small claims or superior courts). There is no specialized landlord-tenant tribunal, but your county court can help you seek injunctions or damages when needed.

Action Steps for Indiana Renters Facing Utility Shutoffs

Review your lease to determine utility responsibility.
Document any threats or attempts to shut off your electricity.
Contact your electric utility company immediately for information and potential payment arrangements.
Send a written demand to your landlord to fix any unlawful utility shutoff.
If the issue isn't resolved, file a Verified Complaint for Emergency Possession or for damages in your local small claims court.
Seek prompt legal or advocacy help if you feel your safety is at risk due to the shutoff.

Taking action quickly can make a big difference in resolving utility disputes.

FAQ: Indiana Rental Electricity Shutoffs and Your Rights

Can my landlord legally cut off my electricity in Indiana for not paying rent?
No, Indiana law prohibits landlords from shutting off utilities to force payment or eviction.
What should I do if my landlord turns off my power?
Document the situation, contact the utility provider, send a written demand to your landlord, and if needed, file a complaint with your local court.
Who do I contact if my utilities are disconnected?
First, speak to the utility provider. If the shutoff was done by the landlord, contact your local court or the Indiana Courts Self-Service Legal Center for help.
Can I deduct utility payments from my rent if my landlord didn't pay the bill?
If the lease makes the landlord responsible and they fail to pay, Indiana law may allow you to pay and deduct from future rent with proof.^[2]
Who handles utility and eviction disputes in Indiana?
Your local Indiana small claims or superior court will handle these types of landlord-tenant disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority – Housing assistance and renter resources
Indiana Courts Self-Service Legal Center – Tenant forms, court guides, and filing help
Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division – File a complaint about illegal landlord actions
Contact your local Indiana Legal Services office for free legal support: indianalegalservices.org