Can my landlord require I use a specific internet provider in Indiana?

Yes, if your lease specifies a provider and you agreed, landlords may restrict your choice—but they must disclose this in writing.

Is internet an essential service landlords must provide in Indiana?

No, Indiana law does not require landlords to provide internet unless your lease includes it as part of your rent.

Can my landlord add or increase internet fees during my lease?

Not without your written agreement. Any new or increased fees must be clearly disclosed and accepted by the renter.

What if the landlord turns off internet I pay for in my rent?

Document the outage, notify your landlord in writing, and file a complaint with the Indiana Attorney General Consumer Protection Division if needed.

How can I prove my landlord promised to provide internet?

Keep your signed lease, plus any emails or communications confirming that internet is included.

Who Is Responsible for Internet in Indiana Rentals?

Utilities, Services & Billing Indiana published June 21, 2025

Having reliable internet is vital for many Indiana renters, whether for work, study, or daily life. But who makes sure your apartment is connected, pays for the service, or fixes problems if internet is included? Understanding internet service responsibilities—and Indiana’s relevant tenant laws—can help you avoid confusion and resolve any disputes.

Internet Service in Indiana Rental Apartments: Who Pays and Who Decides?

Internet isn’t defined as an “essential utility” like heat or water under Indiana law, so responsibilities usually depend on your rental agreement. Here’s what renters need to know:

If your lease states internet is included: Your landlord must supply and maintain the service as part of your rent.
If your lease is silent about internet: You, the renter, can choose and pay your own provider (unless the building has prearranged contracts).
If there’s a mandatory charge or service: Landlords must clearly disclose this in the lease and on any billing statements. Review your rental contract and any addendums for details.

For more detail, see Indiana's residential landlord-tenant statute, the Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31: Landlord-Tenant Relations.^[1]

Is the Landlord Required to Provide Internet?

Indiana law does not require landlords to provide internet as a default service. Internet is generally considered an optional amenity, not a legally "essential service." Unless your lease says internet is provided, landlords have no legal duty to supply or fix internet in your apartment.

However, if internet is specifically stated as "included in rent," then the landlord must maintain it just like any other amenity outlined in your lease.

What Renters Should Check About Apartment Internet

Carefully review your written lease or renewal agreement: Does it mention internet service or include it as a utility?
If internet is included, check for any speed or provider guarantees.
Ask your landlord or management company for any written rules about routers, installation, or shared Wi-Fi if not clear.
If you must use a particular provider or pay extra, that must be disclosed in your lease per Indiana rental law.

Common Internet Billing Scenarios in Indiana Rentals

Landlord provides building-wide Wi-Fi and bundles charges into your rent.
Landlord arranges service, and you reimburse them as a separate monthly fee.
You sign up and pay a provider directly, with no landlord involvement.
Landlord restricts individual installations for technical or safety reasons (check lease/rules for justification).

Tip: If a new service or fee is added mid-lease, you generally have the right to reject it unless your lease allows changes. Seek clarification in writing for any internet-related fees.

What If There’s a Dispute or Service Problem?

If your landlord is supposed to provide internet—and it’s not working, or there are unfair charges—you have options:

Send your landlord a written notice of the problem. Be specific (e.g., "building internet down since X date; lease states service is included").
If not resolved, you may contact the Indiana Attorney General Consumer Protection Division to file a formal complaint.
If a lease violation impacts your housing or safety, you may be able to file a claim in your local Indiana small claims court.

The main authority handling rental disputes in Indiana is the Indiana Civil Courts (including Small Claims Court). Indiana does not have a separate landlord-tenant board; disputes go through the court system.^[2]

Important Forms for Indiana Renters

Tenant Complaint Form (Indiana Attorney General Consumer Protection Division): Use if your landlord fails to provide an agreed-upon service, such as internet, or is charging undisclosed fees.
Consumer Complaint Form (online and printable).
Example: You submit this form if you pay for internet as part of your rent, but your landlord refuses to fix the connection or is charging extra fees not in your lease.
Indiana Small Claims Court Forms: If monetary damages or lease violations are unresolved, renters may file in Small Claims Court. Find forms for your county at Indiana Courts Local Directory.
Example: You use these forms if your landlord withholds services in violation of the lease, and you seek compensation.

FAQ: Internet Service in Indiana Apartments

Can my landlord require I use a specific internet provider?
Sometimes. If your lease lists a provider and you agreed, your landlord may limit installations for safety or wiring reasons, but major changes must be disclosed in writing.
Is internet considered an “essential service” under Indiana law?
No. Essential services like water and heat are listed in Indiana Code. Internet is only required if your lease guarantees it.
Can a landlord charge extra for internet if it was not in the original lease?
Only with your written agreement. Additional charges mid-lease must be agreed upon and disclosed.
What should I do if my landlord turns off the internet included in my rent?
Document the issue, notify your landlord in writing, and consider filing a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division if unresolved.
How do I prove the landlord promised internet service?
Keep a copy of your signed lease and any email or communication stating internet is included.

Summary: What Indiana Renters Should Remember

Lease details decide who provides and pays for internet in Indiana rentals.
Internet is not an automatic legal right; it must be listed as included to obligate your landlord.
If you face issues, document everything and reach out to official Indiana resources.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Indiana Attorney General Consumer Complaint Form – For reporting landlord-tenant utility disputes
Indiana Attorney General Consumer Protection Division – Advice and enforcement for rental issues
Indiana Small Claims Court Directory – For filing lease violation claims
Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31: Landlord-Tenant Relations – Complete official landlord-tenant laws

See Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31: Landlord-Tenant Relations for statutory requirements and rights.
No statewide landlord-tenant tribunal; see Indiana Civil Courts for rental dispute processes.