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Evicting a tenant in Indiana just got more complex, and landlords who aren’t prepared could face costly mistakes. Landlords in Indiana are facing some important changes in 2026.
With Indiana rental laws updates for 2026, understanding the eviction process in Indiana has never been more crucial. Knowing the rules protects your rental property, keeps your landlord-tenant relationship strong, and helps you avoid legal trouble.
These updates touch every part of property management, from handling lease violations and overdue rent to following proper notice requirements and court procedures. Staying informed allows landlords to act confidently and maintain control over their rental property while respecting tenant rights.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s changing and how it affects the Indiana eviction process.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana eviction laws are changing in 2026: Landlords must stay updated to comply with Indiana landlord-tenant laws.
- Proper notice is essential: Issuing a proper eviction notice protects landlords and ensures the legal eviction process is followed correctly.
- Handle tenant violations carefully: Issues like overdue rent, unauthorized pets, and property damage must be addressed according to the law.
- Court enforcement is required: Only a law enforcement officer or the sheriff can remove tenants after a court order.
- Professional support helps: Complete Landlord Solutions can manage tenant screening, evictions, and court filings, keeping your rental property protected and compliant.
What’s Changing in 2026
These updates affect nearly every step of the Indiana eviction process, from how notices are issued to how eviction records are handled. Understanding these changes is essential for landlords to stay compliant with Indiana eviction laws and protect their rental property.
The following sections break down the key changes in more detail.
Eviction Records Are Being Sealed
One of the biggest shifts is how eviction records are handled. In certain cases, records may now be automatically sealed, especially if a tenant wins their case or a lawsuit is dismissed (Senate Enrolled Act 142). This affects landlords who rely on public eviction histories during tenant screening. What was once publicly accessible may now be hidden, requiring landlords to pay closer attention to lease agreements, references, and rental history.
Strict Enforcement of the Legal Eviction Process
The 2026 updates put even more emphasis on following the legal eviction process. Self-help evictions like changing locks, shutting off utilities, or forcibly removing tenants remain illegal. Only a law enforcement officer or the sheriff can forcibly remove tenants after a court order. Failing to follow proper procedures can turn a simple eviction into a costly, illegal eviction case.
Clarified Notice Periods and Tenant Options
Landlords now have clearer guidance on notice requirements. For overdue rent, tenants generally have ten days to pay rent or vacate. For lease violations, tenants may have a “reasonable period” to fix the problem before eviction. Severe violations, like illegal activity, may require an unconditional quit notice with no cure period (Indiana Code § 32‑31‑11‑4). These updates help landlords avoid improper notice claims and streamline the Indiana eviction process.
Legal Grounds for Eviction
Understanding your rights under Indiana eviction laws is essential. Common reasons to start eviction proceedings include:
- Unpaid rent or overdue rent
- Lease violations, such as unauthorized pets or property damage
- Health and safety violations
- Illegal activity on the rental property
- End of lease term or holdover situations
Landlords must clearly state the grounds in their notice. Following the proper notice requirements ensures the process remains lawful and enforceable.
Notice Requirements and Proper Eviction Notice
A proper eviction notice is a crucial first step in the Indiana eviction process, as it establishes the legal foundation for removing a tenant. Landlords must clearly specify which lease agreement terms were violated and provide the required notice period in accordance with Indiana law.
The notice should be delivered through personal delivery or certified mail to ensure the tenant receives it and that the delivery can be documented. Failing to issue a proper written notice or meet the notice requirements can lead to improper notice claims, delays in the eviction timeline, and potential challenges during eviction proceedings.
Lease Violations and Tenant Responsibilities
Eviction often occurs when a tenant fails to comply with the lease agreement, resulting in lease violations such as keeping unauthorized pets, causing property damage, or engaging in illegal activity on the rental property.
Tenants are legally obligated to pay rent on time and follow all terms of the rental agreement. When a tenant violates the lease and ignores a proper written notice, landlords may proceed with filing an eviction lawsuit in small claims court as part of the legal eviction process in Indiana.
Filing an Eviction Lawsuit
When a tenant fails to comply with a proper eviction notice, the landlord files court documents and pays court filing fees. During the eviction hearing, both parties present evidence, including any lease violations or unpaid rent. The court issues an eviction judgment if legal grounds are met. Enforcement is strictly through a law enforcement officer or the sheriff, protecting landlords from illegal eviction claims.
Indiana Eviction Process
Following an eviction in Indiana requires a clear sequence of steps to stay compliant with Indiana landlord-tenant laws. The steps below show how landlords can complete the legal eviction process properly.
- Step 1: Issue a written notice or unconditional quit notice based on the lease violation.
- Step 2: File court documents and pay court filing fees to begin the legal eviction process.
- Step 3: Attend the eviction hearing, where the court reviews lease violations, legal grounds, and whether proper notice was provided.
- Step 4: Obtain an eviction judgment, after which only the sheriff or law enforcement officer can remove the tenant.
Indiana Eviction Timeline
The Indiana eviction timeline depends on the type of violation:
- Overdue rent: typically 10 days to pay rent or vacate
- Lease violations: a reasonable period to cure the violation
- After notice, the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit, attend the eviction hearing, and await a court order
- Law enforcement completes the removal once the eviction judgment is issued
Following Indiana landlord-tenant laws ensures the process is smooth and avoids disputes.
The Role of Professional Property Managers
Professional property managers help landlords navigate the Indiana eviction process while keeping everything legal and organized. They ensure each step is handled properly and tenant rights are respected.
- Issue proper written notices in compliance with Indiana eviction laws.
- Maintain accurate eviction records and manage court documents and filing fees.
- Handle lease violations, overdue rent, and tenant disputes efficiently.
- Protect the rental property and maintain a professional landlord-tenant relationship.
- Ensure tenant rights are respected during eviction proceedings.
- Coordinate with legal counsel or Indiana legal services for complex cases.
- Reduce the risk of illegal eviction while completing the legal eviction process correctly.
For landlords needing expert support, Complete Landlord Solutions can handle every step of your rental property management. We manage tenant screening and evictions while ensuring compliance with Indiana landlord-tenant laws and protecting your investment.
Quick Questions Every Indiana Landlord Asks
1. Can I evict a tenant for unauthorized subletting?
Yes. It’s a lease violation, and you must follow the Indiana eviction process with a proper eviction notice.
2. Who pays for tenant-caused property damage?
Tenants are responsible. Landlords can deduct costs from the security deposit or pursue an eviction lawsuit if needed.
3. Can eviction filings affect my insurance?
Yes. Improper evictions or ignoring notice requirements can create legal issues that impact coverage. Working with Complete Landlord Solutions keeps the process compliant.
Preparing for 2026 and Beyond
The Indiana rental laws updates for 2026 remind landlords that knowledge is power. Staying informed about lease terms, grounds for eviction, and notice requirements reduces risk, strengthens landlord-tenant relationships, and protects rental property investments. Even minor issues like unauthorized pets or overdue rent can escalate if the eviction process in Indiana is mishandled.
Landlords who follow the legal eviction process, attend eviction hearings, and issue proper written notice stay compliant with Indiana law. This helps them manage their properties in a professional and lawful way.
Let Complete Landlord Solutions handle the hard work for you, from tenant screening to evictions, so your rental properties stay protected and fully compliant. Explore our services today to see how we can support your property management needs.