Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Indiana?

In Indiana, landlord entry is primarily governed by IC § 32-31-5-6. But Indiana law does explicitly allow for entry without notice in true emergencies, even if the tenant is home.

Legal Entry Without Prior Notice

As of 2026, an Indiana landlord may enter a dwelling unit without the tenant’s immediate consent or notice in the following cases:

• True Emergencies: Per IC § 32-31-5-6(f)(1), entry is permitted without notice if an emergency “threatens the safety of the occupants or the landlord’s property” (e.g., active fire, gas leak, or flooding).

• Abandonment or Surrender: If the tenant has permanently moved out, notice is not required ( IC § 32-31-5-6(f)(2)(B)).

• Court Order: If a judge has issued an order permitting entry.

Requirements for Standard Entry

For non-emergencies (inspections, repairs, or showing the unit):

• Reasonable Notice: The landlord must provide “reasonable written or oral notice” of the intent to enter. While the statute doesn’t define “reasonable” in hours, Indiana courts typically interpret this as 24 to 48 hours.

• Reasonable Times: Entry must occur only at reasonable times, generally during standard business hours.

• Tenant Obligations: A tenant cannot unreasonably withhold consent for the landlord to enter for lawful purposes like inspections or repairs ( IC § 32-31-5-6(e)).

Protections Against Abuse

• Harassment: Under IC § 32-31-5-6(g), a landlord may not “abuse the right of entry or use a right of entry to harass a tenant.”

• Legal Action: If a landlord violates these privacy laws, a tenant can sue for damages, attorney’s fees, and even termination of the lease.

The information for this answer was found on our Indiana Landlord Tenant Rights answers.