How to Report a Landlord in Indiana for Unsafe Living Conditions

How to Report a Landlord in Indiana for Unsafe Living Conditions

Last Updated: July 17, 2024

If a rental property in Indiana fails to meet legally required health and safety standards, tenants have the right to report their landlord to local public officials. They may choose to follow up, inspect the property and cite the landlord for such violations.

What Are Considered Unsafe Living Conditions in Indiana?

In Indiana, unsafe living conditions exist when the rental property doesn’t have safe and working:

  • Electricity.
  • Locks.
  • Heating.
  • Plumbing.
  • Hot and cold water.
  • Common areas.
  • Provided appliances.

A landlord’s direct or indirect interruption of utility services, along with any other issue that substantially impacts a property’s health and safety, may qualify as an unsafe condition.

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What Should Tenants Do Before Reporting a Violation in Indiana?

In most cases, before reporting a violation, a tenant in Indiana must notify the landlord in writing about the issue and ask them to fix it within a reasonable amount of time. The amount of time a landlord can take depends on the severity of the issue. No heat in the middle of a Minnesota winter would be an example of something that should be fixed quickly.

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How Can Tenants Report a Violation in Indiana?

Tenants in Indiana should report violations to the local office or officers responsible for housing code enforcement. The exact process depends on the municipality.

Location Organization Contact
Indianapolis RequestIndy Online Form
Fort Wayne Citizen Services Online Form
Evansville Property Maintenance Enforcement Call (812) 436-7885 or email

After receiving a complaint, an inspecting officer might contact the tenant for more information. Then, the officer usually inspects the property and cites the landlord for any code violations.

How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Indianapolis?

A tenant in Indianapolis can report a health or safety violation by calling (317) 327-4622 or using the online form provided by RequestIndy. Enter the location, detail the issue, provide contact information, and submit.

How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Fort Wayne?

Fort Wayne tenants can report a health or safety violation by calling (260) 427-8311 or using the online form provided by Citizen Services. Enter the location, detail the issue, provide contact information, and submit. Note: for indoor issues, you must call Citizen Services rather than using the online form.

How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Evansville?

A tenant in Evansville can report a health or safety violation by calling (812) 436-7885 or emailing Property Maintenance Enforcement. Be prepared to provide the location, contact information, and a detailed issue description.

What Could Happen to a Landlord After a Complaint Is Made in Indiana?

After a tenant files a complaint about unsafe living conditions in Indiana, an officer may inspect the property. The landlord must fix noted code violations. Otherwise, the landlord could be fined, and the local government might file a lawsuit to condemn the property.

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