Regardless of your state, Federal law mandates certain information be provided in each lease agreement. For example, all lease and rental agreements (including those in Indiana) should list the following:
- The property address and description,
- Landlord and tenant names and contact information,
- Pet allowances and prohibitions,
- Information regarding lead based hazards,
- The amount of rent and security deposit due,
- The date and location of when and where the rent is to be paid
Keep in mind that not all states will have identical rental and leasing requirements, and will often differ on important issues.
It’s very important for you to familiarize yourself with Indiana’s specific requirements and laws to help create a comprehensive and complete lease agreement. By better understanding these laws, you can better protect your future financial and legal interests, and possibly even prevent future litigation.
1. Indiana Residential Lease Agreement Sample
The sample lease agreement below describes a contract between “Landlord” Katie Harris and “Tenant” Jennifer Phillips. She agrees to rent a duplex in Indianapolis for $1,000 per month for a fixed term beginning on June 20, 2017 and ending on December 20, 2017. The tenant agrees to pay for all utilities and services for the premises.
This is a good example of what provisions a simple lease agreement might contain, and how one should look in its final form.
2. Indiana Landlord and Tenant Laws
Indiana imposes specific and distinct requirements for landlords and tenants when executing a lease or rental agreement. For example, Indiana law provides for the following:
Security Deposit:
- Tenants are entitled to receiving their full deposit back if the property is returned in “good order”. The landlord may not use the deposit to pay for what is deemed normal “wear and tear”.
Landlord Right of Entry:
- Landlords must give advanced notice to tenants before entering the premises of a leased property.
Additionally, Indiana law requires:
Utilities:
- A landlord shall provide and maintain all electrical, sanitary, plumbing, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems.
- A heating system must be able to adequately provide heat at all hours.
Further Contact Details:
- A landlord must keep common areas reasonably clean, keep properties up to health and sanitation codes, and not discriminate against their tenants based on sexual orientation, gender, race, or disabilities.