An Indiana Rental Application is a document landlords, property owners, and real estate companies use to screen potential tenants before offering a lease agreement. It allows the landlord to run credit and background checks that provide information on past evictions, finances, employment, and criminal history.
Laws
- Application Fee – Non-refundable
- Fee Limits – No limits (no statute)
- Security Deposit – No limits (no statute)
State Laws
Application Fees
In addition to completing the application, prospective tenants typically pay a fee to cover administrative costs associated with conducting background checks and screening tenants. The payment indicates the renter’s earnest intention to enter a lease agreement.
This fee is usually non-refundable regardless of whether or not the landlord chooses the applicant. State law doesn’t limit the amount a property owner can charge. Some landlords expect every adult listed on the form to pay the fee, but a property owner may waive it for secondary renters.
Security Deposits
Indiana has no regulations on how much security deposit a landlord can charge a tenant. However, the law requires the landlord to return the deposit within 45 days of the lease end if the tenant leaves the property in good condition with only normal wear and tear (§ 32-31-3-12).
Pet Deposits
There are no state statutes that govern pet deposits. However, landlords are prohibited from collecting pet deposit fees for service animals.
Other Resources
Indiana law prohibits landlords from discriminatory housing practices against tenants based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. The Civil Rights Commission provides landlords and tenants with information about protections from housing discrimination, tools to stay within the law, and opportunities for redress.
People convicted of sex crimes must register for a minimum of ten years. The Sex Offender Registry offers a county-by-county search for sexual offenders who are required to keep the public aware of their location.
How To Conduct an Eviction Record Search
The Indiana Courts Public Portal makes it easy for landlords to conduct their eviction record searches by entering an applicant’s name and identifying information.
The resulting report will show any legal actions against the tenant due to unpaid rent or failure to vacate a property after being given proper written notice.
Sample
