General information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant rules change, and cities and counties can add their own. Check the current statute and local ordinances, and talk to a licensed attorney before you act.
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The short version
- When rent is unpaid, the landlord can end the lease with at least 10 days of written notice unless the parties agreed otherwise or the tenant pays all the rent before the notice runs out.
- A month to month tenancy can be ended with notice equal to one rental period, which is one month for a monthly tenancy.
- Eviction cases are generally filed in a county trial court or small claims court that hears possession cases where the property is located.
- A nonpayment eviction often takes about three to six weeks from the notice to removal.
An Indiana landlord can end a lease for unpaid rent with at least 10 days of written notice, unless the lease says otherwise or the tenant pays in full first. Lockouts and utility shutoffs are banned, so possession comes only through a court order.
Indiana eviction process at a glance
| Rule | Indiana | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Notice for unpaid rent | When rent is unpaid, the landlord can end the lease with at least 10 days of written notice unless the parties agreed otherwise or the tenant pays all the rent before the notice runs out. | IC 32-31-1-6 |
| Ending a tenancy without cause | A month to month tenancy can be ended with notice equal to one rental period, which is one month for a monthly tenancy. | IC 32-31-1-1 and IC 32-31-1-4 |
| Where the case is filed | Eviction cases are generally filed in a county trial court or small claims court that hears possession cases where the property is located. | Indiana trial court rules |
| Typical overall timeline | A nonpayment eviction often takes about three to six weeks from the notice to removal. | Court practice (estimate) |
Notices before an eviction in Indiana
The notice is the foundation of the whole case. It has to fit the reason for ending the tenancy, give the full period the law requires and be delivered in a way the court will accept.
Notice for unpaid rent. When rent is unpaid, the landlord can end the lease with at least 10 days of written notice unless the parties agreed otherwise or the tenant pays all the rent before the notice runs out. (IC 32-31-1-6)
Ending a tenancy without cause. A month to month tenancy can be ended with notice equal to one rental period, which is one month for a monthly tenancy. (IC 32-31-1-1 and IC 32-31-1-4)
Filing the case
If the notice period runs out and the tenant has neither fixed the problem nor moved out, the next step is a court filing. Bring the lease, the notice, proof of how it was delivered and a ledger of what is owed.
Where the case is filed. Eviction cases are generally filed in a county trial court or small claims court that hears possession cases where the property is located. (Indiana trial court rules)
Filing costs. Court filing and service fees vary by county and court. (Court fee schedules)
The response and the hearing
Courts look closely at the paperwork. Expect to show the notice, the proof of service and the rent ledger, and to answer any defense the tenant raises.
We could not confirm a statewide rule here. Check your county court or a local attorney.
Judgment and getting possession back
We could not confirm a statewide rule here. Check your county court or a local attorney.
What a landlord must not do
Until a court orders otherwise, the tenant keeps the right to live in the home, even after the notice runs out.
Self-help eviction. Without a court order, a landlord may not change the locks, remove doors or appliances, or cut off electricity, gas, water or other essential services to force a tenant out. (IC 32-31-5-6)
Timeline at a glance
| Step | Typical time | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Notice period for unpaid rent | 10 days | IC 32-31-1-6 |
| Whole case, uncontested | A few weeks | Court practice (estimate) |
Real cases often take longer: holidays, a contested hearing or an appeal can add weeks.
Mistakes to avoid
- Demanding more than the rent actually owed in a notice for unpaid rent, for example by adding late fees or utilities.
- Counting the notice period wrong and filing a day too early.
- Taking partial rent after serving a notice without knowing how it affects the case.
- Keeping no proof of service. Write down who delivered the notice, how and when, and keep a copy.
- Trying to speed things up with a lockout, a utility shutoff or by moving belongings out.
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General information, not legal advice.
Verify current law
We last checked these Indiana rules on . Laws change and cities can add their own, so confirm the current text before you rely on it, and talk to a Indiana attorney about your situation.
Laws named on this page
- IC 32-31-1-6
- IC 32-31-1-1 and IC 32-31-1-4
- Indiana trial court rules
- IC 32-31-5-6
Official sources
Indiana forms for this topic
Letters and checklists for this topic
Before you act on it. Check the statute too; this is not legal advice.
How much notice does a Indiana landlord give for unpaid rent?
When rent is unpaid, the landlord can end the lease with at least 10 days of written notice unless the parties agreed otherwise or the tenant pays all the rent before the notice runs out. Source: IC 32-31-1-6.
Can a Indiana landlord change the locks instead of going to court?
Without a court order, a landlord may not change the locks, remove doors or appliances, or cut off electricity, gas, water or other essential services to force a tenant out. Source: IC 32-31-5-6.
How long does an eviction take in Indiana?
A nonpayment eviction often takes about three to six weeks from the notice to removal. Source: Court practice (estimate).
Which court hears eviction cases in Indiana?
Eviction cases are generally filed in a county trial court or small claims court that hears possession cases where the property is located. Source: Indiana trial court rules.