Indiana Security Deposit Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Ind. Code §32-31-3-12 — Security Deposits
Return Deadline
Your landlord must return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 45 calendar days after termination of tenancy and delivery of possession.
Penalty for Non-Return
If your landlord fails to return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 45 calendar days, you may be entitled to tenant may recover actual damages plus attorney fees under Ind. Code §32-31-3-16.
Key Facts
- Maximum deposit: no statutory limit
- Itemization required: Within 45 calendar days
- Small claims limit: $8,000
Additional Protections
- Landlord must provide itemized list of damages with estimated or actual costs
- Tenant must provide forwarding address in writing to trigger return deadline
What Your Indiana Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Indiana's actual statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
Ind. Code §32-31-3-12 cited by section number. Your landlord sees you know the law.
Calculated Deadline
45 calendar days from your move-out date, computed automatically from your specific dates.
Penalty Warning
tenant may recover actual damages plus attorney fees — cited so your landlord knows the cost of non-compliance.
Print-Ready PDF
Professional formatting. Print it, sign it, send it certified mail. Ready in under 3 minutes.
Free preview. $9.99 for the clean, print-ready PDF.
Indiana Security Deposit FAQ
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Indiana?
Under Ind. Code §32-31-3-12, your landlord has 45 calendar days after termination of tenancy and delivery of possession to return your security deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.
What happens if my Indiana landlord doesn't return my deposit on time?
If your landlord fails to return your deposit within the legal deadline, you may be entitled to tenant may recover actual damages plus attorney fees under Ind. Code §32-31-3-16. You can pursue this in small claims court.
What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in Indiana?
Under Ind. Code §32-31-3-12, the maximum security deposit in Indiana is no statutory limit.
Does my Indiana landlord have to itemize deductions from my deposit?
Yes. Indiana law requires landlords to provide an itemized list of deductions within 45 calendar days of move-out.
Can I sue my landlord in small claims court in Indiana?
Yes. Indiana small claims court handles cases up to $8,000. Security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases.
Do I need a lawyer to send a security deposit demand letter in Indiana?
No. A demand letter is a formal written request, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Indiana-specific demand letter citing Ind. Code §32-31-3-12 so your landlord knows you understand your rights.
Security Deposit Demand Letters by State
Select your state to see your specific rights and generate your letter.