Two ways to rent in Indiana
The same free builder makes both — pick the one that fits and the agreement adapts automatically.
Standard Residential Lease Agreement
A fixed-term lease with set start and end dates (usually one year) — best for a long-term tenant.
Create a fixed-term leaseMonth-to-Month Rental Agreement
A flexible tenancy that renews each month and ends with proper written notice from either party.
Create a month-to-month agreementOverview
Renting out a home in Indiana? A residential lease agreement is the contract that protects both sides — it sets the rent, the term, the deposit, and the rules the landlord and tenant agree to, and it's your proof of what was agreed if a dispute ever comes up. Indiana tenancies are governed by the landlord-tenant statutes in Title 32, Article 31 of the Indiana Code.
Indianalease rules & requirements
Security deposit
Indiana sets no maximum on a residential security deposit — the amount is whatever the lease states (one month's rent is the common benchmark). Under IC 32-31-3-12, the landlord must mail an itemized statement of any deductions and return the balance within 45 days after the tenant moves out and provides a mailing address; missing that deadline forfeits the right to keep any of it.
Late fees
Indiana has no statutory cap on late fees and no mandatory grace period, so a fee must simply be reasonable and should be spelled out in the lease. Stating the amount and when it applies keeps the charge enforceable and avoids disputes.
Landlord entry & notice
Under IC 32-31-5-6, an Indiana landlord must give reasonable written or oral notice before entering and may enter only at reasonable times, except in an emergency. The statute doesn't fix an exact number of hours, so setting a clear window — 24 hours is standard — protects both sides.
Required disclosures
Under IC 32-31-3-18, the landlord must give the tenant, in writing at or before the start of the lease, the name and address of the manager and of an agent authorized to receive notices and service of process. Add the federal lead-based-paint disclosure for pre-1978 homes, and a flood-plain notice in the lease if the unit sits in a 100-year flood plain.
Ending the lease
A fixed-term lease simply ends on its end date. A month-to-month tenancy can be ended by either party with at least one month's written notice under IC 32-31-1-1.
Does it need notarizing?
No. An Indiana residential lease doesn't need to be notarized or witnessed — it's binding once the landlord and tenant(s) sign. Each party should keep a signed copy.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm the current rules under Indiana law (Landlord-Tenant Relations, Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31).
How to write a Indiana lease agreement
- 1
Choose the lease type — a fixed-term lease (set start and end dates) or a month-to-month tenancy.
- 2
Add the property details and the landlord's and tenant(s)' full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Set the monthly rent, the due date, accepted payment methods, and any late or NSF fees.
- 4
Set the security deposit and when it's returned, plus any pet, parking, smoking, or utility terms.
- 5
Add the required disclosures (lead-based paint for pre-1978 homes, manager and agent contact, flood-plain notice if applicable) and any house rules.
- 6
The landlord and every tenant sign and date the lease — and each keeps a copy.
Ready to create your Indiana lease agreement?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Landlord & tenant(s) — names and addresses
- Property, lease type & term
- Rent — amount, due date & payment methods
- Security deposit, late & NSF fees
- Pets, parking, smoking & utilities
- Disclosures & signatures
Indiana lease agreement FAQ
Does an Indiana residential lease need to be notarized?
No. A residential lease in Indiana doesn't have to be notarized or witnessed. It's legally binding once the landlord and tenant(s) sign it.
Is there a limit on the security deposit in Indiana?
No. Indiana doesn't cap residential security deposits by statute — the amount is set by the lease. One month's rent is the common benchmark.
How long does an Indiana landlord have to return the deposit?
45 days after the tenant moves out and gives a mailing address, under IC 32-31-3-12. The landlord must mail an itemized statement of any deductions with the balance; missing the 45-day deadline forfeits the right to keep any of the deposit.
How much can a late fee be in Indiana?
Indiana sets no statutory cap and requires no grace period, so a late fee just has to be reasonable. Spell out the amount and when it applies in the lease so it's enforceable.
How much notice ends a month-to-month lease in Indiana?
At least one month's written notice from either the landlord or the tenant under IC 32-31-1-1.
Does the landlord have to give notice before entering in Indiana?
Yes. Under IC 32-31-5-6 the landlord must give reasonable notice and enter only at reasonable times, except in an emergency. The law doesn't fix an exact number of hours, so a 24-hour notice clause is standard and protects both sides.
What must an Indiana lease disclose?
The name and address of the manager and of an agent for notices and service of process under IC 32-31-3-18, the federal lead-based-paint disclosure for pre-1978 homes, and a flood-plain notice in the lease if the unit is in a 100-year flood plain.
Is this Indiana lease agreement really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.