INDIANA RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT
(Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31; Indiana Landlord-Tenant Law)
This Residential Lease Agreement (this "Agreement") is entered into as of [[Agreement Date]] by and between:
Landlord: [[Landlord Full Legal Name or Entity Name]], with a mailing address of [[Landlord Address, City, State, ZIP]] ("Landlord"); and
Tenant(s): [[Tenant 1 Full Legal Name]], [[Tenant 2 Full Legal Name (if any)]] (jointly and severally, "Tenant").
Landlord and Tenant agree as follows.
1. DEFINITIONS
"Premises" means the dwelling unit, appliances, fixtures, and any identified parking or storage described in Section 2. "Rent" means all amounts payable under this Agreement. "Lease Term" means the period specified in Section 3. "Security Deposit" means funds held per Section 6.
2. PREMISES; PARKING; STORAGE
Landlord leases to Tenant the residential premises located at:
[[Full Property Address, Unit Number (if any), City, County, Indiana, ZIP Code]]
(the "Premises")
Assigned parking space(s): [[Parking Space Number / Description / "None"]]
Storage area: [[Storage Area Description / "None"]]
Included appliances and furnishings: [[List included appliances, e.g., "refrigerator, stove/oven, dishwasher, washer/dryer" or "none beyond fixtures"]]
Tenant has examined the Premises and accepts them in their current condition, except as noted on the Move-In Inspection Checklist (Exhibit A). The Premises shall be used and occupied solely as a private residential dwelling.
3. TERM; POSSESSION; HOLDOVER
3.1 Term. The Lease Term is [[Lease Duration, e.g., "twelve (12) months"]], commencing on [[Lease Start Date]] (the "Start Date") and ending on [[Lease End Date]] (the "End Date").
3.2 Possession. If Landlord is unable to deliver possession on the Start Date through no fault of Tenant, Rent shall abate proportionally until possession is delivered. If Landlord cannot deliver possession within [[5 / 7 / 10 (select)]] days of the Start Date, Tenant may terminate this Agreement and receive a full refund of any prepaid rent and security deposit.
3.3 Holdover. If Tenant remains in possession after the End Date without Landlord's written consent:
- With Landlord's consent (oral or implied by accepting rent): the tenancy converts to a month-to-month tenancy on the same terms, terminable by either party with 30 days' written notice (Indiana Code § 32-31-1-1);
- Without Landlord's consent: Tenant is a holdover tenant and Landlord may pursue ejectment and seek holdover damages at [[Holdover Rent Rate, e.g., "150% of monthly Rent pro-rated daily"]] per day.
4. RENT; PAYMENT
4.1 Monthly Rent. Tenant shall pay monthly Rent of $[[Monthly Rent Amount]] ([[Written Amount]] dollars), due in advance on the [[1st / 5th / other]] day of each calendar month, without offset, deduction, or demand.
4.2 Payment Method. Rent is payable by:
- [ ] Check or money order payable to [[Payee Name]] delivered to [[Address]]
- [ ] Online portal: [[URL or Platform]]
- [ ] Electronic transfer to: [[Bank/Routing/Account Info]]
- [ ] Other: [[Describe]]
4.3 Proration. If the Start Date is not the first day of a month, the first month's Rent is prorated on a 30-day basis.
4.4 Receipt. Landlord shall provide a written receipt upon request for any cash payment.
5. LATE FEES; RETURNED PAYMENTS
5.1 Late Fee. Indiana law does not set a statutory cap on late fees; however, fees must be reasonable and disclosed in the lease. Rent is late if not received by [[Grace Period - e.g., the 5th day of the month]]. If Rent is not received by that date, Tenant shall pay a late fee of $[[Late Fee Amount, e.g., "$50" or "5% of monthly rent"]], which represents a reasonable estimate of Landlord's administrative costs.
5.2 Returned Payment Fee. A fee of $[[Returned Payment Fee, e.g., "$35"]] shall apply to any returned or dishonored check or electronic payment.
5.3 Application of Payments. Landlord may apply payments received in any order, including first to outstanding fees and then to current rent.
6. SECURITY DEPOSIT
6.1 Amount. Upon signing this Agreement, Tenant shall pay a security deposit of $[[Security Deposit Amount]].
> Indiana Law Note: Indiana Code § 32-31-3-9 does not impose a statutory maximum on the security deposit amount (unlike many other states). The parties may negotiate the deposit amount.
6.2 Permitted Uses. The security deposit secures Tenant's performance and may be applied to:
(a) Unpaid rent or other amounts owed under this Agreement;
(b) Costs of repairing damage to the Premises beyond ordinary wear and tear;
(c) Costs to clean the Premises to the move-in condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted); and
(d) Any other amounts Tenant owes under this Agreement or law.
6.3 Return Deadline. Within 45 days after Tenant vacates the Premises and returns all keys, Landlord shall:
(a) Return the security deposit in full; OR
(b) Provide an itemized written statement of deductions and return any remainder. (I.C. § 32-31-3-12.)
6.4 Penalty for Wrongful Withholding. If Landlord wrongfully withholds the security deposit without providing the required itemized statement, Tenant may recover twice the amount wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorneys' fees. (I.C. § 32-31-3-12(f).)
6.5 No Interest Required. Indiana does not require Landlords to pay interest on security deposits.
6.6 Not Last Month's Rent. The security deposit is not to be applied by Tenant as last month's rent without Landlord's prior written consent.
7. UTILITIES AND SERVICES
7.1 Tenant-Paid Utilities. Tenant shall pay for and arrange service for the following utilities in Tenant's name effective on the Start Date: [[List, e.g., "electricity, natural gas, cable/internet, telephone"]]
7.2 Landlord-Paid Utilities. Landlord shall pay for: [[List, e.g., "water/sewer, trash removal" or "none"]]
7.3 Interruption. Landlord is not liable for any interruption in utility service beyond Landlord's reasonable control.
8. OCCUPANTS AND GUESTS
8.1 Authorized Occupants. The Premises shall be occupied only by Tenant and the following additional authorized occupants:
[[Name(s) of additional authorized occupants, or "Tenant only"]]
8.2 Guest Policy. A guest who remains in the Premises for more than [[14 / 7 / other]] consecutive days, or more than [[30]] days in any 12-month period, without Landlord's prior written consent is an unauthorized occupant and a breach of this Agreement.
9. USE OF PREMISES; CONDUCT
Tenant shall use the Premises solely as a private residential dwelling; shall not conduct any illegal activity or business violating local zoning laws; shall not create a nuisance; and shall comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations. Tenant shall comply with Landlord's House Rules (Exhibit B, if any).
10. PETS; ASSISTANCE ANIMALS
10.1 Pet Policy. [[Select: "No pets permitted without prior written consent" / "The following pets are permitted: [Name, species, breed, weight]" / "Pets permitted with a signed Pet Addendum and payment of a pet deposit of $[Amount]"]]
10.2 Pet Deposit. (If applicable.) A pet deposit of $[[Pet Deposit Amount]] is due at signing ([[refundable / non-refundable]]).
10.3 Assistance Animals. Landlord shall permit assistance animals (service animals and emotional support animals) as required by applicable law (Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. § 3604; Indiana Civil Rights Law). Tenant must provide documentation of disability-related need for an emotional support animal upon request.
11. SMOKING POLICY
Smoking policy: [[Select: "No smoking of any substance - tobacco, cannabis, or otherwise - is permitted anywhere on the Premises or within 25 feet of any entrance" / "Smoking is permitted only in [designated outdoor area]" / other policy]]
Indiana law: Indiana legalized adult recreational cannabis use in [[NOT as of June 2026 - Indiana has not legalized recreational cannabis]]. Indiana has not legalized recreational cannabis as of June 2026. Cannabis use remains prohibited on the Premises regardless of tenant's medical marijuana status unless the law changes.
12. PARKING AND VEHICLES
Only operable, currently registered vehicles may be parked in assigned spaces. Inoperable, unregistered, or unauthorized vehicles may be towed at the vehicle owner's expense after [[24/48-hour]] notice is posted on the vehicle, unless an emergency requires immediate removal.
13. LANDLORD'S MAINTENANCE OBLIGATIONS; HABITABILITY
13.1 Habitability Warranty. Landlord warrants that the Premises are fit for human habitation and shall maintain the Premises in a habitable condition throughout the Lease Term. (I.C. § 32-31-8-5.)
13.2 Landlord's Duties. Landlord shall:
(a) Comply with all applicable building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety;
(b) Keep all structural components (roof, walls, floors, foundation), plumbing, electrical systems, heating facilities, and Landlord-provided appliances in good and safe working order;
(c) Keep common areas reasonably clean and safe; and
(d) Provide functional locks on all exterior doors.
14. TENANT'S MAINTENANCE OBLIGATIONS
14.1 Tenant's Duties. Tenant shall:
(a) Keep the Premises in a clean, sanitary, and safe condition;
(b) Properly use and operate all plumbing, electrical, and mechanical fixtures and systems;
(c) Replace HVAC filters (if any) every [[30/60/90]] days;
(d) Replace light bulbs and smoke/CO-detector batteries;
(e) Promptly report to Landlord all conditions requiring repair;
(f) Keep plumbing drains clear and free of blockage;
(g) Maintain any yards, lawns, or gardens assigned to Tenant; and
(h) Prevent pest infestation to the extent within Tenant's control.
14.2 Tenant Liability for Damage. Tenant shall pay for repair of any damage to the Premises or building caused by Tenant's, occupants', or guests' misuse, neglect, or intentional conduct, beyond ordinary wear and tear.
15. REPAIR REQUESTS
15.1 Routine Repairs. Tenant shall submit repair requests in writing to [[Repair Contact Name, Address, Phone, Email or Online Portal]].
15.2 Emergency Repairs. For emergencies threatening life, health, or property (e.g., gas leak, fire, burst pipe), Tenant shall contact [[Emergency Contact: Name and Phone]] and emergency services (911 if appropriate).
15.3 Landlord Response. Landlord shall respond to repair requests within a reasonable time after written notice. Landlord's failure to make a required repair within a reasonable time may entitle Tenant to remedies under Indiana Code § 32-31-8-6.
16. ALTERATIONS; FIXTURES; LOCKS
Tenant shall not make any alterations, additions, or improvements to the Premises (including painting, wallpaper, or installation of fixtures or satellite dishes) without Landlord's prior written consent. Any improvements made with consent become the Landlord's property unless Landlord requires removal at move-out. Tenant shall not change or add any lock without providing Landlord a key.
17. LANDLORD'S RIGHT OF ENTRY
17.1 Notice. Landlord may enter the Premises to inspect, make repairs or improvements, supply agreed services, or show the Premises to prospective tenants, buyers, or contractors, upon providing Tenant with at least 24 hours' advance notice, except in case of emergency. (There is no explicit statutory notice requirement in Indiana Code for non-emergency entry; 24 hours is the standard industry practice and lease-required minimum.)
17.2 Emergency Entry. Landlord may enter without notice in case of an emergency posing immediate risk to persons or property.
18. RENTER'S INSURANCE
Tenant shall obtain and maintain renter's insurance with liability coverage of at least $[[Minimum Coverage, e.g., "$100,000"]] throughout the Lease Term, naming Landlord as an additional interested party, and shall provide proof of coverage within [[7 / 14]] days of Landlord's written request. Landlord's property insurance does not cover Tenant's personal property.
Each party waives all rights of subrogation against the other to the extent of insurance proceeds actually received.
19. LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION
19.1 Landlord's Insurance. Landlord's property insurance does not cover Tenant's personal property. Tenant is responsible for insuring all personal property.
19.2 Tenant Indemnification. Except to the extent caused by Landlord's negligence or willful misconduct, Tenant shall indemnify and hold harmless Landlord from and against any claims, losses, damages, and costs arising from Tenant's use of the Premises, or the acts or omissions of Tenant's occupants or guests.
20. ASSIGNMENT; SUBLETTING
Tenant shall not assign this Agreement or sublet all or any portion of the Premises without Landlord's prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld if Tenant provides a qualified substitute tenant.
21. DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
21.1 Tenant Default. Tenant is in default if:
(a) Tenant fails to pay Rent when due;
(b) Tenant breaches any other material term of this Agreement; or
(c) Tenant abandons the Premises.
21.2 Notice and Cure. Prior to pursuing eviction, Landlord shall serve the required notice under Indiana Code § 32-31-1-6 (10-day notice to pay rent or vacate) or § 32-31-1-7 (10-day notice to cure breach or vacate) as applicable.
21.3 Landlord Remedies. On default and expiration of applicable notice period without cure, Landlord may:
(a) File an eviction action in the circuit or superior court of [[County]] County;
(b) Apply the security deposit to amounts owed; and
(c) Recover all damages permitted by Indiana law, including court costs and attorneys' fees as awarded by the court.
21.4 No Self-Help. Landlord shall not engage in self-help eviction, including lockouts, utility shutoffs, or removal of Tenant's property, except as permitted by court order.
21.5 Landlord Default. If Landlord fails to maintain the Premises in a habitable condition and fails to remedy the deficiency within [[14]] days of written notice from Tenant, Tenant may exercise remedies under Indiana Code § 32-31-8-6, including the right to terminate the lease or pursue a legal remedy for breach.
22. DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION
If the Premises are damaged by fire, casualty, or other cause not attributable to Tenant's negligence or intentional conduct, and the damage renders the Premises uninhabitable, Rent shall abate for the affected period. If the Premises cannot be restored to a habitable condition within [[60 / 90]] days, either party may terminate this Agreement on [[10 / 30]] days' written notice, and Tenant shall receive a refund of any prepaid rent.
23. CONDEMNATION
If all or a material part of the Premises is taken by eminent domain or condemnation, this Agreement terminates as to the part taken as of the date of taking. Tenant may terminate this Agreement if the taking materially impairs Tenant's use of the Premises. The condemnation award belongs to Landlord, except Tenant may pursue a separate claim for moving expenses and the value of Tenant's trade fixtures, if permitted by law.
24. ABANDONMENT
If Tenant vacates the Premises prior to the end of the Lease Term without Landlord's written consent, Landlord may re-let the Premises on behalf of Tenant and apply rent received to amounts owed. Landlord shall take commercially reasonable steps to re-let the Premises to mitigate damages, but Tenant remains liable for unpaid rent and costs through the end of the Lease Term.
25. REQUIRED DISCLOSURES
25.1 Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Pre-1978 Properties). (Required by 42 U.S.C. § 4852d for housing built before 1978.)
- [ ] Not applicable - Premises was constructed in [[Year, if 1978 or later]].
- [ ] Landlord has no knowledge of lead-based paint hazards in the Premises.
- [ ] Landlord has knowledge of the following lead-based paint hazards: [[Describe]]
- [ ] Landlord has provided a copy of the EPA-approved pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home."
25.2 Mold Disclosure. Landlord discloses the following known mold conditions: [["None known" / Describe any known mold conditions]]
25.3 Radon Disclosure. Landlord [[is / is not]] aware of radon testing results for the Premises. (Indiana does not require mandatory radon disclosure but Landlord should disclose known results.)
Test results: [["No testing conducted" / Attach test results]]
25.4 Bed Bug Disclosure. Landlord [[is / is not]] aware of any current or past bedbug infestation on the Premises. Landlord [[has / has not]] received written notice of a bedbug infestation in the Premises within the past 60 days.
25.5 Flood Disclosure. Landlord discloses: [[Is the Premises located in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area? / Has the Premises flooded in the past? Disclose known facts.]]
25.6 Utility or Service Shared Systems. (If applicable.) [[Describe any shared utility or metering arrangements that allocate costs among tenants.]]
26. SMOKE DETECTOR AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR
Landlord has installed [[number]] smoke detector(s) and [[number]] carbon monoxide detector(s) in the Premises as required by Indiana Code § 22-11-18-3.5 (smoke detectors) and applicable local codes. Tenant shall test detectors at move-in, replace batteries as needed, and immediately notify Landlord if any detector is malfunctioning or missing. Tenant shall not disable, tamper with, or remove any detector.
27. MILITARY SERVICEMEMBER CLAUSE (SCRA)
If Tenant is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and receives permanent change-of-station (PCS) orders or deployment orders for a period of at least 90 days, Tenant may terminate this Agreement by delivering written notice and a copy of the orders to Landlord at least 30 days prior to the termination date, in accordance with the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, 50 U.S.C. §§ 3901 et seq. Termination is effective 30 days after the next rent due date following delivery of notice.
28. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTIONS
(Indiana Code § 32-31-9-1 et seq.) A Tenant who is a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking may have the right to early lease termination upon providing Landlord with proper documentation (protective order, law enforcement report, or other qualifying documentation) pursuant to Indiana Code § 32-31-9 et seq. The parties agree to comply with all applicable Indiana law on this subject.
29. NOTICES
All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered by: (a) personal delivery; (b) first-class U.S. mail, postage prepaid; (c) overnight courier; or (d) email (if both parties have agreed to email notice in writing).
Notices to Tenant shall be delivered to the Premises or Tenant's last known address.
Notices to Landlord shall be sent to: [[Landlord Notice Address, including email if applicable]]
30. SUBORDINATION; ESTOPPEL; ATTORNMENT
This Agreement is subordinate to any existing or future mortgage or deed of trust on the Premises. Tenant agrees to execute a commercially reasonable estoppel certificate within [[10]] days of Landlord's request. In the event of a foreclosure or sale, Tenant agrees to attorn to the new owner and recognize the new owner as Landlord, subject to applicable law.
31. JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY
If two or more persons are named as Tenant, each is jointly and severally liable for all obligations under this Agreement, including payment of Rent, performance of all other terms, and liability for any damages.
32. WAIVER; NON-WAIVER
No delay or failure by either party to enforce any provision of this Agreement constitutes a waiver of that right. A waiver of one breach or default does not waive any subsequent or other breach or default.
33. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; AMENDMENTS; GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement, together with all exhibits and addenda attached hereto, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding the Premises and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, and understandings. No amendment is valid unless in writing and signed by both parties. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Indiana, including Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31. Venue shall be in the circuit or superior court of [[County]] County, Indiana.
34. SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
35. ATTORNEY'S FEES
In any legal action arising out of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs, to the extent permitted by Indiana law.
EXHIBIT A - MOVE-IN INSPECTION CHECKLIST
(Complete at move-in. Both parties should sign.)
| Room / Area | Condition | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Living Room | [[Good / Fair / Poor]] | [[Describe any existing damage]] |
| Kitchen | [[Good / Fair / Poor]] | |
| Bedroom 1 | [[Good / Fair / Poor]] | |
| Bedroom 2 | [[Good / Fair / Poor]] | |
| Bathroom(s) | [[Good / Fair / Poor]] | |
| Other Areas | [[Good / Fair / Poor]] | |
| Appliances | [[Good / Fair / Poor]] | |
| Exterior / Parking | [[Good / Fair / Poor]] | |
Landlord / Agent: ________________________ Date: ___________
Tenant: ________________________ Date: ___________
EXHIBIT B - HOUSE RULES (if any)
[[Attach or enter any specific rules regarding noise curfews, garbage, recycling, shared spaces, parking, etc.]]
SIGNATURES
By signing below, the parties confirm that they have read, understood, and agreed to all terms of this Agreement.
LANDLORD:
Signature: ________________________ Date: ___________
Printed Name: [[Landlord Full Name or Authorized Representative]]
Title (if entity): [[Title / Property Manager]]
Address: [[Landlord Address]]
TENANT 1:
Signature: ________________________ Date: ___________
Printed Name: [[Tenant 1 Full Name]]
TENANT 2 (if applicable):
Signature: ________________________ Date: ___________
Printed Name: [[Tenant 2 Full Name]]
SOURCES AND DISCLAIMER
Governing Statutes: Indiana Code § 32-31-3-9 (security deposit - no statutory cap); § 32-31-3-12 (deposit return - 45 days, twice-wrongful-withholding penalty); § 32-31-8-5 (habitability warranty); § 32-31-8-6 (tenant remedies for landlord breach); § 32-31-1-1 (month-to-month - 30-day termination); § 32-31-1-6 (10-day pay-or-quit); § 32-31-1-7 (10-day cure-or-quit); § 22-11-18-3.5 (smoke detectors); § 32-31-9 et seq. (domestic violence protections); 50 U.S.C. §§ 3901 et seq. (SCRA); 42 U.S.C. § 4852d (lead-paint disclosure, pre-1978 housing). As of: June 2026. Indiana has no statutory entry-notice period - 24-hour lease provision is standard practice.
> TEMPLATE DISCLAIMER - NOT PROFESSIONAL ADVICE: This document is a template for informational purposes only. Indiana landlord-tenant law is complex and local ordinances may impose additional requirements. Consult a licensed Indiana attorney before using this agreement. Verify that all disclosures, deposit rules, and eviction notice periods are current before entering into any lease.
