Housing assistance in Indiana

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in Indiana

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in Indiana

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

No statutory cap: the security deposit chapter sets no maximum. Local governments are also barred from regulating security deposits on private rentals.

Ind. Code ch. 32-31-3; § 32-31-1-20

Deposit return deadline

Within 45 days after the lease ends and the tenant moves out, the landlord must return the deposit, minus unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and unpaid utilities, with a written itemized list of deductions. The deadline applies only after the tenant gives the landlord a mailing address in writing. If the landlord does not comply, the tenant can recover the full deposit plus reasonable attorney fees.

Ind. Code § 32-31-3-12

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

At least 10 days' notice before the landlord can end the lease for unpaid rent, unless the parties agreed otherwise. The landlord cannot end the lease if the tenant pays the rent in full before the notice period runs out.

Ind. Code § 32-31-1-6

Landlord entry notice

The landlord must give reasonable written or oral notice and may enter only at reasonable times. No notice is needed in an emergency threatening occupants or the property. A landlord may not use entry to harass the tenant, and the tenant may not unreasonably refuse entry for inspections, repairs or showings.

Ind. Code § 32-31-5-6

Rent increases and rent control

State law preempts local rent control: cities and counties cannot regulate rents on private rentals unless the legislature allows it. They also cannot regulate tenant screening, deposits, applications, lease terms, required disclosures or landlord fees. Government-subsidized reduced-rent housing is excluded.

Ind. Code § 32-31-1-20

If the landlord won’t make repairs

No statutory repair-and-deduct or rent withholding; tenants do not have a right to stop paying rent. The remedy is to give the landlord notice and a reasonable time to fix the problem, and then sue for damages, attorney fees and court costs, or a court order requiring the repair.

Ind. Code § 32-31-8-6

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve Indiana

• Shelter, rent help, and local services211
• HUD-approved housing counseling800-569-4287
• Housing discrimination complaints (HUD)800-669-9777
• Energy assistance referral (LIHEAP)866-674-6327
• Veterans at risk of homelessness877-424-3838
• Domestic violence hotline800-799-7233

More local contacts: HUD’s Indiana resource page.

Next steps

1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

1. Indiana Code ch. 32-31-3 Security DepositsJustia (Indiana Code mirror)
2. Indiana Code § 32-31-3-12 Return of depositsJustia (Indiana Code mirror)
3. Indiana Code § 32-31-1-6 Nonpayment of rent; noticeJustia (Indiana Code mirror)
4. Indiana Code § 32-31-5-6 Access and entryJustia (Indiana Code mirror)
5. Indiana Code § 32-31-1-20 Local regulation of rents prohibitedJustia (Indiana Code mirror)
6. Indiana Code § 32-31-8-6 Tenant actions to enforce landlord obligationsJustia (Indiana Code mirror)
7. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority
8. Weatherization / Energy ConservationIndiana Housing and Community Development Authority
9. Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV)Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority
10. Indiana Legal ServicesIndiana Legal Services
11. Rent and EvictionIndiana Legal Help
12. Eviction Frequently Asked QuestionsIndiana Legal Help
13. Rent and Utility HelpIndiana Legal Help
14. Indianapolis Housing AgencyIndianapolis Housing Agency
15. Fort Wayne Housing AuthorityFort Wayne Housing Authority
16. Housing Authority of South BendHousing Authority of South Bend
17. Housing Authority of the City of EvansvilleHousing Authority of the City of Evansville