Indiana · IN · updated 2026
In Indiana, a landlord must return a security deposit within 45 calendar days
Quick answer
A Indiana landlord has 45 calendar days after the tenancy ends to return your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. Miss it in bad faith and the landlord can end up owing you more than the deposit itself.
Under Indiana security deposit law, a Indiana landlord has 45 calendar days to return your security deposit, counted from when the tenancy ends. By statute, Indiana sets no statutory cap on how much a landlord can charge. If the landlord misses the deadline or keeps money you are owed, you can push back in writing and, if needed, in small claims court.
- Return deadline
- 45 calendar days
- Deadline counted from
- the tenancy ends
- Itemized statement
- Required
- Move-in condition list
- Not required by statute
- Maximum deposit
- No statutory cap
- Interest on deposit
- Not required
Calculate your exact Indiana deadline
Enter your move-out date to see the exact calendar date the deadline lands on. It runs on your device, so nothing you type is uploaded.
What a Indiana landlord can deduct
- Unpaid rent and unpaid utilities you owe under the lease
- Repair of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear (not normal aging, fading, or minor marks)
- An itemized written statement of every deduction (Indiana requires it, so ask for it in writing)
If the landlord withholds in bad faith
landlord failing to provide the required itemized notice within 45 days is liable for the amount wrongfully withheld (or full deposit) plus reasonable attorney's fees and court costs; no bad-faith multiplier
How to get your deposit back in Indiana
- Document the unit's condition at move-out with dated photos of every room (a move-in / move-out checklist keeps it organized).
- Confirm your exact return deadline with the deadline calculator.
- If the deadline passes, send a written demand letter citing the statute and the amount owed.
- If it is still ignored, you can file in small claims court.
Common Indiana deposit disputes
- The deadline passed and you have heard nothing
- Send a written demand letter citing the statute and the amount owed. Keep proof you sent it.
- You got money back but disagree with the deductions
- Indiana requires an itemized statement, so ask for it in writing first, then dispute anything charged as ordinary wear and tear.
- You are still deciding whether the case is worth it
- Confirm the exact deadline below, gather your dated move-out photos, and read the penalty your state allows before you commit.
Frequently asked
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Indiana?
- In Indiana, a landlord must return a security deposit within 45 calendar days.
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Indiana?
- Indiana statute sets no maximum on the security deposit a landlord can charge.
- Can my Indiana landlord keep my deposit for cleaning or normal wear?
- Deductions are generally limited to unpaid rent and damage beyond ordinary wear and tear. Indiana requires the landlord to give an itemized statement of deductions.
- Does a Indiana landlord have to pay interest on my deposit?
- No. Indiana does not require the landlord to pay interest on the security deposit.
- What if my Indiana landlord wrongfully keeps my deposit?
- landlord failing to provide the required itemized notice within 45 days is liable for the amount wrongfully withheld (or full deposit) plus reasonable attorney's fees and court costs; no bad-faith multiplier
Written itemized notice of damages and refund of any balance within 45 days after termination and delivery of possession; no liability until tenant gives a written mailing address (§ 32-31-3-12, -14). Failure to itemize forfeits right to withhold. No cap; no move-in checklist; no interest.