Indiana Security Deposit Law

Return deadline, statute, and penalties for Indiana renters.

Return deadline

45 days

Penalty for late or wrongful withholding

Full deposit owed plus attorney fees if no itemized list is sent

Governing statute

Ind. Code §§ 32-31-3-12, 32-31-3-16

Did your Indiana landlord miss the deadline?

Enter your move-out date and deposit to see your exact deadline, whether it has passed, and the maximum penalty. It's free.

Check my Indiana deadline

Indiana security deposit questions

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Indiana?

Under Ind. Code §§ 32-31-3-12, 32-31-3-16, a Indiana landlord generally has 45 days to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.

What happens if a Indiana landlord returns the deposit late?

Full deposit owed plus attorney fees if no itemized list is sent. Courts usually decide whether a penalty applies, and many states require showing the landlord acted in bad faith.

Can a Indiana landlord deduct from my deposit?

Landlords can generally deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, and must explain deductions in writing.

How do I demand my security deposit back in Indiana?

Send your landlord a written demand letter that cites Ind. Code §§ 32-31-3-12, 32-31-3-16, states the amount owed, and sets a deadline to pay. Send it by certified mail and keep a copy. If the landlord doesn't pay, the letter is useful evidence in small claims court.

Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Read the official text of Ind. Code §§ 32-31-3-12, 32-31-3-16. This page is general information, not legal advice. See our terms of use.

Indiana Security Deposit Law: Deadline & Penalties