Indiana Security Deposit Demand Letter
Direct answer
In Indiana, the landlord must return the deposit within 45 calendar days (tenant has supplied a written mailing address; clock does not run for landlord liability until address is provided in writing). The deadline is measured from this trigger: After termination of the rental agreement and delivery of possession. The verified state formula is tenant may recover all of the security deposit due plus reasonable attorney's fees; failure to provide timely itemization is treated as agreement that no damages are due and full deposit must be remitted under Ind. Code §§ 32-31-3-12 to 32-31-3-15.
Key facts
| Deadline | 45 calendar days (tenant has supplied a written mailing address; clock does not run for landlord liability until address is provided in writing) |
|---|---|
| Deadline trigger | after termination of the rental agreement and delivery of possession |
| Penalty formula | tenant may recover all of the security deposit due plus reasonable attorney's fees; failure to provide timely itemization is treated as agreement that no damages are due and full deposit must be remitted |
| Bad faith required | No |
| Itemization required | Yes |
| Interest on deposit | No |
| Maximum deposit | No statewide statutory maximum. |
| Forwarding address required | Yes |
| Small claims limit | $10,000 (statewide small claims) in Small Claims Court (circuit/superior; Marion County Small Claims Court where applicable) |
| Statute citation | Ind. Code §§ 32-31-3-12 to 32-31-3-15 |
Statute says
Upon termination of a rental agreement, a landlord shall return to the tenant the security deposit minus any amount applied to: (1) the payment of accrued rent; (2) the amount of damages that the landlord has suffered or will reasonably suffer by reason of the tenant's noncompliance with law or the rental agreement; and (3) unpaid utility or sewer charges that the tenant is obligated to pay under the rental agreement; all as itemized by the landlord with the amount due in a written notice that is delivered to the tenant not more than forty-five (45) days after termination of the rental agreement and delivery of possession. The landlord is not liable under this chapter until the tenant supplies the landlord in writing with a mailing address to which to deliver the notice and amount prescribed by this subsection.
What this means
Read the deadline, trigger, and penalty together before sending a letter. Match the dates in your documents to the trigger listed above, then cite Ind. Code §§ 32-31-3-12 to 32-31-3-15 and request the deposit amount supported by your records.
Worked example
Use your actual deposit amount when you write the letter. For context, median rent in Indiana is $1,104 according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, presented by USAFacts data as of .
- Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood metro area: $1,191
- South Bend-Mishawaka metro area: $1,046
- Fort Wayne metro area: $1,003
- Evansville metro area: $986
Example demand basis: a deposit equal to the state median rent starts at $1,104 before applying the state formula: tenant may recover all of the security deposit due plus reasonable attorney's fees; failure to provide timely itemization is treated as agreement that no damages are due and full deposit must be remitted.
County small claims courts
| County | Court and city | Limit | Filing fee | E-filing | Court link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marion County | Marion County Small Claims Court, Warren Township Division, Indianapolis | $10,000 (statewide small claims) | $104 total for a new claim with one defendant: $89 filing and $15 service. Court source: https://www.warrentownshiptrustee.org/index.php/prepare-for-your-hearing/ | Yes | Court site |
| Lake County | Lake Superior Court, County Division, Small Claims, Crown Point | $10,000 (statewide small claims) | $87 if e-filed or $97 on paper, before optional sheriff service. Official statewide fee source: https://www.in.gov/courts/iocs/publications/trial-fees/ | Yes | Court site |
| Allen County | Allen Superior Court, Small Claims Division, Fort Wayne | $10,000 (statewide small claims) | $87 if e-filed or $97 on paper, before optional sheriff service. Official statewide fee source: https://www.in.gov/courts/iocs/publications/trial-fees/ | Yes | Court site |
| Hamilton County | Hamilton Superior Court, Small Claims, Noblesville | $10,000 (statewide small claims) | $87 if e-filed or $97 on paper, before optional sheriff service. Official statewide fee source: https://www.in.gov/courts/iocs/publications/trial-fees/ | Yes | Court site |
| St. Joseph County | St. Joseph Circuit Court, Small Claims, South Bend | $10,000 (statewide small claims) | $87 if e-filed or $97 on paper, plus $10 for each additional defendant; sheriff service is $28. Official source: https://www.sjcindiana.gov/2398/Small-Claims | Yes | Court site |
Free Indiana template, built from verified state data
I am requesting the return of my security deposit. The verified Indiana data for this page lists a 45 calendar days (tenant has supplied a written mailing address; clock does not run for landlord liability until address is provided in writing) return window and cites Ind. Code §§ 32-31-3-12 to 32-31-3-15.
Before you send
- Collect your lease, deposit receipt, and move-in records.
- Save photos, videos, and messages about move-out condition.
- Write down the move-out date you can prove.
- Confirm the forwarding address you gave the landlord.
- Send by certified mail when appropriate, and keep a copy of the final letter and delivery proof.
When this letter will NOT work
- The dispute is not about return of a security deposit.
- You need urgent court relief instead of a demand letter.
- You cannot identify the landlord or property manager to contact.
- Your documents point to a different state or a different kind of claim.
Typical mistakes
- Sending a letter before organizing the documents that prove the timeline.
- Demanding an amount that does not match the payment records.
- Leaving out the forwarding address or preferred response method.
- Mixing repair complaints into a deposit letter without separating the issues.
FAQ
Does Indianapolis have its own security deposit law?
No separate city security-deposit ordinance is listed in the verified data. Check the applicable Indiana law and local rules.
Does Fort Wayne have its own security deposit law?
No separate city security-deposit ordinance is listed in the verified data. Check the applicable Indiana law and local rules.
Does Evansville have its own security deposit law?
No separate city security-deposit ordinance is listed in the verified data. Check the applicable Indiana law and local rules.
Does South Bend have its own security deposit law?
No separate city security-deposit ordinance is listed in the verified data. Check the applicable Indiana law and local rules.
Can I use this if I do not know the exact deposit amount?
Use the amount shown in your lease, receipt, or move-in records. If records conflict, keep copies and avoid guessing in the letter.
Should I send evidence with the first letter?
Attach copies when they prove the basic facts, such as payment, move-out condition, forwarding address, or prior messages.
Can this page replace legal advice?
No. This page is self-help information for organizing a demand letter and checking the cited data before you act.
City data on this page currently includes Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, Carmel, Fishers.
Tenant resources
- Indiana Legal Serviceslegal aid, 844-243-8570
- Indiana Legal Helplegal aid
- Indiana Attorney General Consumer Protection Divisionag consumer, 800-382-5516
- Indiana Judicial Branch Small Claims Manualcourt self help