Demand Letter Lab

Indiana Small Claims for a Security Deposit: Where to File, What It Costs, Does It Fit

In Indiana, a security deposit claim is heard by the court named in the facts table; the court for your county is listed below. The comparable deposit claim limit is $10,000. No comparable fee amount in our county data; see the official fee schedule. Pick your county, calculate your deadline, then send a dated letter.

State law last checked .

Filing facts

CourtSmall Claims Court (circuit/superior; Marion County Small Claims Court where applicable) · Court source
Listed limits and jurisdictions$10,000 (statewide small claims only)
Comparable deposit claim limit$10,000
Time limit to sue, from state data6 years; check when the claim accrued before counting from it.
Listed county filing feesNo comparable fee amount in our county data; see the official fee schedule.
E-filing5 yes, 0 no, 87 unverified among 92 listed counties
State deposit return deadline
  • 45 calendar days after termination of the rental agreement and delivery of possession. Applies when: tenant has supplied a written mailing address; clock does not run for landlord liability until address is provided in writing.
Deposit statuteInd. Code §§ 32-31-3-12 to 32-31-3-15

Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.

Which county is the rental in?

Does your claim fit the limit?

Enter the amount you would ask the court to award.

The comparable claim limit ranks 22 among 45 jurisdictions with a comparable amount; median $10,000. Ties share a rank. Computed from state data, not measured.

From a letter to court

  1. Calculate the return date and send a letter using your own move-out date, deposit and state conditions.
  2. Keep the letter, delivery proof, lease, payment records and photos.
  3. Use your county guide and court's official instructions to check the filing location and fee.

Calculate your deadline and next letter

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Details of the return rules
Indiana statutory deadlines
When it appliesDeadlineStarts from
tenant has supplied a written mailing address; clock does not run for landlord liability until address is provided in writing45 daysafter termination of the rental agreement and delivery of possession

Indiana return rule: 45 calendar days (tenant has supplied a written mailing address; clock does not run for landlord liability until address is provided in writing). Check the dates you entered above.

Free Indiana template, built from verified state data

Methodology: every statute verified against primary sources. See how verification works.

I rented [rental property address] from [lease start date] to [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[amount]. I returned the keys on [date] and gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date]. Under Indiana law (Ind. Code §§ 32-31-3-12 to 32-31-3-15), a landlord must return the deposit or respond in writing within [45 calendar days, see the note above] after termination of the rental agreement and delivery of possession.

Free dated DOCX by email. Print-ready state PDF kit: $29. Letter preparation and mailing: $49.

Who do you name in the claim?

Compare the name on the lease and deposit receipt with the property record and the Indiana Secretary of State. A registered agent receives papers for a company; it is not the defendant. Confirm the defendant with the court or legal aid.

What to bring to the clerk

  • Lease and deposit receipt or payment record.
  • Demand letter and proof of delivery.
  • Move-out photos, inventory and any itemized deductions.
  • Your calculation and the cited deposit statute.

What you can recover

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.

This is class P2, found in 10 of 51 jurisdictions. Computed from cited state records, not measured outcomes.

Statute says

If a landlord fails to comply with subsection (a), a tenant may recover all of the security deposit due the tenant and reasonable attorney's fees.

Ind. Code §§ 32-31-3-12 to 32-31-3-15

What this means

Tenant resources

FAQ

Which court handles a security deposit claim in Indiana?

Small Claims Court (circuit/superior; Marion County Small Claims Court where applicable). Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.

What is the deposit claim limit in Indiana?

The comparable general deposit claim limit is $10,000. Check the court and claim type that applies.

What is the return deadline in Indiana?

45 calendar days (tenant has supplied a written mailing address; clock does not run for landlord liability until address is provided in writing)

What's next?