Porter County, Indiana: Where to File a Security Deposit Claim and What It Costs
Listed court is Porter County Circuit/Superior Court - Small Claims in Valparaiso. Check venue on the court's official page or with the clerk. Filing fee: set by the court; see its fee table. Claims up to $10,000. Indiana return time: 45 calendar days. ACS two-bedroom rent: $1,144. Enter your dates below and send the dated letter first.
| Court listed | Porter County Circuit/Superior Court - Small Claims |
|---|---|
| City | Valparaiso |
| Address | 16 Lincolnway, # 209, Valparaiso, IN 46383 |
| Phone | 219-465-3450 (listed in the state court directory 2026-09-21; not confirmed by the court) |
| Statewide filing fee | Current court fee schedule |
| Small claims limit | $10,000 (statewide small claims only) |
| State deposit return deadline |
|
| Time limit to sue | 6 years |
| Deposit statute | Ind. 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.
Details
Limits: $10,000 (statewide small claims only).
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Details of the return rules
| When it applies | Deadline | Starts from |
|---|---|---|
| tenant has supplied a written mailing address; clock does not run for landlord liability until address is provided in writing | 45 days | after 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.
Court listed for this county: Porter County Circuit/Superior Court - Small Claims. Check venue on the official court page or with the clerk.
Free dated DOCX by email. Print-ready state PDF kit: $29. Letter preparation and mailing: $49.
Who do you name in the claim?
Find and compare the legal names
Find and compare the legal names in these records:
- The lease: the Landlord or Owner line and who signed.
- The deposit receipt or the account your rent went to.
- The owner of record in the property records of Porter County.
- The Indiana business registry for an LLC or management company: its exact legal name and registered agent. Indiana Secretary of State
A registered agent receives court papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
This page shows where the names are recorded; it does not decide who is legally liable.
What to bring to the clerk
- Your lease.
- Deposit receipt or payment record.
- The demand letter and proof of delivery.
- Move-out photos and an inventory or condition report.
Is it worth filing here?
Illustration: a deposit equal to one month's ACS median gross rent (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) for a home in Porter County. This is calculated from rent, not measured deposits. The statutory amount requires the rule's conditions.
| Bedrooms | Deposit owed | Statutory amount | Total illustration | Limit check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $984 | Formula requires case facts | Check the formula | Check the applicable limit and remedy |
| 2 | $1,144 | Formula requires case facts | Check the formula | Check the applicable limit and remedy |
| 3 | $1,350 | Formula requires case facts | Check the formula | Check the applicable limit and remedy |
| 4 | $1,699 | Formula requires case facts | Check the formula | Check the applicable limit and remedy |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates, tables B25064, B25031, B25003, B25070; accessed 2026-09-21. Penalty rule.
How does Porter County compare with other Indiana counties?
The two-bedroom median gross rent is $1,144: rank 6 of 92 counties with this metric in U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. 22.8% of households rent in Porter County.
| County | Median gross rent |
|---|---|
| Bartholomew County | $1,195 |
| Monroe County | $1,157 |
| Porter County | $1,144 |
| Marion County | $1,122 |
| Lake County | $1,104 |
| Tippecanoe County | $1,103 |
Ranking uses the same ACS metric and period within this state; ties share a rank. Coverage is 92 of 92 listed counties. Census source.
Places in Porter County
- Beverly Shores
- Burns Harbor
- Chesterton
- Dune Acres
- Hebron
- Kouts
- Ogden Dunes
- Portage
- Porter
- Town of Pines
- Valparaiso
These are Census places in the county. Check the rental's address with the clerk to find the court.
U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census place-to-county relationship file
Free legal help
- Indiana Legal Services: free civil legal help for eligible low-income Hoosiers in every Indiana county, including eviction defense and help correcting substandard living conditions such as leaks, faulty plumbing, or vermin
- Indianapolis Legal Aid Society: free civil legal help for eligible low-income clients, including housing and landlord-tenant cases such as illegal evictions and security-deposit recovery
FAQ
How much does it cost to file in Porter County?
The court sets the fee. Check the current schedule. Court page
Where do I file a deposit claim in Porter County?
Porter County Circuit/Superior Court - Small Claims is listed. 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. Court page
Who should I name in the claim?
Compare the legal names on the lease, deposit receipt, property records and business registry. A registered agent receives papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
What should I bring to the clerk?
Bring your lease, deposit receipt, demand letter, proof of delivery, photos and any move-out inventory.