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Indiana security deposit law: deadline, deductions and penalties

Quick answer

In Indiana, a landlord has 45 days to return the security deposit or send an itemized list of deductions (Ind. Code §§ 32-31-3-12 to -16). Under Indiana law, the tenant can recover the amount wrongfully withheld, and the court may award costs or attorney's fees.

Checked against the statute on October 29, 2026.

45

days for an Indiana landlord to return the deposit or itemize deductions

The deadline

Within 45 days after the tenant moves out and gives a forwarding address, the landlord must return the deposit or send an itemized list of damages with the balance.

What the landlord must send you

An itemized list of damages and the estimated cost of each repair, mailed to the tenant's forwarding address.

Penalty for wrongful withholding

A landlord who misses the deadline or fails to send the itemized list can lose the right to keep any part of the deposit, and the tenant may recover the deposit and reasonable attorney's fees (Ind. Code § 32-31-3).

Your forwarding address

Indiana's 45 days don't start until you give the landlord a mailing address. The letter includes yours.

Read the law

Summary checked against the statute on October 29, 2026. Not legal advice; laws change, so confirm with the source before relying on it.

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Indiana security deposit FAQ

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

Within 45 days after the tenant moves out and gives a forwarding address, the landlord must return the deposit or send an itemized list of damages with the balance.

What must an Indiana landlord send when keeping part of the deposit?

An itemized list of damages and the estimated cost of each repair, mailed to the tenant's forwarding address.

What is the penalty for wrongfully keeping a security deposit in Indiana?

A landlord who misses the deadline or fails to send the itemized list can lose the right to keep any part of the deposit, and the tenant may recover the deposit and reasonable attorney's fees (Ind. Code § 32-31-3).

Do I need to give my Indiana landlord a forwarding address?

Indiana's 45 days don't start until you give the landlord a mailing address. The letter includes yours.

How do I get my security deposit back in Indiana?

Give your landlord a forwarding address in writing, wait for the 45 days deadline, then send a demand letter by certified mail that cites Ind. Code §§ 32-31-3-12 to -16 and sets a payment date. If the landlord still doesn't pay, you can file in small claims court in the county where the rental is located.

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