Indiana Security Deposit Itemization Requirements

Indiana requires landlords to provide an itemized deduction statement within 45 days. Learn what's required and what to do if your landlord didn't comply.

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Itemized Statement Required

Indiana law requires your landlord to provide an itemized written statement of any deductions within the same 45-day window. The statement must list each specific deduction with a corresponding dollar amount. A vague statement like "cleaning and repairs: $400" is generally insufficient; line items are required.

Itemization

Itemized Statement Required

Indiana law requires your landlord to provide an itemized written statement of any deductions within the same 45-day window. The statement must list each specific deduction with a corresponding dollar amount. A vague statement like "cleaning and repairs: $400" is generally insufficient; line items are required.

What Makes an Itemization Legally Sufficient in Indiana?

Courts in Indiana have generally held that a proper itemization must:

  • →List each deduction as a separate line item
  • →Include a specific dollar amount for each charge
  • →Identify what was damaged or cleaned, not just a category
  • →Be delivered in writing within 45 days
  • →Be accompanied by any remaining deposit balance or explanation of why none remains

A vague statement such as “cleaning and repairs: $600” typically does not satisfy the requirement. If your landlord's itemization was insufficient, their deductions may be invalid even if the underlying charges were legitimate.

Questions

Common questions answered.

Your Indiana landlord has 45 days after your move-out date to return your security deposit along with an itemized statement of any deductions. This deadline is set by Ind. Code §32-31-3-12.

If your landlord misses the 45-day deadline, they forfeit the right to withhold any portion of your deposit under Ind. Code §32-31-3-12, even deductions that might otherwise have been valid.

No. Indiana law under Ind. Code §32-31-3-12 explicitly prohibits landlords from deducting for normal wear and tear. This includes faded paint, minor scuffs, small nail holes, and carpet thinning from regular use. Deductions must be for actual damage beyond what normal living causes.

Under Ind. Code §32-31-3-12, the itemization must list each specific deduction with a corresponding dollar amount. Vague entries like "repairs: $500" are generally insufficient. Each line item should identify what was damaged and why it was charged.

If your landlord fails to provide the required itemized statement within 45 days, they may lose the right to withhold any portion of your deposit under Ind. Code §32-31-3-12. This is true even if some deductions might otherwise have been legitimate.

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