Indianapolis · IN · Vetted Directory

Top Landlord-Tenant Lawyers in Indianapolis

Whether you are a landlord trying to remove a non-paying tenant or a renter fighting an eviction, an Indianapolis landlord-tenant lawyer can move your case through Marion County's township small claims courts. Indiana's rules live in Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31. One that surprises people: a landlord must return a security deposit, with an itemized list of any deductions, within 45 days of move-out, or risk owing the tenant's attorney fees. Indiana also uses a two-step (bifurcated) eviction, deciding possession first and money damages later. Below are vetted Indianapolis firms that handle landlord-tenant matters.

45 Days
Deposit Return (IC 32-31-3-12)
IC Title 32
Indiana L/T Law
Township Courts
Marion County Filings
Two-Step
Bifurcated Eviction

Updated April 2, 2026

When you need a Indianapolis landlord-tenant lawyer

Small disputes can sometimes be worked out directly. Bring in a lawyer when the stakes or the deadlines get real:

  • You are a landlord and a tenant has stopped paying rent or will not leave after notice.
  • You are a tenant facing eviction and need to raise a defense, such as uninhabitable conditions or improper notice.
  • Your security deposit was not returned within 45 days, or deductions were taken without an itemized list.
  • Your unit has serious problems the landlord refuses to fix, such as no heat, leaks, or mold.
  • You are being evicted in retaliation for complaining or for requesting repairs.
  • A lease dispute involves significant money, property damage, or a commercial tenancy.

Indiana eviction cases move quickly once filed, so acting fast matters on both sides. Proper notice and clean paperwork decide many of these cases before any argument about the facts.

What landlord-tenant help costs in Indianapolis

Landlord-tenant work blends flat fees for routine evictions with hourly billing for contested disputes:

$300-$800
Uncontested eviction (landlord)
$200-$400/hr
Contested disputes
$96-$157
Marion County filing + costs
Varies
Initial consultation

A straightforward eviction is often a flat fee plus court costs, while a contested case with habitability defenses or a counterclaim is billed hourly. Tenants who win certain claims, such as a wrongful deposit withholding, may recover attorney fees from the landlord under Indiana law. Get the fee arrangement in writing before the case is filed.

How long landlord-tenant matters take

Indiana eviction timelines are short compared with many states:

  • Notice period: typically 10 days for nonpayment before a case can be filed.
  • Possession hearing: often within a few weeks of filing in a township court.
  • Damages hearing: scheduled later under Indiana's two-step process, sometimes a month or more after possession.
  • Deposit dispute: the 45-day return clock starts at move-out; suits can follow if it is missed.

For a national overview, see our landlord-tenant guide, or browse all Indianapolis lawyers.

Indianapolis firms that handle landlord-tenant matters

1

Hocker Law, LLC

IndianapolisSmall firmLandlord representation, evictions

Led by attorney Janet Davis Hocker, the firm brings more than 20 years of real estate experience representing Indianapolis landlords through the eviction process and lease disputes.

Consultation by appt.Flat fee + hourly
Request Free Consult
2

Adler Law LLC

IndianapolisSolo / small firmEvictions, lease disputes

Manages the full eviction process for Indianapolis landlords, from nonpayment and holdover tenants to lease violations, working within Indiana's two-step eviction system.

Consultation by appt.Flat fee + hourly
Request Free Consult
3

Paganelli Law Group

IndianapolisSmall firmLandlord-tenant litigation

Founding attorney F. Anthony Paganelli is recognized by Super Lawyers for landlord and tenant work in Indianapolis, handling contested disputes and litigation.

Consultation by appt.Hourly
Request Free Consult

Firm coverage for this need is still thin; we are adding profiles. You can also compare top-rated Indianapolis landlord-tenant attorneys on public directories like Super Lawyers and Justia. Firm details are gathered from public sources; ratings not shown are not yet aggregated.

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Landlord-Tenant in Indianapolis - FAQ

How fast can a landlord evict a tenant in Indianapolis?
Faster than in many states. After the required notice (often 10 days for nonpayment), a landlord can file in a Marion County township court, and a possession hearing is usually set within a few weeks. Under Indiana's two-step process, the court decides possession first and money damages at a later hearing.
How long does a landlord have to return my security deposit in Indiana?
45 days from the day you move out and provide a forwarding address, under Indiana Code 32-31-3-12. The landlord must send an itemized list of any deductions. If the landlord misses the deadline or fails to itemize, you may be able to recover the full deposit plus your attorney fees.
Can I be evicted for asking for repairs in Indianapolis?
Retaliatory eviction is risky for a landlord, but Indiana's tenant protections are narrower than in some states. If your unit has serious habitability problems and you are being pushed out for complaining, talk to a lawyer quickly, because how and when you raise the issue can affect your defense.
What does an eviction lawyer cost in Indianapolis?
For a landlord, an uncontested eviction is often a flat fee of $300 to $800 plus court filing costs. Contested cases, habitability defenses, and counterclaims are usually billed hourly at $200 to $400. Some tenant claims allow you to recover fees from the landlord if you win.
Where are Indianapolis eviction cases filed?
In Marion County's township small claims courts, which handle most residential landlord-tenant disputes for the city. Larger or commercial cases may go to the Marion Superior Court. The right court depends on the amount in dispute and the type of tenancy.

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