Indiana Law: Plain-English Guides

Key Indiana facts

Security deposit deadline

Within 45 days after termination of the rental agreement and delivery of possession, the landlord must return the deposit minus itemized deductions. IC 32-31-3-12, 32-31-3-14

Eviction notice for unpaid rent

Not less than 10 days' notice to pay or vacate, unless the parties agreed otherwise or the tenant pays in full within the notice period. IC 32-31-1-6, 32-31-1-7

Small claims limit

$10,000 (claims filed on or after July 1, 2021). Landlord-tenant disputes qualify if the rent due at filing is $10,000 or less. IC 33-29-2-4; Indiana Small Claims Manual (2026, updated 12/23/2025); S.C. 2(A)(2)

Small estate affidavit

If the gross probate estate, minus liens, encumbrances and reasonable funeral expenses, is $100,000 or less (for deaths after June 30, 2022), a distributee can collect money owed to the decedent, personal property… IC 29-1-8-1

Cost of a protective order

The court, clerk and sheriff may not charge the petitioner a fee for filing, service of process, witnesses or subpoenas. Ind. Code § 34-26-5-16

Minimum wage

$7.25 per hour, the same as the federal rate, in effect since July 24, 2009. Most Indiana employers are covered by the federal FLSA; Indiana Minimum Wage Law (IC 22-2-2); Indiana Department of Labor minimum wage poster

Final paycheck if fired

On or before the next regularly scheduled payday on which the employee would have been paid if still employed. Indiana Department of Labor FAQ

Time limit to sue on a debt

6 years for written contracts for the payment of money (signed after August 31, 1982), such as loans and credit agreements. 10 years for other written contracts. IC 34-11-2-9; IC 34-11-2-11