Indiana Room Rental Agreement
An Indiana room rental agreement is a legal document that establishes the rights and responsibilities of a principal tenant and a subtenant renting a specific room within a residential property. This agreement is designed to create a clear understanding between the parties involved, ensuring a solid living arrangement and providing legal protection.

Indiana Room Rental Agreement
Key components
- Property Address: The location of the rental property.
- Contractual Term: The duration of the rental agreement.
- Rent Amount and Payment Details: The amount of rent due and the method of payment.
- Security Deposit Information: Details regarding any security deposit required.
- Utility Responsibilities: Clarification on which party is responsible for paying utilities.
- House Rules: Guidelines that govern the conduct of tenants and guests within the property.
- Provisions for Maintenance: Responsibilities related to the upkeep and maintenance of the rental property.
Before executing the rental agreement, it is advisable to use a rental application to streamline the screening process. This practice assists the principal tenant in selecting suitable subtenants, thereby reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings.
Guest to Tenant Classification
Under Indiana’s landlord-tenant laws (Indiana Code Title 32 Article 31), a guest is classified as a tenant if they stay in the rental for over two weeks within a six-month period. This classification is significant as it may impact the rights and responsibilities of both the principal tenant and the guest.
Statutes
- Ind. Code § 32-31-1-1 – Determination of estates at will
- Ind. Code § 32-31-1-3 – Determination of year to year tenancy
- Ind. Code § 32-31-1-6 – Rent; refusal or neglect to pay
- Ind. Code § 32-31-1-8 – Notice to quit; when not necessary
- Ind. Code § 32-31-1-21 – Disclosure of structure in flood plain
- Ind. Code § 32-31-3-12 – Return of deposits; deductions; liability
- Ind. Code § 32-31-3-13 – Use of deposits
- Ind. Code § 32-31-3-14 – Notice of damages; refund of remaining deposits
- Ind. Code § 32-31-3-15 – Remittance of full deposit
- Ind. Code § 32-31-3-16 – Liability for withheld deposits
- Ind. Code § 32-31-4-2 – Liability; abandoned property; court order allowing removal by landlord
- Ind. Code § 32-31-5-4 – Written notice required to modify rental agreement
- Ind. Code § 32-31-5-5 – Tenant’s personal property
- Ind. Code § 32-31-5-6(c) – Landlord prohibited from interfering with access, possession, or essential services; unit entry by landlord
- Ind. Code § 32-31-5-6(e) – Landlord prohibited from interfering with access, possession, or essential services; unit entry by landlord
- Ind. Code § 32-31-5-6(f) – Landlord prohibited from interfering with access, possession, or essential services; unit entry by landlord
- Ind. Code § 32-31-5-6(g) – Landlord prohibited from interfering with access, possession, or essential services; unit entry by landlord
- Ind. Code § 32-31-8-5 – Landlord Obligations
- Ind. Code § 32-31-7-5 – Tenant Obligations
- Ind. Code § 32-31-7-6 – Condition of rental premises upon termination of occupancy
- Ind. Code § 32-31-7-7 – Landlord’s cause of action to enforce tenant obligations
- Ind. Code § 32-31-3-18 – Disclosure of Managers and Agents
- Ind. Code § 32-31-5-7 – Written acknowledgement by tenant
- Ind. Code § 32-31-2-1 – Necessity of recording
- Ind. Code § 32-31-9-8 – Lease protections; prohibition of retaliation by landlord
- Ind. Code § 32-31-9-12(b) & (c) – Termination of rental agreements by protected individuals; written notices; liability
- Ind. Code § 32-31-9-9 – Change of lock requirements
- Ind. Code § 32-31-9-11 – Reimbursement for lock changes; key requirements
- Ind. Code § 33-28-3-4(b)(1) – Jurisdiction of small claims docket
- Ind. Code § 33-28-3-4(b)(1) – Jurisdiction of small claims docket
- Ind. Code § 24-4.5-7-202 – Fee for dishonored check, electronic funds transfer, or debit authorization; limits on lender’s presentment of check or debiting of account
FAQs
An Indiana room rental agreement is a legal document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of a principal tenant and a subtenant renting a specific room in a residential property. It includes details such as the property address, rental term, rent amount, security deposit, utility responsibilities, house rules, and maintenance provisions.
In Indiana, a guest is considered a tenant if they stay in the rental for over two weeks within a six-month period. This classification can affect the rights and responsibilities of both the principal tenant and the guest.
A rental application is important because it streamlines the screening process, helping the principal tenant select suitable subtenants. This step can prevent potential issues and misunderstandings in the living arrangement.
A room rental agreement should include the property address, rental term, rent amount and payment details, security deposit information, utility responsibilities, house rules, and maintenance provisions to ensure clarity and legal protection for both parties.
A room rental agreement helps prevent misunderstandings by clearly outlining the rights and responsibilities of both the principal tenant and the subtenant. This clarity ensures that all parties are aware of their obligations and expectations, reducing the likelihood of disputes.