Last updated: April 2026
Greenwood renters rely on Indiana state law for their core protections — no rent control exists anywhere in Indiana, but the law does set clear rules on security deposits, repairs, and eviction procedures.
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Greenwood is a growing suburban city in Johnson County, located just south of Indianapolis. Like every city in Indiana, Greenwood's rental market is governed by Indiana state law — most notably the Indiana Landlord-Tenant Act found at Ind. Code §§ 32-31-1-1 through 32-31-9-12. The city has not enacted any local tenant ordinances, so renters here rely entirely on state law for their protections.
Common concerns for Greenwood renters include understanding how security deposits work, what notice a landlord must give before raising rent or ending a tenancy, and what to do when a landlord refuses to make repairs. Indiana's tenant protections are more limited than those in many other states, which makes it especially important for renters to know exactly what the law does and does not require.
This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you face an eviction, deposit dispute, or habitability issue, contact Indiana Legal Services or a licensed Indiana attorney for help specific to your situation.
Greenwood has no rent control, and Indiana state law permanently prohibits it. Under Ind. Code § 32-31-1-20, no Indiana municipality may enact any ordinance controlling the amount of rent a landlord may charge for residential property. This statewide preemption applies to Greenwood and every other city and county in Indiana — there is no path for local rent stabilization under current law.
In practice, a Greenwood landlord may increase rent by any amount. The only requirement is that the landlord give proper notice before the new rent takes effect. For month-to-month tenants, Indiana requires at least 30 days' written notice before a landlord may terminate or materially change the terms of a tenancy (Ind. Code § 32-31-1-1). There is no statute specifically requiring advance notice of a rent increase for continuing tenancies, though most leases specify a notice period. Tenants on fixed-term leases are protected from rent increases until the lease expires.
If you receive notice of a significant rent increase you cannot afford, your primary options are to negotiate with your landlord, seek rental assistance through Johnson County social services, or find alternative housing. There is no legal mechanism in Indiana to challenge the amount of a rent increase.
Indiana's Landlord-Tenant Act (Ind. Code §§ 32-31-1-1 through 32-31-9-12) establishes the framework of rights and duties that apply to Greenwood rental housing. The following are the key state-level protections every Greenwood renter should know.
Implied Warranty of Habitability: Indiana courts recognize an implied warranty of habitability, meaning landlords must maintain rental units in a condition fit for human habitation. This includes functioning heating and plumbing systems, weathertight structure, and freedom from conditions that endanger health or safety. Indiana tenants who face serious habitability problems should notify their landlord in writing and keep a copy. While Indiana's tenant remedies for non-compliance are more limited than many states — Indiana does not have a broad rent-withholding statute — courts may allow remedies including lease termination for severe violations.
Anti-Retaliation Protection (Ind. Code § 32-31-8-6): A landlord may not retaliate against a tenant for reporting housing code violations to a governmental authority, complaining about habitability conditions, or exercising any other legal right. Prohibited retaliatory acts include raising rent, reducing services, or initiating eviction proceedings within a period following a protected act. A court may presume retaliation if adverse action follows a tenant's complaint within a reasonable timeframe.
Prohibition on Self-Help Eviction (Ind. Code § 32-31-1-8): Indiana law makes self-help eviction illegal. A landlord may not remove a tenant by changing the locks, removing the tenant's belongings, shutting off utilities, or taking other extrajudicial actions. The landlord must obtain a court order before physically removing a tenant. Violation of this prohibition may expose the landlord to civil liability.
Notice to Terminate (Ind. Code § 32-31-1-1): For month-to-month tenancies, the landlord must give at least 30 days' written notice before terminating the tenancy. Tenants must give the same notice. For fixed-term leases, the lease terms control the end of the tenancy. Notice requirements in the written lease may be longer but not shorter than the statutory minimum.
Security deposit rules for Greenwood rentals are set by Ind. Code §§ 32-31-3-9 through 32-31-3-19. Indiana does not cap the amount a landlord may collect as a security deposit — your lease terms govern the deposit amount.
Return Deadline: After a tenant vacates the rental unit, the landlord has 45 days to return the security deposit along with a written, itemized list of any deductions. The 45-day clock begins when the tenant vacates and provides the landlord with a forwarding address. If the tenant does not provide a forwarding address, the landlord's obligation to return the deposit is suspended until the address is received (Ind. Code § 32-31-3-12).
Permissible Deductions: A landlord may deduct from the security deposit for unpaid rent, damage to the unit beyond normal wear and tear, and other amounts the tenant owes under the lease. Normal wear and tear — such as minor scuffs, small nail holes from pictures, or carpet worn from ordinary foot traffic — may not be deducted. Landlords who make improper deductions may be liable to the tenant for the amount wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorney's fees.
Tenant Tips: Document the unit's condition with dated photos and video at both move-in and move-out. Provide your forwarding address to your landlord in writing on or before your move-out date to start the 45-day return clock. Security deposit claims may be filed in Johnson County Small Claims Court without an attorney if the amount is within the court's jurisdictional limit.
Evictions in Greenwood must follow Indiana's statutory process. A landlord may not remove a tenant through self-help — any lockout, utility shutoff, or removal of belongings without a court order is illegal under Ind. Code § 32-31-1-8.
Step 1 — Written Notice: The landlord must first serve the tenant with a written notice. For nonpayment of rent, Indiana requires a 10-day notice to pay or vacate. For other lease violations, a reasonable notice to cure or vacate is required. To terminate a month-to-month tenancy without cause, the landlord must give at least 30 days' written notice (Ind. Code § 32-31-1-1).
Step 2 — Filing in Court: If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord may file an eviction complaint (Complaint for Possession) in Johnson County Small Claims Court or Superior Court, depending on the amount at issue. The tenant will be served with a summons and a hearing date.
Step 3 — Court Hearing: Both parties appear before the judge. The tenant has the right to present defenses, including improper notice, habitability violations that excuse nonpayment, or retaliation. If the landlord prevails, the court issues a judgment for possession.
Step 4 — Writ of Possession: If the tenant does not vacate after judgment, the landlord may request a writ of possession directing the Johnson County Sheriff to remove the tenant. Only the sheriff may physically carry out the eviction.
No Just Cause Required: Indiana does not require landlords to have a specific reason to end a month-to-month tenancy or decline to renew a lease, as long as proper notice is given. However, eviction in retaliation for a tenant's protected activity is prohibited under Ind. Code § 32-31-8-6.
No. Greenwood has no rent control, and Indiana state law (Ind. Code § 32-31-1-20) permanently prohibits any Indiana city or county from enacting rent control or rent stabilization ordinances. Landlords in Greenwood may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
There is no legal limit on rent increases in Greenwood. Indiana's statewide preemption statute (Ind. Code § 32-31-1-20) bars any local rent caps. For month-to-month tenants, your landlord must give at least 30 days' written notice before terminating or changing the terms of your tenancy (Ind. Code § 32-31-1-1). Fixed-term leases lock in your rent until the lease expires.
Your landlord has 45 days after you vacate to return your security deposit along with an itemized written statement of any deductions (Ind. Code § 32-31-3-12). The clock starts when you vacate and provide your landlord with a forwarding address. If you do not provide a forwarding address, the deadline is suspended until you do. Unlawful withholding may entitle you to the amount withheld plus attorney's fees.
For nonpayment of rent, your landlord must give you a 10-day written notice to pay or vacate. To end a month-to-month tenancy without cause, at least 30 days' written notice is required under Ind. Code § 32-31-1-1. Your landlord must then go to court if you do not leave — self-help eviction is illegal in Indiana (Ind. Code § 32-31-1-8).
No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Indiana under Ind. Code § 32-31-1-8. Your landlord cannot change your locks, remove your belongings, or shut off utilities to force you out without a court order. If your landlord does this, document the incident and contact Indiana Legal Services immediately. The landlord may face civil liability for an unlawful lockout.
Indiana recognizes an implied warranty of habitability, meaning your landlord must maintain your unit in livable condition. If your landlord refuses to make necessary repairs after written notice, you may have grounds to seek a rent reduction or lease termination through the courts, depending on the severity of the issue. You should notify your landlord in writing, document the problem, and contact Indiana Legal Services for guidance on available remedies under Indiana law.
This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws can change, and outcomes depend on specific facts. If you are facing an eviction, security deposit dispute, or other housing issue in Greenwood, Indiana, consult a licensed Indiana attorney or contact Indiana Legal Services. RentCheckMe is not a law firm and cannot provide legal representation.
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