IN · TenantClaim
Indiana Security Deposit Return Laws & Calculator
Landlords generally have 45 calendar days to return a deposit under Indiana Code Section 32-31-3-14. Use the calculator to check overdue status and estimated recovery.
Indiana deposit calculator
Statutory math from Indiana Code Section 32-31-3-14.
Ready to Calculate Your Rights
Enter your lease dates and deposit amounts to instantly evaluate:
- State statutory return deadline & overdue status
- Treble (3x) or double (2x) bad-faith penalty eligibility
- Small claims court limit & demand letter generation
Bad-faith penalties
Indiana has no statutory 2x/3x bad-faith multiplier. A landlord who fails to refund the deposit or provide an itemized list within 45 days after termination must return the full deposit and may be liable for the tenant's court costs and attorney's fees (Ind. Code § 32-31-3-12 to § 32-31-3-16).
Multiplier: 0x
Wear and tear vs. unlawful deductions
Normal Wear & Tear
Landlord cannot deduct
- Faded or scuffed interior paint from ordinary occupancy in Indiana
- Carpet wear or flattening in high-traffic pathways from normal foot traffic
- Small nail or pin holes from hanging pictures or curtains
Unlawful Deductions
These charges are illegal
- Charging for ordinary wear and tear instead of damage beyond normal use under Indiana Code Section 32-31-3-14
- Keeping any part of the deposit without sending the required itemized statement within 45 calendar days
- Deducting for conditions that existed before move-in or that the landlord was obligated to repair
Small claims court filing limits
$10,000
Claims above this Indiana ceiling may need District or Civil Court, or a voluntary reduction to stay in small claims.
View Full Indiana Small Claims Court & Official Form GuideIndiana security deposit FAQ
How long does a Indiana landlord have to return my deposit?+
Indiana generally requires return within 45 calendar days after move-out under Indiana Code Section 32-31-3-14. If the deadline falls on a weekend, TenantClaim rolls it to the next Monday.
What happens if the landlord keeps my deposit in bad faith?+
Indiana has no statutory 2x/3x bad-faith multiplier. A landlord who fails to refund the deposit or provide an itemized list within 45 days after termination must return the full deposit and may be liable for the tenant's court costs and attorney's fees (Ind. Code § 32-31-3-12 to § 32-31-3-16).
What is the Indiana small claims limit?+
Most tenants can file in small claims court for up to $10,000. Larger recoveries may need District or Civil Court, or a voluntary reduction of the claim.
Does the landlord have to send an itemized list?+
Yes. Indiana requires an itemized deduction statement. Withholding money without that statement is a common unlawful deduction.