Tenant-Landlord Laws in Monroe County, Indiana
Like all landlords and tenants, those in Indiana's Monroe County have a business-like relationship, signing a legally-binding contract and agreeing to follow certain rules. Indiana law helps simplify the process for both the landlord and the tenant by giving both parties laws to follow. These laws cover lease agreements, fees, obligations and the eviction process.
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Lease
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The lease agreement lays out the fees associated with the rental, the landlord's specific rules for the rental and who is responsible for maintenance and repairs. For example, a lease should include the monthly rent and any special provisions, such as the tenant's responsibility to cut the grass. Once signed, the lease becomes legally binding. The tenant must remain at the property through the lease term. After the term ends, either the landlord or the tenant can terminate the lease. If the landlord terminates the lease, he must notify the tenant in writing three months before the end of the term, according to the Indiana Code.
Fees
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An Indiana landlord can charge the tenant a security deposit before she moves in and must hold any security deposit the tenant pays. The landlord has 45 days to return the security deposit, less any deductions for repair or unpaid rent, to the tenant after she moves out. The landlord also must include the amount of the rent in the lease. He cannot raise the rate during the term of the lease agreement.
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Obligations
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The landlord must make necessary repairs to the property as the tenant reports them. For example, the landlord must repair plumbing leaks or problems with the heating and cooling system. The landlord does not have to repair cosmetic damage or make upgrades to the rental. The tenant must keep the rental clean and use all of the appliances in a standard manner. The tenant cannot cause damage to the inside or outside of the rental. The tenant must also maintain the smoke detectors inside the property.
Evictions
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The landlord can evict a tenant if he does not pay the rent or if he damages the rental unit. To evict the tenant, the landlord must file an action with a local court. The court will hold a trial, during which a judge will decide whether to evict a tenant. If the judge decides in favor of the landlord, he will give the tenant a date by which to move out. Both the tenant and the landlord may need to attend a second court hearing to decide if the tenant must pay the landlord any past due money.
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References
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