Page last updated on September 14, 2022 at 3:37 pm
The HAND Department investigates rental complaints about violations of the Residential Rental Unit and Lodging Establishment Inspection Program. If you are having maintenance problems in your rental unit:
- Notify the landlord/agent in writing of the problem. Keep a record of when you communicated with them.
- Give the owner a reasonable amount of time to take care of the problem.
- If the problem has not been corrected after taking these steps, come in or call the Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND). An appointment will be scheduled for an inspector to come and investigate the reported violations.
All rental complaints must be signed by the complainant.
Complaint form (if this form is not fillable when opened, please download it first)
If violations are found, the owner will be issued a notice with an itemized list of repairs that must be made, and they will be given a deadline by which those repairs must be completed and re-inspected.
HAND cannot resolve issues related to leases or other legal disputes. Resources you may want to consider:
- Student Legal Services for students at Indiana University. 310/312 N. Park Ave. 812-855-7867.
- Indiana Legal Services for income-eligible renters. 214 S. College Ave. 2nd floor. 812-339-7668.
- Community and Justice Mediation offers free dispute resolution to neighbors, neighborhoods, tenants and landlords, or organizations experiencing miscommunication or conflict. 205 S. Walnut St., Suite 16. 812-336-8677 or cjam@cjam.org.