For Renters

Know Your Rights

Check out this Indiana Renters' Rights & Responsibilities document from Indiana Legal Services.

Protect Your Security Deposit 

A move-in inspection is proof of the property condition at the start of your lease, and will help protect you against paying for damage caused by a previous tenant. 

• Document everything by describing the type of damage and where it is located. Take photos and videos, timestamped with the date. Keep these in a safe place throughout your lease.
• Include every hole, stain, crack, and flaw, no matter how minor (check floors, walls, ceilings, cabinets, appliances, fixtures, etc.)
• Check for signs of pests or infestation (termites, roaches etc).
• Check for signs of leaks or water damage.
• Test all appliances and power outlets.
• Test all smoke detectors.
• Test the water pressure and temperature.
• Don't forget to inspect the exterior (walkways, handrails, gutters, foundations)

Ask your landlord or property manager if they provide a move-in check list. If not, a quick online search will provide many free downloadable forms to choose from. 

Protect Your Belongings 

Your landlord's property insurance protects their building, not your belongings inside. Renters insurance protects your personal belongings, covers legal liability, and may even pay for temporary housing. It is inexpensive and easy to find with a quick online search. 

Use Local Resources

All rental properties in the city are subject to the Residential Rental and Lodging Establishment Inspection Program (BMC Title 16), which requires a rental property to be registered with the City of Bloomington, and to be inspected every 3 to 5 years. Each rental property must have a current occupancy permit, issued by HAND. A copy of this permit must be displayed somewhere inside the rental unit. The permit will list the number of bedrooms, as well as the number of unrelated individuals legally permitted to live there (occupancy limits do not apply to families).

Every rental property has a file in the HAND department. If you would like to review a rental file BEFORE you sign a lease, please complete a public records request by clicking the green button below and following the directions.

If you have a maintenance issue, which you have reported to management, but which has not been resolved within a reasonable time, you may request a complaint inspection. HAND enforcement is limited to maintenance of the physical structure, and does not cover issues involving your lease, rent, deposits or any other dispute with your landlord. For those issues, you will need to seek legal advice.