Knowing Your Rights as an Indiana Renter

Eskenazi Health Medical-Legal Partnership, in partnership with Indiana Legal Services (ILS), has created a new educational video series called, “Knowing Your Rights as an Indiana Renter.” The five-part video series provides an overview on housing-related topics including: housing discrimination, how to protect yourself from eviction, reasonable accommodations and modifications, understanding your lease agreement, and your right to safe and clean housing.

• UNDERSTANDING YOUR LEASE AGREEMENT

For most rental properties, tenants will be asked to sign a lease or an agreement between themselves and a landlord. Maybe you have signed a similar agreement. But, did you fully understand the terms of the lease before signing it? It is important to fully read and understand your lease so you know what to expect and what is expected of you.

• HOUSING DISCRIMINATION

Equal access to rental housing and homeownership opportunities are the cornerstones of our nation’s federal housing policy. Housing providers who refuse to rent or sell homes to people based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability are in violation of federal law. Learn more about what rights are protected under the Fair Housing Act and what to do if you feel your rights have been violated.

• HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM EVICTION

Has your landlord threatened to evict you due to non-payment of rent or a lease violation? Learn more about the four steps you can take to protect yourself and potentially avoid eviction.

• REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS

Fair housing laws require applicants and residents with disabilities be provided with “reasonable accommodations” as needed, in order for them to have an opportunity for full use and enjoyment of their housing. Learn more about what reasonable accommodations and modifications are and how to qualify.

• YOUR RIGHT TO SAFE AND CLEAN HOUSING

In Indiana, landlords are required to provide rental units that are safe and clean and comply with all building and health codes. Learn more about your rights to safe and clean housing and what to expect from a landlord and what responsibilities you have as a renter.