Indianapolis Eviction Court Steps 2026–27: Township Small Claims, Two Hearings, and Free Help
Updated: 5 hours ago
Most Indianapolis evictions go through one of nine township small claims courts, and Indiana cases usually have two hearings. Here's which court is yours, what happens at each hearing, what to bring, and where to get free help.
AT A GLANCE
|
In Indianapolis, eviction cases are often filed in one of the nine township small claims courts rather than downtown. The court on your papers depends on your township. Each court has its own address and phone number.
An Indiana eviction also usually has two hearings. The first decides whether you have to move. The second decides how much money anyone owes. Missing either one can cost you.
This guide is a set of common tenant questions, answered in order.
Last reviewed: October 2026. See our Editorial Standards for how we check these details.
"My landlord gave me a notice. Do I have to leave?"
No. Only a judge can order you out. Indiana Legal Services (ILS) says getting eviction papers doesn't mean you have to move right away. Some papers come from your landlord. Others come from the court after a case is filed.
For unpaid rent, Indiana Code 32-31-1-6 says a landlord can end the lease with at least 10 days' notice. That's unless you pay the rent in full before the notice period ends, or you and the landlord agreed otherwise.
The Small Claims Manual adds a caution. Under IC 32-31-1-8, there are some situations where notice to quit isn't required. But actual eviction with the sheriff still requires a court order. If you're unsure which rule applies, call for legal help right away.
What to do now:
Pay in full within the notice period if you can, and get a receipt.
Call the Tenant Information Hotline: 317-327-2228. The City's Eviction Diversion Program connects tenants facing eviction with free legal help and other services. The City says to call as soon as you think your landlord will file, or once you get a notice.
Start saving evidence (see below).
"I got court papers. Which court is mine?"
The City of Indianapolis lists these township small claims courts. Check your papers for the court name, date, and time.
Township court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Center Township | 300 E. Fall Creek Pkwy N. Dr. No. 130, 46205 | 317-920-4530 |
Decatur Township | 3730 S. Foltz St., 46241 | 317-241-2854 |
Franklin Township | 4351 Independence Square, 46203 | 317-784-1751 |
Lawrence Township | 4455 McCoy St., 46226 | 317-545-2369 |
Perry Township | 4925 S. Shelby St. No. 100, 46227 | 317-786-9242 |
Pike Township | 5665 Lafayette Rd., Suite B, 46254 | 317-293-1842 |
Warren Township | 501 N. Post Rd., Suite C, 46219 | 317-327-8919 |
Washington Township | 5302 N. Keystone Ave., Suite E, 46220 | 317-327-8184 |
Wayne Township | 5401 W. Washington St., 46241 | 317-241-9573 |
The City lists township court hours as 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Some cases are filed in Marion Superior Court at the Community Justice Campus, 675 Justice Way.
"What happens at the first hearing?"
Indiana Legal Help explains that an Indiana eviction has two parts:
The possession hearing comes first. The court decides whether you have to move out.
The damages hearing comes second, often on a later date. The court decides whether either side owes money for rent or damages.
At the possession hearing, ILS says you usually have three options:
Move out. You agree to leave, and the judge decides how much time you get. ILS says some judges give 7 days, others 2–3 weeks.
Make an agreement. You and the landlord agree that you can stay if you pay what's owed or follow other terms. This is called a "pay and stay" settlement.
Fight your case. You tell the judge why you shouldn't be evicted. The judge holds a hearing. The case may be continued, so you may have to come back.
ILS's warnings:
Go to every hearing, even if you're working things out with the landlord.
If the landlord's attorney approaches you, you don't have to agree to or sign anything you don't understand. You have the right to have a judge decide.
If you don't go, you will be evicted. The court could also order you to pay up to $10,000.
If you have to leave because of work or child care, tell court staff.
"Immediate possession" and bonds: Indiana Legal Help says a landlord who wants the property back shortly after the possession hearing must pay money to the court as a bond. The court holds it in case the eviction turns out to be wrong. Indiana Legal Help says tenants can pay the same amount to the court to stay. Ask a lawyer whether that's realistic in your case.
Go to every hearing, even if you're working things out with the landlord.
"What can I say to the judge?"
ILS gives examples you can use in your own words.
If the case is about rent:
"I paid the rent."
"I tried to pay, but they wouldn't accept it."
"I don't think I owe this amount because…"
If the landlord doesn't show up: ask to have the case dismissed or continued because you can't question the landlord about the amount owed.
If the landlord didn't make repairs:
"There are serious condition or safety issues."
"I reported these problems, but they weren't repaired."
ILS lists conditions that can make a home unsafe: no heat or broken heating or air conditioning, electrical problems, plumbing problems or no running water, gas leaks, mold, and roof leaks or flooding.
The Small Claims Manual explains that under IC 32-31-8, the landlord must deliver the home in safe, clean, and habitable condition. The landlord must also maintain the electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems, plus elevators and appliances supplied with the unit.
Counterclaims: ILS says you can also file a counterclaim asking the court to order the landlord to pay you money or fix a problem.
"What evidence should I bring?"
ILS lists:
☐ Photos of the unit's condition and repair requests
☐ Proof you paid or tried to pay: receipts, money order stubs, payment records
☐ Messages and letters between you and the landlord
Important: ILS says the court can't look at your phone. Print your documents, or save photos and messages to a thumb drive.
If you owe rent, ILS suggests gathering as much as you can before court and looking for rental assistance. Showing you're trying to pay can help.
"Can my landlord lock me out or shut off my utilities?"
No. The Small Claims Manual says lockouts aren't allowed unless the tenant has abandoned the home. Illegal lockouts or utility shutoffs can lead to punitive damages against the landlord.
Under IC 32-31-6, a tenant can file a small claims action for emergency possessory relief if the landlord unlawfully blocks access, for example by changing the locks or shutting off utilities or other essential services.
The manual also says nonpayment of rent isn't a basis for an emergency eviction under that chapter. Emergency evictions are for things like waste (serious damage to the property) or certain crimes.
"I have to move. How do I protect myself?"
ILS says before you leave:
☐ Take all your belongings.
☐ Photograph the unit.
☐ Return your keys and tell the landlord you've moved.
☐ Give a forwarding address in writing, by letter, email, or text.
If you're not out by the move-out date, the sheriff may physically evict you. ILS warns that your belongings may be put in storage, and you may have to pay to get them back.
Your deposit: The Small Claims Manual says that for leases after June 30, 1989, once you give a forwarding address, the landlord has 45 days to refund the deposit or send an itemized statement of what's being kept (IC 32-31-3-12).
"Don't skip the second hearing"
Indiana Legal Help says the damages hearing decides money for rent or damages. The most anyone can win in small claims is $10,000. If you don't go, you could owe up to that amount. Bring the same evidence, plus your move-out photos.
"Can I keep this off my record?"
The Small Claims Manual describes several sealing rules:
Case resolved early: If the parties settle before final judgment, the landlord must file to dismiss. The exception is if they're seeking damages, including keeping the deposit (IC 32-31-10-3).
Case abandoned: If a landlord takes no action for at least 180 days, the court sends notice. If the landlord still doesn't proceed or dismiss within 10 business days, the court can dismiss. It then bans disclosure of the records (IC 32-31-10-4).
Petition to seal (since July 1, 2025): You can petition to seal if the case was dismissed, decided in your favor, or overturned on appeal. Some cases where you lost can be sealed too: either you've paid the money judgment, or there was no money judgment and at least seven years have passed (IC 32-31-11).
ILS adds that you can ask the court to make the case temporarily private if you agree to move out.
"Is there help outside of court?"
Tenant Information Hotline: 317-327-2228. This is the City's Eviction Diversion Program, a partnership of the Office of Public Health and Safety, Lawrence Township Small Claims Court, the Indiana Bar Foundation, Indiana Legal Services, and the Indianapolis Legal Aid Society.
City housing email: OPHShousing@indy.gov
Statewide programs: The Small Claims Manual says Indiana has a statewide pre-eviction diversion program and a free landlord-tenant settlement conference program. Both are voluntary. Information is at indianahousingnow.org.
FAQ
How much notice does an Indianapolis landlord have to give for unpaid rent? Indiana Code 32-31-1-6 provides at least 10 days' notice to end the lease, unless you pay in full first or you agreed otherwise. Some situations under IC 32-31-1-8 need no notice to quit, but the sheriff can only remove you with a court order.
What's the difference between the possession and damages hearings? The first decides whether you must move. The second, often later, decides how much money is owed.
How long will the judge give me to move? ILS says it varies. Some judges give 7 days, others 2–3 weeks.
Can I show the judge texts on my phone? No. ILS says the court can't look at your phone. Print them or bring them on a thumb drive.
Who do I call for free help? The Tenant Information Hotline at 317-327-2228.
WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK
|
More help in Indianapolis
Every guide we have for Indianapolis is listed on our Indianapolis financial help hub.
Related guides
Official sources
Indiana Code 32-31-1-6: https://law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-32/article-31/chapter-1/section-32-31-1-6/
Indiana Courts, Small Claims Manual: https://www.in.gov/courts/files/small-claims-manual.pdf
Indiana Legal Services, About Evictions (2026): https://www.indianalegalservices.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-ILS-Eviction-Court-Info-Sheet-v1.pdf
Indiana Legal Help, Eviction FAQ: https://indianalegalhelp.org/eviction-frequently-asked-questions/
indy.gov, Eviction Diversion Program: https://www.indy.gov/activity/tenant-advocacy-project
Comments