Indiana has undergone a wave of eviction-related reforms, many of which directly affect how landlords and property managers approach tenant screening, lease drafting, compliance, and long-term risk management. These reforms (ranging from expanded eviction diversion programs to proposed expungement pathways and low-barrier screening initiatives) reflect the state’s effort to stabilize housing while ensuring fair and lawful processes for all parties involved. For landlords in Fort Wayne, staying compliant isn’t optional: it’s a strategic advantage.
This guide breaks down what these changes mean for your business and how Select Property Management helps local owners navigate the evolving legal landscape.
Key Takeaways
Indiana is increasing access to eviction expungements, which may reduce visibility of prior housing court records during screening.
Low-barrier screening expectations are rising, encouraging property owners to revisit approval criteria to avoid discriminatory or overly restrictive policies.
Eviction diversion programs are expanding, often requiring pre-filing communication, mediation, or resource referrals before court involvement.
Lease policies must reflect updated notice requirements, habitability standards, and fair-chance housing trends.
Professional management is becoming more critical, as compliance mistakes can lead to lawsuits, delays, or costly non-renewal restrictions.
Understanding Indiana’s Current Eviction Reform Landscape
Indiana has historically had one of the highest eviction filing rates in the country. Reports from Indiana University researchers and statewide housing coalitions highlight structural challenges such as limited tenant legal representation, fast-paced court proceedings, and pre-COVID housing instability. In response, policymakers, housing agencies, and courts have introduced or expanded reforms that directly influence landlord practices.
Key Reform Themes Shaping the Industry
Eviction Prevention & Low-Barrier Screening: The Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA) encourages housing providers to adopt flexible screening practices, particularly for tenants with eviction histories or unstable credit due to economic shocks. This is part of a broader effort to reduce preventable evictions and homelessness.
Eviction Expungement Proposals: New proposals, including Senate Bill updates, would make it easier for tenants to seal eviction records and connected money judgments. If implemented statewide, landlords will increasingly encounter applicants whose public court histories do not fully reflect past eviction disputes.
Court Modernization & Diversion Programs: Court-supported initiatives recommend mediation, resource referrals, and more consistent case processing to reduce unnecessary filings and help landlords resolve issues faster.
For Fort Wayne area landlords, these changes mean that traditional processes and assumptions about tenant screening must adapt.
How Select Property Management Responds to Low-Barrier Screening Trends
Low-barrier screening does not mean approving every applicant. It means evaluating rental qualifications without unintentionally creating discriminatory outcomes. Indiana’s push encourages housing providers to weigh circumstances behind evictions or credit issues, rather than using blanket denials.
What Low-Barrier Screening Looks Like in Practice
Select Property Management incorporates several strategies aligned with state guidance:
Context-Based Eviction Review: Instead of immediately denying applicants with a past eviction, we examine timelines, causes, and applicant recovery efforts.
Flexible Income & Credit Considerations: When credit issues stem from medical debt, temporary unemployment, or pandemic-related hardship, our team evaluates stability rather than isolated score metrics.
Consistent, Legally Defensible Criteria: Maintaining uniform standards is critical for avoiding discrimination claims. We ensure criteria are documented, applied consistently, and updated when state guidance shifts.
For landlords, aligning with low-barrier screening policies reduces legal exposure and expands your potential tenant pool while still protecting your property.
Eviction Expungements: What Fort Wayne Landlords Need to Know
Expungement proposals in Indiana aim to seal certain eviction records, especially old or dismissed cases. If adopted widely, this reshapes the screening landscape.
How Expungements Affect Tenant Screening
Reduced Access to Historical Court Records: Landlords may no longer see older cases or eviction filings that never resulted in a judgment.
Greater Need for Employment & Income Verification: With fewer housing court records available, landlords must rely more heavily on verifiable financial stability indicators.
Enhanced Importance of Rental References: Prior landlords become a crucial data source when court records are limited.
Select Property Management adjusts screening protocols to ensure fairness without sacrificing due diligence, balancing legal compliance with asset protection.
Updated Eviction Diversion Expectations & Their Impact on Lease Policies
Eviction diversion programs are growing statewide, emphasizing early communication and alternatives to court. These reforms encourage landlords to demonstrate good-faith attempts to resolve issues before filing.
Why This Matters When Drafting a Lease
Lease policies now play a larger role in demonstrating compliance:
Clear Rent Collection Procedures: Courts may review whether the lease specifies late fees, grace periods, and communication expectations.
Transparent Maintenance Reporting Protocols: Habitability concerns must be addressed swiftly, and the lease should indicate how tenants can report issues—and how quickly landlords must respond.
Defined Behavior, Safety & Compliance Rules: Diversion reforms don’t just deal with nonpayment. Lease clarity around behavior violations, criminal activity, and property misuse matters more than ever.
We keep leases aligned with Indiana’s evolving standards to ensure enforceability and reduce the risk of court challenges.
How Fort Wayne Landlords Benefit from Modernized Screening & Lease Practices
Adapting to Indiana’s reforms doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In fact, updated practices can improve tenant quality, reduce turnover, and enhance property stability.
Advantages for Local Property Owners
Reduced legal risk from outdated screening or lease clauses
Lower vacancy rates when expanding your applicant pool responsibly
More predictable cash flow through structured communication policies
Better defense in court, thanks to compliant documentation
Less emotional and financial strain associated with preventable evictions
We serve as your compliance partner, helping you interpret new guidance and implement best practices across your portfolio.
FAQs About Indiana’s Eviction Reforms & Screening Changes
1. Do landlords still have the right to deny an applicant with an eviction in their history?
Yes—landlords maintain the right to deny applicants based on legitimate, consistently applied screening criteria. However, Indiana’s low-barrier screening guidance encourages landlords to consider context and avoid blanket denials.
2. Will eviction expungement laws prevent landlords from knowing a tenant’s past rental issues?
Not entirely. Expungements may seal specific records, but landlords can still rely on employment verification, income documentation, credit checks, and landlord references.
3. Do eviction diversion programs delay the eviction process for non-paying tenants?
They may add communication or mediation steps, but the overall goal is to resolve issues before escalating. When tenants are unwilling or unable to cooperate, landlords retain the right to file.
Select Property Management Helps Fort Wayne Landlords Stay Compliant
Indiana’s reforms signal a major shift in how evictions, tenant screening, and housing stability are handled across the state. Keeping your business compliant requires more than occasional policy updates. It requires a partner who understands both the legal landscape and local market conditions.
At Select Property Management, we safeguard your investment through:
Legally sound tenant screening
Updated, enforceable lease agreements
Documentation practices that align with court expectations
Transparent communication and rent-collection systems
Proactive maintenance that minimizes disputes
As regulations evolve, so do we—ensuring your properties remain profitable, compliant, and protected. Contact us today!