No, squatting in Indiana is illegal under state statutes and local ordinances. Unauthorized occupation of property violates Indiana’s criminal trespass laws (IC 35-43-2-2) and civil trespass provisions, exposing squatters to eviction, fines, or imprisonment. Local governments, such as the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, enforce these laws aggressively, particularly in high-occupancy rental markets. Recent 2026 legislative proposals aim to expedite eviction processes for squatters, further tightening compliance risks for property owners.
Key Regulations for Squatting in Indiana
- Criminal Trespass (IC 35-43-2-2): Unlawful entry onto another’s property with intent to defraud or avoid detection, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and $1,000 in fines. Law enforcement may arrest squatters without a warrant if probable cause exists.
- Forcible Entry and Detainer (IC 32-30-3): Property owners must file a civil eviction lawsuit, providing 10 days’ notice before court proceedings. Indiana courts prioritize these cases to minimize occupancy disruptions.
- Local Ordinances: Municipalities like Fort Wayne and Evansville enforce additional nuisance abatement protocols, requiring property owners to secure vacant structures within 30 days of vacancy to deter squatting.
Property owners should document unauthorized occupancy immediately, file police reports, and pursue expedited eviction under Indiana’s 2024-2026 housing enforcement reforms. Failure to act swiftly risks prolonged legal battles and financial losses.