Indiana Late Rent Notice – 10-Day Pay or Quit

A procedural guide for Indiana landlords under Indiana Code IC 32-31-1

In Indiana, the terms Indiana Late Rent Notice, Indiana 10 Day Notice, and Indiana Notice to Pay Rent or Quit are used interchangeably to describe the same statutory demand for unpaid rent.

Indiana landlords must give tenants a 10-day written notice to pay overdue rent or vacate the property before filing for eviction. This notice is required under Indiana Code IC 32-31-1-6. Indiana counts calendar days — weekends and holidays are included in the 10-day period.

Content last updated: August 2026.

What Is an Indiana Late Rent Notice?

An Indiana late rent notice (also called a demand for possession or pay or quit notice) is a written document that formally notifies a tenant that rent is overdue and demands payment within a statutory timeframe. It is the required first step before a landlord can pursue eviction for non-payment of rent in Indiana. Without this notice, an eviction filing may be dismissed by the court.

How Many Days Does an Indiana Late Rent Notice Give?

Indiana requires a 10-day notice period. The tenant has 10 days after receiving the notice to either pay the full amount owed or vacate the premises. If the tenant does neither within those 10 days, the landlord may proceed to file an eviction action in court.

Do Weekends Count?

Yes. Unlike Florida, which counts only business days, Indiana counts all calendar days including weekends and holidays. If the 10th day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, it is still considered the deadline under Indiana law.

Statute Reference

Under Indiana Code IC 32-31-1-6, a landlord must deliver a written demand for payment of rent. The tenant is then given a period of not less than 10 days to pay the rent due or vacate the premises before the landlord may file a court action for possession.

— Indiana Code, Title 32, Article 31, Chapter 1, Section 6

What the Notice Should Include

Tenant's full legal name and address of the rental property
Specific dollar amount of rent that is past due
The months or period for which rent is owed
A clear demand to pay within 10 days or vacate the premises
The date the notice is delivered or served
The landlord's name or authorized agent's name and signature

Service Methods

Hand delivery — personally delivering the notice to the tenant
Leaving a copy — at the tenant's usual place of residence with a person of suitable age
Certified mail — provides proof of delivery and a return receipt

Indiana does not require a specific method of service, but landlords should always retain proof of delivery. Certified mail with return receipt requested is the most defensible method in court.

What Happens Next

If the tenant pays the full balance within the 10-day notice period, no further action is needed and the tenancy continues. If the tenant does not pay or vacate within the 10-day period, the landlord may file for eviction in small claims or civil court in the county where the property is located.

The landlord cannot change locks, shut off utilities, or remove the tenant's belongings — these are considered illegal self-help eviction and can expose the landlord to liability.

Key Differences From Other States

Florida: Requires only 3 days but counts business days only (excludes weekends and holidays under §83.56)
Texas: Requires 3 calendar days under Texas Property Code §24.005
California: Requires 3 days with specific business-day counting rules under CCP §1161(2)
Indiana: Requires 10 calendar days — one of the longer notice periods among U.S. states

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Failing to provide a written notice (verbal notice is insufficient)
Using the wrong notice period (10 days is required for non-payment)
Attempting self-help eviction such as changing locks or removing belongings
Not keeping proof of notice delivery

Generate Your Indiana Late Rent Notice

State-specific notice structured to follow Indiana Code IC 32-31-1. Enter your details and download instantly.

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Structured statutory guidance. Not legal advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Indiana late rent notice?

An Indiana late rent notice is a written demand requiring a tenant to pay overdue rent within 10 days or vacate the property. It is required under Indiana Code IC 32-31-1-6 before a landlord can file for eviction.

How many days does a tenant have to pay late rent in Indiana?

Indiana requires a 10-day notice period. The tenant has 10 calendar days after receiving the notice to pay the full amount owed or vacate the premises.

Do weekends count in an Indiana 10-day notice?

Yes. Indiana counts calendar days, not business days. Weekends and holidays are included in the 10-day notice period.

How do you serve a late rent notice in Indiana?

An Indiana late rent notice can be delivered by hand to the tenant personally, by leaving a copy at the tenant's usual place of residence, or by certified mail for proof of delivery.

What happens after the 10-day notice expires in Indiana?

If the tenant does not pay or vacate within the 10-day period, the landlord may file for eviction in small claims or civil court in the county where the property is located.