Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Indiana

We have a landlord who removed our front door and screen door. We live in an inner-city neighborhood full of crime. We have been this way for two weeks. He has since started the eviction process because we are two weeks behind in rent. We have been unable to seek work or sleep because we don't know what he is going to do or what our neighbors could do. He has also entered our apartment on numerous occasions without notice, even coming into our bedroom without permission. What rights do we have to fight eviction and get our door replaced so that we can find work and another place to live. It looks like legal fees could be awarded and damages under IC 32-31-8-6. How could we find someone to take our case. Nonprofit services have a long wait time and our need is urgent.


Asked on 9/16/10, 10:23 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Aaron Butler Aaron J. Butler, Attorney at Law

I believe your first priority should be to find alternative housing. Take photos of the door and any other problems with the house before you leave. Any legal action will take time, and it sounds like you are living in a very dangerous situation. I know you're afraid to leave the house to find work and other arrangements, but finding a lawyer and getting help from the courts will take the same sort of time investment.

After you find alternative housing (even if it is a shelter or other arrangement) then contact personal injury law firms in your area and tell them you want to sue your landlord under the Indiana statute that permits collection of attorney fees. You already know the statute that requires the landlord to provide you with a working door, and other necessities. The lawsuit itself is fairly simple, but an attorney will help you and if he or she agrees to a contingency fee, you won't have much in the way of expenses to bring the claim.

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Answered on 9/21/10, 12:50 pm


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