Indianapolis, IN HOA Rules: Dispute Resolution (2026)

IC 32-25.5 Chapter 5 establishes Indiana's mandatory grievance resolution process for HOA disputes, which is considered one of the state's strongest homeowner protections. The HOA cannot skip to legal action without first complying with mandatory grievance resolution. Governing documents must include grievance resolution procedures that apply to all members and the board. To initiate the process, an owner or the board files a notice of claim that must state: the nature of the dispute, the specific governing document provision at issue, what resolution is sought, and the owner's right to a meeting. The parties must then attempt to resolve the dispute through the procedures in the governing documents before either side can file a lawsuit. This requirement applies to enforcement actions by the board against homeowners as well as homeowner complaints against the board. If the grievance resolution process fails, the matter may proceed to Marion County Superior Court. Indiana does not mandate mediation or arbitration at the state level, but governing documents may include these options. The Indiana Attorney General has authority to investigate certain HOA abuses under the Act, providing an additional avenue for homeowner complaints.