Fishers, IN Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 157.08
- Applies to
- Rentals and owner-occupied units
- Enforcement
- Inspections by Building Commissioner
- Residential fine
- $150 first, $300 if unpaid
- Daily accrual
- Each uncorrected day, separate violation
Summary
Fishers' Property Maintenance Code bars anyone from occupying or renting out a structure that fails its minimum upkeep standards, covering rental and owner-occupied homes alike in Hamilton County.
The provisions of this chapter shall govern the minimum conditions of property and buildings. Every building or structure, except as exempted by other parts of this chapter and the premises on which it stands shall comply with the conditions herein prescribed. No person shall occupy or let to another for occupancy, any structure, building, or premises that does not comply with the requirements herein. The Building Commissioner, Zoning Administrator, Director of Planning and Zoning and Health Department Director may conduct periodic inspections to be made of all premises to secure compliance with these requirements. It shall be the responsibility of the Building Commissioner, Zoning Administrator, Director of Planning and Zoning, and Health Department Director to determine whether correction is needed. The Building Commissioner, Director of Planning and Zoning, and Health Department Director shall also look at the extent of the corrections needed and set a time period for correction unless a time is specifically stated in this chapter. (Ord. 120114B, passed 12-1-14; Am. Ord. 061625, passed 7-21-25)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinance No. 051826E, passed 5-18-26; and Resolution No. R051826C, passed 5-18-26; and State legislation current through Indiana Legislative Service, 2026 Acts, Pamphlet #1).
Full Breakdown
Under § 157.08, no person may occupy or "let to another for occupancy" any structure, building, or premises that does not meet the Property Maintenance Code's minimum standards for light, ventilation, heating, sanitation, weatherproofing, and structural soundness set out in § 157.09.10. The Building Commissioner, Zoning Administrator, Director of Planning and Zoning, and Health Department Director enforce compliance through periodic inspections and can order corrections. The standard applies equally to rental and owner-occupied dwellings within Fishers city limits -- it is not a landlord-specific code, but it reaches every unit offered for rent.
Violations & Fines
Noncompliant residential structures draw a $150 fine per violation under § 157.09.10, rising to $300 if uncorrected after 30 days; each uncorrected day is a separate violation under § 157.99.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fishers require rental homes to meet habitability standards?
Who enforces Fishers' rental property maintenance rules?
Sources & Official References
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