Indianapolis, IN Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)

Under Indiana's short-term rental statute, IC 36-1-24-11, 'A unit may require an owner to obtain a permit for each property by adopting an ordinance that sets forth only the requirements of this chapter for obtaining a permit,' and a unit 'may require only one (1) permit for each single family home, two-family or multifamily dwelling, condominium, cooperative, or time share that an owner rents in whole or in part.' Indianapolis exercised that authority through Chapter 852 of the Revised Code of the Consolidated City and County (the Indianapolis Short-Term Rental Permit Program), administered by the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (DBNS) through the Citizen Access Portal.

The fee structure is capped by state law: IC 36-1-24-13 provides that 'a unit may charge a permit fee, not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150), for' an initial permit. Indianapolis charges the maximum $150 one-time fee per property; annual renewals carry no fee so long as the permit has not been revoked. IC 36-1-24-12 requires the unit to issue a permit within thirty (30) days of a complete application that meets the ordinance requirements. Hotels, motels, and stays exceeding 30 consecutive days are not short-term rentals and do not require an STR permit.