Is Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals Legal in Indiana? (2026)

Confidence: High

Yes — Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals are legal in Indiana as of 2026.

Key Restriction
None statewide
Penalty
Regulatory violation
Last Updated
2026-03-25

Law changed in 2024: Indianapolis passed a new ordinance in September 2024 requiring registration and a $150 fee. In the 2025-2026 legislative sessions, bills like SB411 were introduced to address property tax implications for short-term rentals, and a bill was passed pr...

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Quick Answer

Short-term rentals are legal in Indiana. Indianapolis passed a new ordinance in September 2024 requiring registration and a $150 fee. Hosts should verify local ordinances and tax requirements before listing.

What the Law Says

Indiana state law requires the collection of a 7% sales tax on rentals under 30 days. A 2026 law shifted some regulatory power, preventing municipalities from capping the number of rentals but giving more authority to Homeowners Associations (HOAs) to regulate or ban them.

Ind. Code § 36-1-24
Category Details
State-Level Rules Legal; check local ordinances
Local Permit Requirements Legal; may need business license
Violation Penalties Must collect and remit applicable lodging/occupancy taxes.
Pending Legislation None known
Recent Changes

Indianapolis passed a new ordinance in September 2024 requiring registration and a $150 fee. In the 2025-2026 legislative sessions, bills like SB411 were introduced to address property tax implications for short-term rentals, and a bill was passed prohibiting local governments from enforcing rental caps.

Enforcement Reality

Enforcement is handled at the local level, but within the framework of a state law that prevents outright bans. Cities like Indianapolis require permits and can issue fines for non-compliance, with a Class C infraction carrying a fine up to $500.

Charge Level
Regulatory violation
Enforcement Likelihood
Moderate, primarily driven by local permit and tax compliance
Common Triggers
Operating without a local permit, failure to remit the 7% state sales tax, violating HOA rules which were given more authority in 2026.
Common Mistakes

A common mistake is operating without a required local permit, such as in Indianapolis. Another is failing to collect and remit the 7% state sales tax and any applicable county innkeeper's taxes.

Local Exceptions

State law sets the baseline. These cities or counties have additional rules that may differ:

Indianapolis
Requires a short-term rental permit and that the property be a legally built dwelling.
Bloomington
Requires a rental occupancy permit and regular inspections for all rental properties, including short-term rentals.
Carmel
Has strict zoning ordinances that limit short-term rentals in residential areas.
Fort Wayne
Requires a business license and compliance with local zoning and safety codes.
South Bend
Requires a rental permit and adherence to city regulations on occupancy and safety.

Indiana vs. the Rest of the US

Across the US, operating a short-term rental is fully legal in 35 states, restricted in 15, and illegal in 0. Indiana falls in the LEGAL category.

View the full 50-state map →

Neighboring States

Laws change at state lines. Here is how bordering states compare on Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is operating a short-term rental legal in Indiana?
Yes — Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals are legal in Indiana as of 2026. Short-term rentals are legal in Indiana. Indianapolis passed a new ordinance in September 2024 requiring registration and a $150 fee. Hosts should verify local ordinances and tax requirements before listing.
Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Indiana?
Legal; may need business license
Does the law on operating a short-term rental change at the Indiana border?
Yes. Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals are legal with restrictions in neighboring Illinois. Laws change at state lines — check each state individually before traveling.

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EH
Ethan Harper Independent Legal Researcher

Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.

Last reviewed: 2026-03-25 Method: Statute cross-reference

Sources & Verification

1.
Primary Citation
2.
Statute Summary
Indiana state law requires the collection of a 7% sales tax on rentals under 30 days. A 2026 law shifted some regulatory power, preventing municipalities from capping the number of rentals but giving …
Verified: 2026-03-25 Reviewed by: Ethan Harper Method: Statute cross-reference Confidence: High

This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

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