Marion County continues to grapple with a severe eviction problem. New data released by the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) in its report “Marion County’s Top Evictors” shows that Indianapolis landlords filed more than 25,000 eviction notices in each of the last three years – 2022, 2023 and 2024. Executive Director Amy Nelson said the numbers signal an ongoing crisis for renters in the city.
Eviction filing trends
The FHCCI analysis breaks down filing rates by landlord, property type and census tract. Large multifamily owners such as Van Rooy Companies and Emerald Empire/CYM Living posted eviction rates well above the state average of 14 percent. In neighborhoods where Black residents are the majority, Van Rooy evicted 43.6 units per 100 rented units, compared with just 5.9 per 100 in majority‑white areas.
Reasons renters fall behind
Data from the Indianapolis Office of Public Health and Safety shows that job loss or reduced hours accounted for 48 percent of missed‑rent cases, unexpected expenses for 27 percent, and other debt obligations for 16 percent. These economic pressures have persisted despite a brief dip in filings after the 2021 federal rent‑assistance program, when the city saw 19,121 eviction notices.
State‑level context
Indiana’s legal framework offers fewer protections for vulnerable renters than many other states. The state is one of only four without a statute that lets tenants withhold rent or make repairs and deduct the cost from what they owe. Landlords must give tenants just ten days’ notice before filing for eviction over nonpayment, a short window that limits renters’ ability to negotiate.
Calls for policy change
Nelson argued that recent legislation has tilted heavily in favor of housing providers, leaving renters at a disadvantage. She urged lawmakers to roll back preemptive statutes that limit local authority and to adopt measures that create greater parity between landlords and tenants.
Community resources
For residents facing eviction, FHCCI points to a list of local assistance programs, legal aid services and tenant‑rights guides. The organization encourages renters to learn their rights and seek help early, emphasizing that knowledge and community support are essential tools in combating the crisis.
What’s next?
The FHCCI report will be presented to city officials and state legislators in the coming weeks. Advocates hope the data will spur concrete action, such as expanding mediation programs, extending notice periods and considering rent‑withholding statutes. As the numbers remain high, the pressure mounts on policymakers to protect families and uphold the stability of Indiana’s neighborhoods.
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
