Cal. Civ. Code § 32-31-3-7
"Rental agreement" defined
Operative Text
Sec. 7. (a) As used in this chapter, "rental agreement" means an agreement together with any modifications, embodying the terms and conditions concerning the use and occupancy of a rental unit. (b) The term includes an agreement, regardless of what the agreement is called, that satisfies the following: (1) The agreement is entered into after June 30, 2008. (2) The agreement provides for a rental period, explicitly or implicitly, regardless of the term of the rental period. (3) The agreement contains an option to purchase.
Indiana Code § 32-31-3-7 establishes what counts as a "rental agreement" for purposes of the state's security deposit chapter. The definition is broad: it covers any written or oral agreement—whatever it may be called—that sets out the terms and conditions for using and occupying a rental unit, including any later modifications. Notably, an agreement signed after June 30, 2008 that includes a rental period and an option to purchase the property is also treated as a rental agreement under this chapter, even if it resembles a purchase contract in other respects.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Ind. Code § 32-31-3-7, property owners and managers should be aware that the label placed on a housing agreement does not determine whether Indiana's security deposit rules apply to it. Compliant operators generally review any arrangement that grants occupancy rights and includes a purchase option to determine whether it falls within this definition. Keeping clear records of all agreement terms and any modifications helps demonstrate which statutory obligations govern the relationship.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Ind. Code § 32-31-3-7 means that tenants may be protected by Indiana's security deposit chapter even if their housing arrangement is structured as something other than a traditional lease—for example, a rent-to-own or lease-with-option-to-purchase agreement entered into after June 30, 2008. Tenants in such arrangements can explore whether the protections of the security deposit chapter apply to their situation. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid offices can help individuals understand how this definition interacts with their specific agreement.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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