Cal. Civ. Code § 32-31-5-3
"Dwelling unit" defined
Operative Text
Sec. 3. (a) As used in this chapter, "dwelling unit" means a structure or part of a structure that is used as a home, residence, or sleeping unit. (b) The term includes the following: (1) An apartment unit. (2) A boarding house unit. (3) A rooming house unit. (4) A manufactured home (as defined in IC 22-12-1-16) or mobile structure (as defined in IC 22-12-1-17) and the space occupied by the manufactured home or mobile structure. (5) A single or two (2) family dwelling.
Ind. Code § 32-31-5-3 establishes the meaning of 'dwelling unit' as used throughout Indiana's residential rental chapter, covering any structure or portion of a structure where people live or sleep. The definition is intentionally broad, encompassing apartments, boarding and rooming house units, manufactured homes and mobile structures (along with the land they occupy), and single- or two-family homes. Because this is a definitional provision, it shapes which properties and tenants fall under the protections and obligations set out elsewhere in the chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers should be aware that Ind. Code § 32-31-5-3 defines 'dwelling unit' broadly enough to include not only traditional apartments and single-family homes but also boarding houses, rooming houses, and manufactured or mobile homes with their lots. Operators of any of these property types are generally considered subject to the duties and requirements established elsewhere in Indiana Code Chapter 32-31-5. Compliant landlords typically review whether each property they manage meets this definition before determining which statutory obligations apply to their rental relationships.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Ind. Code § 32-31-5-3 defines 'dwelling unit' in a way that extends tenant protections to a wide range of living arrangements, including apartments, rooming and boarding house rooms, manufactured homes, mobile structures, and single- or two-family houses. If a tenant is unsure whether their home qualifies as a 'dwelling unit' under this definition, they may wish to review the full text of Indiana Code Chapter 32-31-5 or reach out to a local tenant-rights organization for general information. Understanding whether one's residence falls within this definition can be an important first step in identifying which rights and remedies may be available under Indiana law.
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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