Cal. Civ. Code § 32-31-9-8
Lease protections; prohibition of retaliation by landlord
Operative Text
Sec. 8. (a) A landlord may not terminate a lease, refuse to renew a lease, refuse to enter into a lease, or retaliate against a tenant solely because: (1) a tenant; (2) an applicant; or (3) an individual who is a member of the tenant's or applicant's household; is a protected individual. (b) A landlord may not refuse to enter into a lease with an applicant or retaliate against a tenant solely because: (1) the tenant; (2) the applicant; or (3) an individual who is a member of the tenant's or applicant's household; has terminated a rental agreement as a protected individual under section 12 of this chapter.
Indiana Code § 32-31-9-8 prohibits landlords from terminating, refusing to renew, or refusing to enter into a lease based solely on a person's status as a 'protected individual' — a designation tied to certain circumstances such as being a victim of domestic violence or a similar qualifying situation. The prohibition extends to household members who hold that protected status, not just the primary tenant or applicant. Additionally, landlords cannot retaliate against someone solely because that person previously exercised the right to terminate a rental agreement as a protected individual under § 32-31-9-12.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Ind. Code § 32-31-9-8, compliant landlords evaluate lease applications and renewal decisions based on lawful, non-retaliatory criteria and do not factor in an applicant's or tenant's protected-individual status — or that of any household member — when making housing decisions. Operators generally document their leasing criteria and decisions in ways that reflect legitimate business reasons, keeping those records separate from any knowledge of a tenant's or applicant's protected status. Landlords also avoid adverse actions against tenants who have previously exercised their right to terminate a lease under § 32-31-9-12, as such actions could constitute prohibited retaliation.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Ind. Code § 32-31-9-8 gives tenants and applicants the right to be free from lease terminations, non-renewals, denials, and other retaliatory actions taken solely because they — or a member of their household — hold protected-individual status or have previously terminated a lease under § 32-31-9-12. If a landlord takes an adverse housing action that appears connected to that protected status, tenants may have grounds to raise the violation as a defense in eviction proceedings or pursue a complaint through Indiana courts. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services familiar with Indiana housing law can help individuals understand the options available under this provision.
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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