Cal. Civ. Code § 36-7-9-4.5
Legislative findings; vacant or deteriorated structures
Operative Text
Sec. 4.5. (a) In Indiana, especially in urban areas, there exist a large number of unoccupied structures that are not maintained and that constitute a hazard to public health, safety, and welfare. (b) Vacant structures often become dilapidated because the structures are not maintained and repaired by the owners or persons in control of the structures. (c) Vacant structures attract children, become harborage for vermin, serve as temporary abodes for vagrants and criminals, and are likely to be damaged by vandals or set ablaze by arsonists. (d) Unkept grounds surrounding vacant structures invite dumping of garbage, trash, and other debris. (e) Many vacant structures are situated on narrow city lots and in close proximity to neighboring structures, thereby increasing the risk of conflagration and spread of insect and rodent infestation. (f) Vacant, deteriorated structures contribute to blight, cause a decrease in property values, and discourage neighbors from making improvements to properties. (g) Structures that remain boarded up for an extended period of time also exert a blighting influence and contribute to the decline of the neighborhood by decreasing property values, discouraging persons from moving into the neighborhood, and encouraging persons to move out of the neighborhood. (h) Vacant structures often continue to deteriorate to the point that demolition of the structure is required, thereby decreasing available housing in a community and further contributing to the decline of the neighborhood. (i) The blighting influence of vacant, deteriorated structures adversely affects the tax revenues of local government. (j) The general assembly finds that vacant, deteriorated structures create a serious and substantial problem in urban areas and are public nuisances. (k) In recognition of the problems created in a community by vacant structures, the general assembly finds that vigorous and disciplined action should be taken to ensure the proper maintenance and repair of vacant structures and encourages local governmental bodies to adopt maintenance and repair standards appropriate for the community in accordance with this chapter and other statutes.
Indiana Code § 36-7-9-4.5 sets out the Indiana General Assembly's formal findings on why vacant and deteriorated structures pose a serious public problem. The provision identifies a range of documented harms — including health and safety hazards, neighborhood blight, declining property values, reduced tax revenues, and increased risk of fire and infestation — that stem from unmaintained vacant buildings. Based on these findings, the legislature declares vacant, deteriorated structures to be public nuisances and calls for vigorous local action to enforce maintenance and repair standards.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Ind. Code § 36-7-9-4.5 signals that Indiana law treats the neglect of vacant properties as a matter of serious public concern, not merely a private ownership decision. Compliant property owners and managers generally ensure that vacant structures are actively maintained, secured against unauthorized entry, and kept free of debris and vermin — even when no tenant occupies the building. Local governments are expressly encouraged by this provision to adopt and enforce maintenance standards, meaning operators of vacant properties can expect heightened scrutiny from municipal code-enforcement bodies.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Ind. Code § 36-7-9-4.5 reflects Indiana's legislative recognition that vacant and deteriorated structures harm entire neighborhoods, including current residents who live near such properties. Tenants or community members affected by a neighboring vacant structure's blight, safety hazards, or vermin infestation may have grounds to raise concerns with local code-enforcement agencies, which are encouraged under this provision to take vigorous action. Tenant-rights organizations or local housing authorities can help identify what complaint processes are available in a given municipality under this chapter.
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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