Indiana Expands Eviction Expungement in Major Legal Reform

New Law Automatically Seals Dismissed Evictions
Starting July 1, 2025, Indiana’s new eviction expungement law went into effect, offering overdue relief to tenants with past eviction cases. The law requires courts to automatically seal eviction filings that were dismissed, resulted in a ruling for the tenant, or were later overturned on appeal. Unlike before, tenants no longer need to file motions or jump through procedural hoops. Courts will now seal qualifying records on their own initiative. The Indianapolis eviction expungement lawyers at Rigney Law LLC can provide more information or immediate assistance, contact our firm today.
Clarification for Paid Judgments
The new law also allows for the expungement of cases involving paid judgments. Previously, if a landlord won an eviction case but the tenant later paid the judgment amount in full, the matter was not eligible for expungement. Now tenants who have satisfied financial obligations can petition for sealing without any waiting period. This change extends relief to a broader group of tenants who would otherwise remain marked by a past eviction.
Relief for Older Cases
For cases that do not fall under the new automatic sealing rules, the law includes a provision that allows tenants to petition for record sealing after seven years, as long as no money judgment was entered. This gives tenants with older eviction records a pathway to relief, especially when the case did not result in financial penalties but still appears in background checks.
Removing the “Scarlet E”
Tenant advocates have long referred to an eviction record as the “scarlet E,” a mark that can keep renters from accessing decent housing even when the case did not result in removal. This law helps erase that scarlet letter. In counties across Indiana, eviction records have routinely blocked families from securing new homes, even when they had been legally cleared. The expanded expungement provisions are expected to significantly reduce those barriers.
Proactive Local Support
In communities like South Bend, officials and legal aid groups have responded to the law by organizing sealing clinics to inform renters about their rights. These efforts help people who may not even be aware they have an eviction on their record. Some of these cases date back years, but under the new law, many are now eligible for expungement.
Legislative Compromise Brings Real Change
While the original version of the bill aimed to automatically seal more types of cases, the final version represents a practical compromise that maintains the most meaningful reforms. Lawmakers kept the most impactful pieces intact. Automatic sealing for dismissed and tenant-favored cases, and clear eligibility for paid judgments, now ensure that judges can act without tenant petitions in many instances.
Why Legal Guidance Still Matters
Even with these automatic protections in place, tenants should still consider speaking with a knowledgeable attorney to understand their rights, especially if their case is older, involves a judgment, or is still visible in public records. While the law streamlines many cases, some still require formal petitions or legal follow-up to ensure compliance and full record sealing.
A Step Toward Housing Justice
This new law marks an important step toward housing justice in Indiana. By removing unnecessary barriers and streamlining relief, the state has made meaningful progress in protecting renters from long-term harm over resolved disputes. Rigney Law LLC is committed to helping individuals seal their records and secure stable housing for themselves and their families. If you believe your eviction record may now qualify for expungement, we are here to help.