PHA directory, Fair Market Rents, and landlord requirements for the Housing Choice Voucher program in Indiana. Updated April 2026.
| Authority | City | Phone | Vouchers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis Housing Agency | Indianapolis | (317) 261-7200 | 7,500 |
| Fort Wayne Housing Authority | Fort Wayne | (260) 267-9300 | 3,000 |
| South Bend Housing Authority | South Bend | (574) 235-9346 | 2,500 |
| Gary Housing Authority | Gary | (219) 881-5601 | 3,500 |
Source: HUD FY2026 FMR data. Monthly rents by bedroom count.
| Metro Area | Studio | 1 BR | 2 BR | 3 BR | 4 BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis-Carmel, IN HUD Metro FMR Area | $1,118 | $1,267 | $1,473 | $1,907 | $2,338 |
| Gary, IN HUD Metro FMR Area | $959 | $1,082 | $1,317 | $1,612 | $1,744 |
| Fort Wayne, IN HUD Metro FMR Area | $892 | $916 | $1,113 | $1,381 | $1,512 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN HUD Metro FMR Area | $898 | $1,105 | $1,292 | $1,567 | $1,711 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN MSA | $968 | $992 | $1,183 | $1,553 | $1,581 |
To become a Section 8 landlord in Indiana, contact the local PHA where your property is located. The Indianapolis Housing Agency (IHA) is the largest in the state, administering approximately 7,500 vouchers. When a voucher holder selects your property, they bring a Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) form. You complete your portion with property details and the proposed rent.
The PHA reviews the proposed rent for reasonableness by comparing it to similar unassisted rental units in the area. Your property must pass an HQS inspection before the HAP contract can be executed. Indiana properties should have functioning heating systems (critical for Indiana winters), working plumbing, safe electrical systems, smoke detectors, and no lead-based paint hazards in pre-1978 units.
Once the property passes inspection and the rent is approved, the PHA issues a HAP contract. The approval process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks in Indiana. Indianapolis and Gary PHAs may have longer processing times due to higher voucher volumes. Fort Wayne and South Bend generally process applications more quickly due to lower demand.
HQS inspections in Indiana follow HUD's 13 performance areas. Inspectors verify sanitary facilities, food preparation areas, space and security, thermal environment (heating is critical in Indiana's cold winters), illumination and electricity, structural integrity, interior air quality, water supply, lead-based paint compliance, accessibility, site conditions, sanitary conditions, and smoke detectors.
Common HQS failures in Indiana include non-functional or inefficient heating systems (furnaces, boilers), missing or expired smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, peeling paint on pre-1978 properties, water damage from basement flooding (common in Indiana), damaged or rotting windows and exterior trim, plumbing leaks, missing handrails on stairs, and pest infestations. Indiana's freeze-thaw cycles can cause foundation and exterior damage that inspectors will flag.
Landlords have 30 days to correct non-emergency deficiencies and 24 hours for emergency items (no heat in winter, gas leaks). Most Indiana PHAs inspect every two years. Preparing with a self-inspection using HUD Form 52580 helps prevent failures. Failed inspections delay HAP payments and can result in contract termination if not corrected promptly.
HAP payments in Indiana are made monthly by the PHA directly to the landlord, typically via direct deposit or check around the first of the month. The HAP amount is the difference between the PHA-approved contract rent and the tenant's portion (generally 30% of adjusted monthly income). The tenant pays their share directly to the landlord.
FY2026 Fair Market Rents in Indiana are among the most affordable in the Midwest. Indianapolis 2-bedroom FMRs are $1,473, while Fort Wayne is $1,113, Gary $1,317, and South Bend $1,292. These rates provide solid returns on Indiana's affordable housing stock. PHAs set payment standards between 90% and 110% of FMR, allowing some flexibility in higher-cost neighborhoods.
Annual rent increases may be requested in writing to the PHA, typically 60 days before the HAP contract anniversary. The PHA evaluates the request against current FMRs and comparable market rents. If the tenant does not pay their portion, the landlord follows the standard Indiana eviction process (10-day notice). The PHA continues paying its share as long as the unit is occupied and in HQS compliance.
Indiana does not have a statewide source-of-income protection law, so landlords are not required to accept Section 8 vouchers. The City of Indianapolis enacted a source-of-income protection ordinance in 2021, meaning landlords in Marion County may not refuse tenants solely because they use housing vouchers. Landlords in other Indiana cities should check local ordinances.
Indiana's landlord-tenant laws apply equally to all residential tenancies, including Section 8. The 10-day nonpayment notice, security deposit rules, and habitability requirements all apply regardless of voucher status. The HAP contract adds obligations including HQS compliance, advance notice of lease termination, and allowing PHA inspections.
For Indiana investors, Section 8 provides reliable government-backed income in an affordable market. Gary and Indianapolis have particularly strong voucher demand, with many tenants holding vouchers due to limited affordable housing options. Fort Wayne and South Bend offer lower entry prices and steady Section 8 demand. The 10-day eviction notice period and affordable court costs make Indiana attractive for investors who want efficient tenant management alongside the income stability of the voucher program.
For current FMR data and the complete PHA directory, visit the Section 8 FMR Lookup Tool.
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