For years, Indianapolis landlords heard the same tired line from police: "Sorry, it's a civil matter. You have to evict them."
As of July 1, 2025, that excuse is dead. Indiana passed Senate Enrolled Act 157 (Public Law 191), a game-changing statute that finally gives property owners the upper hand. If you are still trying to file a slow, expensive eviction against a squatter in Marion County, you might be using the old playbook.
The Intent of the New Law
The Traditional Path: Historically, property owners have had to file for eviction in Small Claims Court. This process can take weeks or months, often depending on court schedules and potential continuance requests by the occupant.
The New Statute (SEA 157): The new law provides a mechanism for property owners to file a specific Affidavit of Unlawful Occupancy. This statute is designed to empower law enforcement to remove unauthorized occupants much faster. However, strictly speaking, enforcement can vary based on how local authorities interpret the situation.
Who Qualifies as a "Squatter"?
Legal statutes generally define a squatter as someone who meets specific criteria, such as:
- Does not have a rental agreement (and never did).
- Does not have your permission to be on the premises.
- Is not a "holdover tenant" (a former tenant whose lease simply expired).
Why It Can Still Be Difficult
Even with the new law, if an occupant produces a document that looks like a lease—even a handwritten one—police officers may hesitate to intervene to avoid liability. In these cases, officers often declare it a "civil matter" and direct the owner back to court. Instead of gambling on police enforcement, many owners choose to sell the property "as-is" to a cash buyer like Homebound Offers, letting us handle the vacancy issues post-closing.
Sell without evicting anyone.
IMPORTANT LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
Homebound Offers is a real estate investment company. We are principal buyers, not attorneys, financial advisors, or licensed real estate agents. The information presented in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice.
Real estate laws, including eviction, probate, and foreclosure statutes, vary by location and are subject to judicial interpretation. Every property situation is unique. The next step for any legal action should always be to contact a qualified attorney to review your specific circumstances. If you need a referral to a local professional, we may be able to provide a list of independent contacts.