New Indiana HOA Laws in 2026: What Homeowners and Board Members Should Know

The 2026 Indiana legislative session introduced several changes affecting homeowners associations across the state. Here is an overview of the key new laws and what they mean for your community.

The 2026 Indiana legislative session was an active one for homeowners association law. Several bills were signed into law that will affect how HOAs operate, how they interact with homeowners, and how disputes are handled. Whether you serve on an HOA board or are a homeowner in a managed community, these changes are worth understanding.

Fines for Covenant Violations (House Bill 1115)

House Bill 1115 establishes a formal framework for HOAs that wish to fine homeowners for covenant violations. Under the new law, an HOA may assess a fine only if it has first adopted a written schedule of fines for specified violations and has provided the homeowner with a notice identifying the violation, the amount of the fine, and the date on which the fine will be assessed. The fine schedule must include a maximum aggregate fine amount for any single violation, meaning that a recurring fine may not exceed the designated aggregated amount. This law is designed to prevent arbitrary or excessive fines and to ensure homeowners receive fair notice before a fine is imposed.

Meeting Notice and Virtual Attendance (House Bill 1115)

House Bill 1115 also requires the board to provide members with at least four days’ advance written notice of any board meeting. The notice must include a meeting agenda, and for annual meetings, it must also include a statement of the right of members to demand a special meeting and the number of members needed to do so. The law also confirms that homeowners may attend meetings remotely or virtually in accordance with Indiana’s procedures for remote meetings of nonprofit corporations.

Limits on HOA Fees (House Bills 1115 and 1152)

Both House Bill 1115 and House Bill 1152 addressed fees charged by HOAs. Under House Bill 1152, an HOA may not charge homeowners fees that are not expressly authorized in the association’s recorded governing documents. House Bill 1115 removed the prior provision that allowed associations to charge fees for producing records requested by members. House Bill 1115 prohibits an HOA from charging more than fifty dollars for a statement of unpaid assessments or other charges in connection with the resale or refinancing of a property.

Voting Restrictions on Rental Policies (House Bill 1210)

Beginning July 1, 2026, only homeowners who occupy their property as a homestead may vote on association matters involving restrictions or prohibitions on rental properties. Under Indiana law, a homestead is a person’s individual principal place of residence located in Indiana that consists of a dwelling and up to one acre of surrounding land, which the individual owns or is acquiring under qualifying circumstances. This means that investor-owners who rent out their units will not be eligible to vote on proposals to ban or limit rentals. This change applies to votes on banning rentals entirely, imposing rental caps or waiting lists, and any other provision restricting the ability to rent a home within the community.

The real estate attorneys at McNeelyLaw LLP can help HOA boards and homeowners understand how these new laws affect their communities. Contact us today by calling (317)825-5110.

This McNeelyLaw LLP publication should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. The contents are intended for general informational purposes only, and you are urged to consult your own lawyer on any specific legal questions you may have concerning your situation.