Cal. Civ. Code § 32-31-3-11
Jurisdiction of courts
Operative Text
Sec. 11. (a) The following courts have original and concurrent jurisdiction in cases arising under this chapter: (1) A circuit court. (2) A superior court. (3) A municipal court. (4) A small claims court. (b) A case arising under this chapter may be filed on the small claims docket of a court that has jurisdiction.
Indiana Code § 32-31-3-11 establishes which courts are authorized to hear cases that arise under the security deposit chapter of Indiana landlord-tenant law. Circuit courts, superior courts, municipal courts, and small claims courts all share original and concurrent jurisdiction, meaning a case can be initiated in any one of them. Additionally, the provision expressly permits such cases to be filed on a court's small claims docket, which is typically a more streamlined and accessible forum.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Ind. Code § 32-31-3-11, property owners and managers should be aware that disputes related to security deposits can be brought against them in multiple court venues, including small claims court. A compliant operator generally keeps thorough documentation of security deposit transactions precisely because a tenant may choose whichever eligible court is most convenient. Understanding that any of these four court types can hear such claims helps operators maintain records and procedures that would hold up in any of those forums.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Ind. Code § 32-31-3-11 gives tenants flexibility in choosing where to file a security deposit dispute, since circuit, superior, municipal, and small claims courts all have authority to hear these cases. Small claims court in particular is often a more accessible and lower-cost option for individuals pursuing relatively modest claims. Tenants who believe their rights under this chapter have been violated may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand which court forum best fits their circumstances.
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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