Cal. Civ. Code § 32-31-8.5-2
"Protected activity"
Operative Text
Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "protected activity" means any of the following actions taken by a tenant: (1) Complaining to a governmental entity responsible for enforcing an applicable building or housing code about a violation with respect to the rental premises that materially affects health or safety. (2) Complaining to a landlord in writing concerning the landlord's violation of IC 32-31-5-6 or IC 32-31-8-5. (3) Bringing an action against the landlord under IC 32-31-6 or IC 32-31-8. (4) Organizing or becoming a member of a tenant's organization. (5) Testifying in a court proceeding or an administrative hearing against the landlord.
Indiana Code § 32-31-8.5-2 defines the term 'protected activity' as it is used throughout the anti-retaliation chapter. The definition covers five categories of tenant conduct: reporting health or safety code violations to a government agency, sending written complaints to a landlord about certain statutory violations, filing a lawsuit against a landlord under specified Indiana statutes, joining or organizing a tenant organization, and testifying against a landlord in court or an administrative hearing. Because these actions are classified as 'protected,' they form the foundation for any retaliation claim a tenant might bring under the same chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Ind. Code § 32-31-8.5-2, property owners and managers should be aware that a broad range of tenant conduct is legally shielded from adverse action. Compliant operators generally treat written complaints, code-violation reports, tenant-organization activity, and court testimony as off-limits when making decisions about rent increases, lease renewals, or other tenancy terms. Familiarity with all five categories defined in this section helps operators avoid conduct that could be characterized as retaliatory under the broader chapter.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Ind. Code § 32-31-8.5-2 identifies five types of actions that Indiana law recognizes as protected, meaning a landlord generally cannot penalize you for taking them. These include reporting health or safety violations to a government agency, sending written complaints about specific statutory violations, suing a landlord under the referenced statutes, joining a tenant organization, and testifying against a landlord in a legal proceeding. Tenants who believe they have faced adverse treatment after engaging in any of these activities may have grounds to raise a retaliation claim and can explore options by contacting a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office.
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.
Effective Timeline
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