Bauer’s tenant protections amendments struck down by House Republicans

Today, Jan. 30, State Rep. Maureen Bauer’s (D-South Bend) proposed amendments to strengthen tenant protections in House Bill 1115. All three were blocked from debate by Indiana House Republicans. 

Bauer, who has long advocated for stronger tenant protections, expressed frustration following the rejections of these crucial measures, which aimed to improve the safety and well-being of renters across the state. These amendments sought to establish more stringent standards for basic living conditions including: minimum heat regulation for seniors & children; a properly installed, vented and operational hot water heater; properly installed wiring free from deterioration; and minimum of one working smoke alarm per dwelling.

Bauer released the following statement on the failed amendments:

“In direct response to the need to strengthen tenant protections in Indiana, I proposed real action that the Indiana General Assembly could have taken today to raise the standard of housing in Indiana. We are once again denying an opportunity to expand safety protections for our most vulnerable residents. The 2024 LaPorte Avenue fire is a stark reminder of the failures of Indiana's current landlord-tenant code. It is up to the Indiana General Assembly to do more to ensure that every Hoosier has a safe living environment.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home. No family deserves to bring a newborn infant home to an apartment that is not adequately heated in the middle of winter, as was the case at Cedar Glen Apartments. Litigation should not be the only recourse. Time and time again, we see efforts to protect renters blocked by those who ignore the dangers of weak housing standards. We can and must do better.”