Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita said Friday his office sued a management company that runs at least three properties in Hammond and East Chicago, saying they put deceptive or illegal fine print in renters’ leases.
The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Lake Superior Court, accuses IBIN Management, LLC of breaking Indiana’s consumer protection laws.
The company runs three properties on the 4300 block of Baring Avenue in East Chicago, 200 block of Waltham Street in Hammond, and 900 block of 174th Street in Hammond.
Various leases tried to stretch how long it would take to give back security deposits past the 45 days required by state law, had renters pay fees for repairs that landlords should cover, let landlords go into the units without notification, or tried to block renters from seeking damages allowed by state law, among other issues, Rokita said in a release.
The lawsuit cites three people who rented in Hammond or East Chicago. Rokita said he is encouraging anyone affected to call his office.
“Hoosiers deserve fair and transparent treatment when renting their homes,” Rokita said in the release. “This lawsuit sends a clear message: we will hold accountable those who exploit tenants with deceptive lease agreements that misrepresent their rights and obligations. Protecting Indiana consumers is a top priority for our office.”
The company has received several one-star reviews dating back to at least 2022 on the Better Business Bureau’s website. The agency gave it an F rating for not responding to complaints.
A woman who answered a listed number Friday for the company declined to comment. It lists a Crown Point post office box as its address in state records.
The lawsuit wants a legal injunction to force the company to stop its practices, as well as fines and restitution.
“We are committed to ensuring that landlords and property managers play by the rules,” Rokita said. “We will continue to stand up for Hoosiers and fight against deceptive practices that harm our communities.”
Affected renters can call his office at 1-800-382-5516 or go to indianaconsumer.com.
mcolias@post-trib.com
