On Monday, April 21, 2025, the Fishers City Council voted to implement the Home Rental Registration & Permitting Program. Enforcement of the program will begin January 1, 2026. Property owners who currently have properties identified as rentals will begin to receive written communication through the remainder of 2025 with details on the program requirements. 

Q: How does the ordinance impact my client who is ready to purchase a single-family home today (in 2025) with the intent to rent it out? 

A: Rental properties that exist prior to the enforcement date of January 1st, 2026, are called Legacy Rentals. Legacy Rentals registering prior to January 1st, 2026, will be issued a permit, regardless of whether they are in a subdivision with over 10% rentals. Subdivisions over 10% rentals will not be issued any additional rental permits, until the rental percentage drops below 10% in that neighborhood. Permits of Legacy Rentals are valid until ownership changeover of the property occurs, or until a violation warranting permit revocation occurs. 

Q: If my client is looking to purchase in Fishers, how do I know if a neighborhood is at the 10% cap? 

A: The City will provide reporting on their website indicating neighborhood status regarding the 10% cap.  

Q: How much does it cost to register a rental property? 

A: There is no registration cost as part of this program. 

Q: Are condos and townhomes included in the rental program? 

A: Yes, registering and permitting requirements include condos and townhomes. 

Q: Does the permit expire? 

A: The rental permit does not expire until there is a changeover of ownership or there is a violation of the City’s enforceable ordinance or codes. 

Q: What happens if the owner does not comply with registration and permitting requirements? 

A: If owners fail to comply with registration and permitting requirements, there are consequences, including: 

• Failing to Register - $250 Fine 

• Operating above 10% cap without a permit - First Violation: $1000 Fine 

• Second & Subsequent Violation: Not Less than $5,000 nor more than $7,500 

Q: Can a permit be revoked? 

A: Yes. Permits may be revoked for violations to the Title XV of the Fishers Municipal Code, delinquency of Fishers Utilities invoices, or provisions of city ordinances that place undue burden on public safety resources (i.e. more than seven (7) calls for service to public safety). Permit revocation will be handled by the City of Fishers City Court.  

Q: Do owners of short-term rentals need to apply for a permit? 

A: No. Short-term rentals are not regulated as part of this program. 

Q: Are there exceptions to this ordinance that would remove the mandate to register or adhere to the 10% cap? 

A: Yes. Properties or owners in these scenarios will not have to register or be subject to the 10% cap. If contacted by the city as a suspected rental, property owners in these situations will fill out the exemption form provided. 

• Renting to Family Members or Legal Dependents 

• Job Relocation 

• Deployed Military 

• Selling the Property will Cause Undue Burden (e.g. death, divorce in last year) 

• Failure to Sell the Property after 6 Months 

Q: What if a neighborhood homeowner association (HOA) has a more stringent cap on rentals? How does that work? 

A: The city ordinance only serves as a baseline requirement. An HOA can implement stricter regulations on caps. Nevertheless, the rental owner still must comply with the registration and permitting ordinance.