Rental Registration & Permitting Program

What is this program?

The Fishers City Council is in the process of considering an ordinance that will instate a rental registration and permitting program for long-term rentals for Fishers properties.

Why is the City proposing a program to cap long-term rental properties?

In 2022, the City released a public report that found a high market demand for high-quality rental stock, while the desire for home ownership was highly desired in Fishers and critical to the city’s longevity and vibrancy.

The study recommended the city initiate a rental registration program to maintain a real-time inventory of rental homes with key property information to ensure code compliance and welfare of tenants.

The result of this recommendation is a two-part policy:

Registration & Permitting Requirement for all single-family, long-term rentals in Fishers.
Rental Permit Cap that limits available permits to be issued to less than 10% of long-term rentals per subdivision. Legacy rentals (prior to the effective date of the ordinance) will not be subject to, nor counted toward, the 10% cap.

Timeline

1/13/25 – City Council Work Session and initial introduction

2/24/25 – City Council First Reading

3/10/25 – Public Webinar Town Hall & Q&A

4/21/25 – City Council Second Reading and Public Hearing

Process Timeline

If approved, communication and outreach will occur to homeowners and HOAs will occur through the remainder of 2025.
1 month following approval of the ordinance, an initial notice will be mailed to property owners of suspected long-term rental properties.
3 months following approval of the ordinance, a second notice will be mailed to property owners of suspected long-term rental properties.
3 months prior to implementation, a notice will be sent to long-term rental property owners
1 month prior to implementation, a final notice will be sent to long-term rental property owners
An estimated implementation date of January 1, 2026, will coincide with enforcement beginning and all long-term rentals being registered.

How can I learn more?

Proposed Ordinance

1/13/25 – City Council Work Session Presentation (PDF)

2/24/25 – City Council First Reading Presentation (PDF) | Video

3/10/25 – Public Webinar Town Hall Recording (YouTube) | Q&A (PDF)

Rental Registration & Permitting FAQ’s

Why can’t HOAs manage this at the subdivision level?

HOA covenant changes can be difficult to modify due to strict voting requirements. Additionally, many HOAs lack the resources to enforce these regulations.

Would this ordinance prevent my HOA from implementing more stringent regulations?

No, this serves as a baseline. HOAs may choose to implement stricter regulations.

How much will it cost to register a long-term rental property?

There will be no cost to register a long-term rental property through this program.

Does this include long-term rentals for condos and townhouses?

Yes, the rental registration and permitting will apply to any single-family home as well as condos and townhouses.

Does this ordinance apply to short-term rentals?

No. Per State Statute, owner-occupied short-term rentals may not be restricted.

How can I get additional questions about this proposal answered?

Residents and stakeholders may submit questions here.