Carmel enacts law to register some rental homes, curb their growth

By GREGG MONTGOMERY
WISH-TV | wishtv.com

Beginning in January, owners of some rental homes in Carmel will be required to register their homes with the city government.

It’s part of a new law that the Carmel City Council approved 9-0 this week.

Ordinance No. D-2770-25 mandates the registration and permitting of residential rental properties, while limiting rental permits to 10 percent of homes in any housing subdivision, or the city as a whole.

The goal: Minimize “adverse impacts” of rental properties, eliminate “blight” and encourage home ownership in established residential neighborhoods.

The neighboring Hamilton County city of Fishers approved a similar law in April. Both city governments had noticed a rise in single-family homes being purchased and used as rental units locally and in surrounding communities.

Owners of Carmel rental homes in January can begin to apply for permits through the Department of Community Services, although city leaders expect permitting to be a largely online experience. Carmel has no fee for the permits “at this time,” News 8 was told.

In addition, existing rentals will be grandfathered if they apply for the permit, the city government said.

Certain types of rental dwellings will be excluded from the permit requirement, including short-term rentals, homes rented by owners temporarily absent for less than six months, homes of owners relocated by their employers, and homes rented to immediate family members, among other specific situations.

Failing to register a rental home could bring a $500 fine.

This story was originally published by WISH-TV at wishtv.com/news/politics/carmel-indiana-rental-home-registration-law-2026.