New Rental Registration Requirements in Carmel (and a Reminder for Fishers Property Owners)
If you own or manage a residential rental property in Carmel, Indiana, there’s an important regulatory update you’ll want to act on before the end of the year.
The City of Carmel has introduced a Residential Rental Dwelling Permit and Registration Program, designed to track long-term rental properties and maintain neighborhood standards. Registration opens December 1, 2025, and deadlines matter.
Below is a clear breakdown of what property owners need to know.
Carmel Residential Rental Registration Program: What’s Required
Under Carmel City Code, Article 6, all long-term residential rental properties must be registered and permitted with the city.
Key Dates and Fees
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Registration opens: December 1, 2025
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Permit fee: $5
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Deadline to register without penalties: January 1, 2026
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Late fees apply after January 1, 2026
If your property is not registered by the deadline, additional fees will be assessed.
Legacy Dwelling Deadline: December 31, 2025
Property owners seeking Legacy Dwelling status must register no later than December 31, 2025.
Missing this deadline may impact your eligibility, so this is an important date to circle if your rental qualifies under the legacy criteria.
10% Rental Cap Per Subdivision
One of the most impactful parts of this ordinance is the rental density cap.
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Residential rentals are limited to no more than 10% of homes within any subdivision
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Beginning January 1, 2026, no new rental permits will be issued in subdivisions that have already reached the 10% limit
This means timing matters, especially for investors considering new rental acquisitions in Carmel.
How to Register Your Carmel Rental Property
You can register directly through the City of Carmel’s website:
👉 Carmel Rental Registration Portal
https://www.carmel.in.gov/government/departments-services/rental-registration
Have questions? Carmel has published a detailed FAQ that addresses common scenarios:
👉 Carmel Rental Registration FAQs
https://www.carmel.in.gov/government/departments-services/rental-registration/rental-registration-faq-s
A Quick Reminder for Fishers Rental Property Owners
If you own rental property in Fishers, registration has already been open for some time.
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Deadline: December 31, 2025
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Registration fee: None
👉 Fishers Rental Registration Page
https://fishersin.gov/government/administrative/rental-registration-permitting/
Late Fees in Fishers
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$100 if registration is 30 days late
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$200 if registration is 60 days late
Why Acting Early Matters
Registering early helps:
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Ensure compliance with local ordinances
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Protect the long-term value of your investment
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Avoid late fees and potential permitting issues
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Provide clarity if you’re planning future rental or sale decisions
If you own rental property in Carmel or Fishers - or are considering investing in either market - staying ahead of these requirements is key.
Stacy isn’t just sharing this as a REALTOR® - she’s a local investor with rental properties in both Carmel and Fishers. She understands these ordinances from firsthand experience and how they can impact property value, rental strategy, and long-term planning.
If you have questions about registration, subdivision caps, or how these rules may affect your current or future investment, Stacy is always happy to be a resource.
