Page last updated on December 30, 2025 at 3:06 pm
Know Your Rights
All rental properties in the city are subject to the Residential Rental and Lodging Establishment Inspection Program (BMC Title 16), which requires a rental property to be registered with the City of Bloomington, and to be inspected every 3 to 5 years. Each rental property must have a current occupancy permit, issued by HAND. A copy of this permit must be displayed somewhere inside the rental unit. The permit will list the number of bedrooms, as well as the number of unrelated individuals legally permitted to live there (occupancy limits do not apply to families).
Every rental property has a file in the HAND department. If you would like to review a rental file BEFORE you sign a lease, please complete a public records request by clicking the green button below and following the directions.
If you have a maintenance issue in your rental, which you have reported to management, but which has not been resolved within a reasonable time, you may request a complaint inspection from HAND.
Financial Assistance
The City of Bloomington HAND department offers rental deposit assistance to income-eligible renters. Your income must fall at or below the income limit in the table below, based upon the size of you household. If you are income qualified, and would like more information about the program, or to request an application, please email Cody Toothman at [email protected].
| Household Size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Income Limits | $45,540 | $52,080 | $58,560 | $65,040 | $70,260 | $75,480 | $80,700 | $85,860 |
Rental Complaints
The HAND Department also investigates rental complaints for violations of the Residential Rental Unit and Lodging Establishment Inspection Program
Essential Information for Renters brochure
Know your rights and responsibilities as a renter in the City of Bloomington.
Residential Services at Your Fingertips
Get answers to your questions about trash, parking, noise, water/sewer service, public transportation, pets, and much more!
Landlord/Tenant Legal Questions
Details about the types of tenant or landlord complaints that are handled by the City
Occupancy
Rental properties are limited in the number of unrelated adults who may occupy them. In most residential areas, the occupancy limit is three.
Trash, Yard & Sidewalk Violations
Learn about potential fines due to accumulated trash, lawn overgrowth, and icy sidewalks.
Housing and Transportation Affordability Index
This is a map-based tool which provides information about a full spectrum of costs associated with home buying and home renting.