Page last updated on June 26, 2025 at 2:43 pm
Hello Neighbor,
We're glad you're here because we've got a lot to share!
Whether your own or rent your home; whether you've just arrived in town or have lived here for years, the information on this page will be of use to you. Hopefully, you'll find just what you're looking for. If you have questions, we're here to help. Please call Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) at 812-349-3420 or email HAND@bloomington.in.gov.
Kind Regards,
The HAND Staff
HAND conducts community outreach in a number of ways, including:
Publishing two monthly newsletters:
- The HAND Update: Bloomington's neighborhood newsletter - SUBSCRIBE HERE
- Rental Central: HAND's newsletter for rental property owners and managers - SUBSCRIBE HERE
Offering FREE classes:
- Residents Academy - learn about the inner workings of City government and how you can engage in civic life.
- Homebuyers Club - for first time homebuyers - 5 sessions/year, check website for details.
- R101: Renting in Bloomington - open to ALL Bloomington Renters - Fall 2025 application deadline is July 7.
GETTING READY to sign a lease?
Check out this video courtesy of IU Student Government City Relations Committee and IU Student Legal Services: Ten Things to Know Before You Sign a Lease.
Shortcuts to Residential Services
Sanitation Services
Information on trash, recycling, and yard waste pick up.
Water and Sewer Services
City of Bloomington Utilities: open an account, pay your bill, get help.
Parking Services
Online portal to obtain a residential parking permit; find your neighborhood parking zone; downtown parking garages and meters.
Did your vehicle get towed?
Any vehicle that has accumulated six or more unpaid citations will be towed.
Essential Information for Renters brochure
Know your rights and responsibilities.
Bloomington's Rental Inspection Program
Renters, learn about how the City promotes safe and livable rental housing.
Rental Complaints
Unresolved maintenance issues in your rental home or apartment? File a complaint with the HAND department.
Renters Rights & Responsibilities
Information compiled by Indiana Legal Services
Reduced Fee Legal Resources in Monroe County
Eviction Prevention Brochure
Noise Complaints
The noise ordinance is enforced 24 hours a day.
Moving Out? Donate your stuff!
Don't dump your unwanted but useable household items on the curb when you move out - donate them. Here's where.
More options to donate
IU Sustainability office makes is easy to donate your stuff if you live on campus.
Transportation
Bloomington Transit bus routes, maps, etc.
Bike, Scooter Registration
Register your bicycle or scooter with Bike Index, a FREE, nation-wide, non-profit bike registry.
Rules for trash, overgrowth, and snow/ice
How to avoid fines for improper trash disposal, overgrowth of grass and weeds, or failure to remove snow/ice
What can I do with all of the fallen autumn leaves?
Learn about alternative ways to manage leaves on your property.
Animal Care and Control
Pet adoption, lost and found pets, etc.
Rave Guardian Personal Safety App
IU students, faculty and staff can use the Guardian safety app to access personal safety resources and to more easily reach police.
Report a Crime
Report a non-emergency incident online.
Report an issue to the City
The uReport system will direct your issue to the appropriate City staff member.
Good Neighboring 101
Be a positive and contributing member of the off-campus community.
Subscribe to The HAND Update
Bloomington's neighborhood newsletter
Subscribe to the HAND newsletter for Landlords
Rental property owners and managers: stay in touch and up-to-date on news from HAND.
Prospective and current homeowners
Home Buyers Club, housing counseling, grants and loans, affordable housing.
Natural Landscaping
Information and resources to help you build a native landscape to support biodiversity in Bloomington.
Need Assistance?
Visit Helping Bloomington Monroe to search for free or reduced cost services like medical care, food, job training, legal, housing, financial, and basic needs assistance.
Looking for something fun to do?
Check out the Bloomington Newcomers & Neighbors Club. Bloomington's social club for newcomers & established area residents.
myBloomington
Find civic information specific to your address!
inRoads
Up-to-date information on road construction and closures
B-Clear open data portal
Publicly available City databases.
City Council
Contact your local elected officials.
Bloomington Volunteer Network
Find volunteer opportunities in the community.
Parks & Recreation
Parks, trails, events, and more!
Bloomington Community Farmers Market
You can buy fresh seasonal produce all year round!
Emergency Preparedness
Is your home prepared for heavy rainfall and/or flood conditions? Find our how you can protect your property.