Short‑Term Rental Law In Indiana: What Angola Hosts Should Know

Thinking about turning your Angola place into a short-term rental for lake weekends and tournament season? The rules can feel confusing, especially with state law, city code, and taxes all in the mix. You want to operate confidently, avoid fines, and protect your investment. This guide shows you what Indiana law allows, how Angola may regulate STRs, what taxes to expect, and the simple steps to get compliant. Let’s dive in.

Indiana rules at a glance

Owner-occupied STRs are protected. Under Indiana law, a short-term rental of your primary residence is a permitted residential use, and a zoning ordinance may not disallow it. See the statute on owner-occupied short-term rentals.

Non-owner properties can face more scrutiny. For investment or second homes, local governments can require a special exception, special use, or variance, but they may not interpret zoning to prohibit or unreasonably restrict STRs. Read the section on limits for non-owner STR regulation.

Local permitting is allowed within state limits. Cities and counties can set permit processes and limited fees, and they can regulate reasonable safety and nuisance issues. The big first question is whether the home is owner-occupied or not. That drives which rules apply.

Angola zoning, permits, and occupancy

Check Angola’s UDO

Angola’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and municipal code govern how property is used and what approvals are needed. Review the Angola UDO framework and ask Planning & Zoning how STRs are handled today. If your property is not owner-occupied, be ready to ask whether a special exception or variance is required.

Certificate of occupancy and safety

Angola’s building code requires certificates of occupancy for lawful use. For certain occupancies, the Fire Marshal must sign off. Before hosting, confirm whether you need an inspection or updated certificate. Start with the section on certificates of occupancy and inspections.

Who to call at the city

Call City Hall and ask for Planning & Zoning and Building Safety. Ask whether Angola requires an STR permit or registration, which safety items are checked, and how to handle complaints. Use the City of Angola contact page to get connected.

Taxes you must handle

Sales tax and county innkeeper’s tax

In Indiana, the furnishing of accommodations for stays under 30 days generally triggers state sales tax. Many counties also add a County Innkeeper’s Tax. Check the Indiana Department of Revenue’s guidance and county table for details on rates and who collects. Start here: County Innkeeper’s Tax overview. Contact the Steuben County Auditor or Treasurer to confirm local adoption and rate. The county website is here: Steuben County government.

Marketplace facilitators

Large platforms may collect and remit some taxes for you, but not always for every tax type. Confirm what your platform handles and what you still need to file. Review DOR’s marketplace facilitator guidance.

Register if needed

If you are responsible for collecting and remitting taxes, register your tax accounts with the state. INBiz explains how to set up sales and, if applicable, county innkeeper’s tax accounts. See the INBiz/DOR registration steps.

Private rules and insurance

HOA and condo rules can restrict or prohibit STRs. These private covenants are enforceable separately from city rules. If your home sits in a community association, read the CC&Rs and bylaws and get written confirmation before hosting.

Insurance matters too. Many homeowner policies exclude business activity. Talk with your insurance agent about an STR endorsement or umbrella liability so your coverage matches your use.

Enforcement if you skip steps

Cities can issue notices of violation, levy fines, and suspend or revoke permits after repeated complaints. Building and fire code enforcement also applies. On the tax side, the state or county can assess back taxes and penalties. It is simpler and cheaper to set things up correctly at the start.

Quick compliance checklist for Angola hosts

1. Confirm your status

• Is the property your primary residence? If yes, you have strong state protection as an owner-occupied STR under Indiana Code.

2. Call the city

• Contact Angola Planning & Zoning and Building Safety through City Hall.
• Ask if STRs require a permit, special exception, or variance, and whether an inspection or certificate of occupancy is needed.

3. Review the code

• Read the Angola UDO and the certificate of occupancy rules.

4. Confirm taxes

• Check DOR’s County Innkeeper’s Tax page and call Steuben County to confirm local rate and remittance.
• Verify what your platform collects. If you must file, use INBiz registration.

5. Check private restrictions

• Review HOA or condo rules and get written approval if needed. If you lease your home, confirm your lease allows STR use.

6. Prep safety and operations

• Install and test smoke and CO detectors, place a fire extinguisher where appropriate, post emergency contacts and the property address, set clear occupancy and parking rules, and name a local contact who can respond quickly.

7. Align your insurance

• Ask your agent about STR coverage or an umbrella policy so your liability is covered.

Operating a short-term rental in Angola can be straightforward when you follow the right steps. If you want a local, investor-friendly perspective on property selection, pricing, or compliance, reach out to Isaac Villavicencio for a conversation.

FAQs

Are owner-occupied short-term rentals allowed in Angola, Indiana?

• Yes. Under state law, a short-term rental of your primary residence is a permitted residential use and may not be disallowed by zoning. See Indiana’s statute on owner-occupied STRs.

Do I owe lodging taxes for stays under 30 days in Steuben County?

• State sales tax applies, and many counties add a County Innkeeper’s Tax. Confirm Steuben County’s status and rate using DOR’s innkeeper’s tax guidance and by calling the county.

Does Angola require an inspection before I host an STR?

• Angola’s building code requires certificates of occupancy, and certain occupancies need Fire Marshal sign-off. Ask Building Safety whether your listing needs an inspection or updated certificate. Review the certificate of occupancy section.

Can my HOA prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them?

• Yes. Private HOA or condo covenants can restrict or ban STRs regardless of city rules. Always review your governing documents and get written approval before you host.