The law in plain English
Return deadline
Under Ind. Code Sections 32-31-3-1.1 to 32-31-3-19, the deposit response usually has to be sent within 45 days of the move-out timeline described by the state rule.
Required notice
Indiana generally does not impose a statewide deposit cap, but the landlord usually has 45 days after termination and the tenant's written forwarding address to send an itemized list and refund, and missing that deadline can bar later lease-damage claims.
This dispute type
Once the Indiana deadline passes, the dispute stops being only about the deductions and becomes a deadline-compliance problem too. A landlord may still argue damage existed, but Ind. Code §§ 32-31-3-1.1 to 32-31-3-19 sets the clock for returning the balance and explaining any amount withheld.
Penalty leverage
If the withholding was wrongful or in bad faith, the exposure allowed under the statute is: You can recover the full deposit plus reasonable attorney's fees