At a Glance
| Question | Answer | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit limit? | 1 month (unfurnished), 1.5 months (furnished) | Plus up to 0.5 month for pets |
| Rent control? | No | No statewide or local rent control |
| Required notice to raise rent? | 30 days | For month-to-month tenancies |
| Lease required in writing? | Yes, for leases > 12 months | Month-to-month can be oral |
| Landlord entry notice? | Reasonable notice | No specific statute; reasonable notice implied |
Security Deposits
Kansas sets specific limits on security deposits under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act:
- Unfurnished units: Maximum of 1 month's rent
- Furnished units: Maximum of 1.5 months' rent
- Pet deposit: An additional 0.5 month's rent may be charged for tenants with pets
Landlords must return the security deposit within 30 days of the tenant vacating the unit and providing a forwarding address. The return must include an itemized list of any deductions and the amounts charged.
Eviction Procedures
Kansas requires landlords to follow specific legal procedures to evict a tenant. Self-help evictions (changing locks, shutting off utilities, removing belongings) are illegal.
Notice Requirements
- 3-Day Notice: For nonpayment of rent (or 10-day notice if the lease specifically requires it)
- 14-Day Notice: For lease violations (tenant must cure the violation within the notice period)
- 30-Day Notice: For a second lease violation of the same type within six months (no opportunity to cure)
- 30-Day Notice: For termination of a month-to-month tenancy without cause
Kansas courts process eviction cases relatively quickly, but landlords must obtain a court order before removing a tenant from the premises.
Rent Control
Kansas does not have any form of rent control at the state or local level. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide at least 30 days' notice before a rent increase takes effect.
Lease Agreements
Kansas follows the Statute of Frauds, requiring leases for longer than 12 months to be in writing. Month-to-month and shorter-term tenancies may be established through oral agreements. Written leases are recommended for both parties' protection.
Required Disclosures
Kansas landlords must provide the following disclosures:
- Lead-based paint (pre-1978 properties, federal requirement)
- Manager or agent identity: The name and address of the person authorized to manage the property and receive notices and service of process
- Move-in condition: A written inventory of the condition of the unit at move-in, signed by both parties
- Known environmental hazards: Any known contamination or environmental risks affecting the property
Tenant Rights
Kansas provides the following protections for tenants:
- Habitability: Landlords must maintain rental units in compliance with applicable building and housing codes and in a condition fit for habitation, including working plumbing, heating, electricity, and structural integrity
- Retaliation protection: Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants who report code violations, join tenant organizations, or exercise their legal rights
- Discrimination protection: The Kansas Act Against Discrimination prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, and ancestry
- Right to privacy: Although Kansas does not have a specific entry notice statute, tenants have a right to quiet enjoyment, and landlords are expected to provide reasonable notice before entry
- Repair and deduct: Tenants may make essential repairs and deduct the cost from rent if the landlord fails to maintain the unit after proper notice, subject to certain conditions
- Essential services: Landlords may not willfully interrupt essential services such as water, heat, or electricity