Kansas Landlord Laws

In general, Kansas is a landlord-friendly state. With no statewide rent control, minimal restrictions on late fees, and relatively straightforward eviction procedures, Kansas offers property owners a favorable environment for managing rental housing.

That said, landlords in Kansas must still comply with a range of federal, state, and local laws that govern everything from lease agreements and security deposits to habitability standards and tenant rights. Landlords must understand these laws before enforcing lease terms or making property management decisions. In this article, we’ll cover the most important landlord-tenant laws Kansas property owners need to know.

You can find Kansas rental laws in the Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (KRLTA). Remember that this article focuses on state-level Kansas landlord laws and is not exhaustive. Local governments may also have ordinances that apply. If you have questions or face a legal dispute with a tenant, consult an experienced Kansas real estate attorney.

Disclaimer: Innago does not provide legal advice. The content and materials provided in this article are for general informational purposes only and many not be the most up-to-date information.

Kansas Quick Facts

Rights and Responsibilities of Kansas Landlords and Tenants

Kansas landlords and tenants both hold rights and responsibilities under state law. For example, landlords must provide habitable housing, and tenants must pay rent as agreed. In return, landlords have the right to enforce lease terms and collect rent, while tenants have the right to live in a safe, private home. Lease agreements primarily define these rights and responsibilities, but Kansas law overrides any lease terms that contradict state statutes.

Below is a brief overview of the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants in Kansas.

Kansas landlords have the right to:

• Collect rent according to the lease agreement.
• Charge a security deposit, not exceeding one month’s rent for unfurnished units or 1.5 months for furnished units.
• Deduct from the security deposit for unpaid rent, property damage beyond normal wear and tear, or other lawful charges.
• Screen applicants and enforce tenant selection criteria, as long as they comply with fair housing laws.
• Enter the property with reasonable notice for inspections, repairs, or showings. In most cases, landlords must give at least 24 hours’ notice unless there is an emergency.
• Begin eviction proceedings if a tenant fails to pay rent, violates lease terms, or engages in illegal activity. (Learn more about Kansas eviction laws here.)
• Set and enforce rules regarding guests, pets, smoking, and parking, provided the lease supports those policies and they follow Kansas law.

Kansas landlords are responsible for:

• Providing safe and habitable housing, including secure doors and windows, functioning plumbing, heating, and electrical systems.
• Complying with applicable rules pertaining to local housing and building codes.
• Making necessary repairs in a timely manner to protect tenant well-being.
• Keeping common areas clean and safe if the property includes shared spaces.
• Delivering possession of the rental unit at the start of the lease term.
• Returning the security deposit within 14 days of lease termination, or within 30 days if deductions apply.
• Following lawful eviction notice rules and obtaining a court order before removing a tenant.
• Respecting tenant privacy and entering the unit only for lawful reasons with appropriate notice.

Kansas tenants have the right to:

• Live in a safe, sanitary, and habitable unit with basic services like heat, water, and electricity.
• Receive repairs in a reasonable timeframe after submitting a maintenance request.
• Enjoy privacy and quiet enjoyment of the property without unnecessary landlord intrusion.
• Take legal action if the landlord violates the lease or Kansas law, including failing to maintain the property.
• Receive written notice before eviction, lease termination, or entry by the landlord.
• Withhold rent or make necessary repairs and deduct the cost from rent in certain cases if the landlord fails to address serious maintenance issues.
• Be protected from retaliatory actions for reporting code violations or asserting legal rights.

Kansas tenants are responsible for:

• Paying rent on time and covering any agreed-upon utility costs.
• Abiding by all lease terms that comply with Kansas law.
• Keeping the unit clean and sanitary.
• Notifying the landlord of needed repairs or unsafe conditions.
• Handling minor maintenance, such as changing light bulbs or batteries in smoke detectors.
• Avoiding property damage and taking responsibility for any damage caused by themselves or their guests.
• Lawfully using the rental property only for residential purposes.
• Providing proper written notice before moving out or ending a lease agreement.

Kansas Required Disclosures

Required disclosures are pieces of information that landlords must provide to tenants before entering into a lease agreement. These disclosures often relate to property conditions, legal rights, or landlord responsibilities.

Below are a few of the most important required disclosures in Kansas.

• Lead-based paint (Title X, Section 1018). Landlords in all 50 states must include information about lead-based paint hazards in the rental agreements for most properties built before 1978. Sellers and landlords must distribute an EPA-approved information pamphlet called “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” and disclose any known lead hazards in the property. These obligations were established by Section 1018 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992.
• Landlord/Agent Identification (KS § 58-2551). The landlord must disclose to the tenant in writing the owner and/or person authorized to manage the premises on their behalf.
• Inventory and Condition of Premises (KS § 58-2548) Within five days of the start of the tenancy, the landlord must jointly inventory the premises with the tenant. They should create a written record detailing the condition of the premises and any furnishings or appliances and deliver a signed copy to the tenant. The inventory may be included in Kansas rental agreements or remain a separate document.

Additional Reading: Kansas Residential Lease Agreement

Kansas Rent and Fee Laws

Kansas landlord laws regulates multiple parts of rent collection and related fees, while allowing landlords and tenants to negotiate most terms in the lease. These laws cover when rent is due, how fees may be charged, and what options tenants have if landlords fail to maintain the property. Below are the rent and fee rules that Kansas landlords and tenants should understand.

Rent Payments

• Due Date: Unless otherwise specified in the lease agreement, rent in Kansas is due at the dwelling unit at the beginning of each month (KS § 58-2545(c)).
• Rent Increases: Rent control is banned in Kansas (KS § 12-16, 120).
• Grace Period: There is no mandatory grace period in Kansas.

Fees

• Application Fees: Rental application fees are not regulated in Kansas.
• Late Fees: There is no statutory limit on late rent fees in Kansas.
• NSF/Bounced Check Fee Maximum: If the tenant’s rent check bounces, the landlord may charge a fee of $30 (KS § 60-2610(g)).

Tenant Remedies

• Withholding Rent/Repair and Deduct: If there is a material noncompliance by the landlord that affects health and safety, the tenant may deliver a written notice specifying the breach and stating that the lease will terminate in 30 days. If the landlord fails to make a good faith effort to remedy the breach within 14 days of receiving the notice, the tenant may terminate the rental agreement. The tenant may then recover damages and obtain injunctive relief for the noncompliance (KS § 58-2559).

Kansas Security Deposit Laws

Security deposits offer landlords financial protection against unpaid rent and property damage, while also giving tenants clear expectations for move-out. Kansas law covers how much landlords can collect, how deposits must be handled, and when they must be returned. Below are the main rules regarding security deposits in Kansas.

• Deposit Limit: One month’s rent for unfurnished units; 1.5 months’ rent for furnished units. Landlords may require an additional ½ month’s rent for a pet deposit (KS § 58-2550(a)).
• Interest: Landlords in Kansas are not required to pay interest on security deposits.
• Return Within: 14 days if the landlord withholds funds; 30 days if not (KS § 58-2550(b)).
• Deposit Location: Current Kansas law does not specify that landlords should keep security deposits in a separate bank account. Previously (2012 statutes), Kansas landlords were required to keep deposits in a financial or banking institution insured by the federal government and were entitled to any accrued interest (KS § 58-25,108).
• Withholding: The landlord may withhold funds from the security deposit for unpaid rent and the amount of any damages the tenant caused. The landlord must itemize these deductions and forward them in a written notice with the remainder of the security deposit (KS § 58-2550(b)).

Kansas Tenant Screening and Fair Housing Protections

What actions are considered housing discrimination?

Federal and state laws protect tenants from discriminatory housing practices. The Federal Fair Housing Act (Title 24 USC § 3601-3607) prohibits landlords from discriminating in any aspect of housing, including:

• Accepting or rejecting rental applications
• Setting screening criteria
• Writing and publishing rental listings or ads
• Determining rental terms, deposits, or rent increases
• Granting rent discounts or credits
• Handling maintenance requests or repairs
• Enforcing rules or evicting tenants
• etc.

Landlords must apply policies equally to all applicants and tenants, regardless of background or identity.

What are the protected classes in Kansas?

Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords cannot discriminate based on the following seven federally protected classes:

• Race
• Color
• Religion
• Sex
• National origin
• Familial status
• Disability

In addition to federal protections, the Kansas Act Against Discrimination (KS § 44-1016) extends these protections to include ancestry.

Use of Credit Reports

Kansas landlords are subject to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) (15 USC § 1681), which outlines the responsibilities of landlords to protect tenant credit information. According to the Act, landlords may not share tenant credit information with anyone without a legal reason to view it. They must also investigate disputed information, dispose of credit reports after use in tenant screening, and notify applicants when their credit score or history was the reason for their denial.

Use of Criminal Histories

Criminal background checks may be used during prospective tenant screening in Kansas. Kansas landlords should follow HUD recommendations for using criminal background checks fairly. This includes avoiding blanket policies for denying applicants with criminal convictions, assessing applicants and their criminal histories on a case-by-case basis, and only denying an applicant when they demonstrate a risk to the safety of other residents or the property.

Additional Reading: Kansas Background Checks & Screening Online

Kansas Landlord Entry Laws

Kansas landlord laws regulates when and how landlords may enter a rental property. These rules protect tenant privacy while allowing landlords access for necessary reasons like repairs or inspections. Below are the entry laws that Kansas landlords and tenants must know.

• Advanced Notice: Landlords in Kansas must give reasonable notice to the tenant before entry (KS § 58-2557(a)).
• Permitted Times: Landlords may only enter at reasonable times (KS § 58-2557(a)).
• Emergency Entry: In case of an extreme hazard involving the potential loss of life or severe property damage, the landlord may enter without prior notice or consent (KS § 58-2557(b)).

Kansas Eviction Notices

Evictions are complex legal processes often poorly understood by both parties. Before pursuing eviction in Kansas, consider hiring an experienced real estate attorney and be sure to review the Kansas eviction process in more detail.

If you decide to move forward with an eviction, you must begin by serving the tenant a formal, written notice. Kansas landlord laws recognize different types of eviction notices, depending on the reason for the eviction:

• Rent Demand Notice: 3 days to pay or quit (KS § 58-2564(b)).
• Notice for Lease Violation: 14 days to cure; 30 days to quit. According to Kansas eviction law, when a tenant materially violates the lease, the landlord may send a 30-day quit notice. The tenant has an opportunity to cure the violation within the first 14 days of the 30-day period; if they do not, they must move out by the 30th day (KS § 58-2564(a)).
• Notice for Repeat Lease Violation: If the tenant commits substantially the same violation twice within one lease term, the landlord is not required to provide a cure period and can simply send a 30-day notice to quit (KS § 58-2564(a)).

Additional Reading: Kansas Eviction Process and Laws [2025]

Kansas Squatter’s Rights

Squatters are individuals who occupy a property without permission from the legal owner. In Kansas, removing squatters typically requires going through the formal eviction process, even if the individual never had a lease or rental agreement.

Kansas does not allow landlords to use self-help methods such as changing the locks, turning off utilities, or physically removing a squatter. Kansas law (KS Stat. Ann. § 61-3803) outlines the legal steps for reclaiming possession of property. If a squatter refuses to leave, the owner must file an eviction action in the appropriate court and obtain a court order before law enforcement can remove the individual.

It’s best to consult an attorney to understand squatters rights. Eviction laws can be complex, and the court may require evidence that the individual is unlawfully occupying the property.

Additional Reading: Kansas Squatter's Rights & Adverse Possession Laws [2025]

Other Laws and Facts About Kansas

• The current average rent rate in Kansas is $1,372 per month, according to Zillow.
• The average rent rate in Kansas City is $1,400 per month, according to Zillow.
• In Kansas, the rental agreement may require that the tenant notify the landlord if they plan to be absent from the rental unit for more than seven days (KS § 58-2558).

Conclusion

Navigating landlord-tenant laws in Kansas is important for effective property management. With no rent control and minimal restrictions, Kansas favors landlords, but compliance with security deposit laws, disclosures, and eviction procedures is crucial. Staying informed helps avoid legal disputes and enhances tenant experiences. Consulting a real estate attorney is advisable for local law variations, ensuring a fair and compliant rental environment that fosters trust and satisfaction.

FAQs

What are the general tenant rights in Kansas?

Tenants have the right to live in safe, sanitary, and habitable conditions with essential services like heat and water. They can request repairs and are entitled to privacy from landlords except under lawful entry circumstances. Tenants have fundamental rights even in states like Kansas, which is not traditionally considered a tenant-friendly state.

How quickly must landlords return security deposits?

Landlords in Kansas must return security deposits within 14 days if they withhold funds, or within 30 days if they do not, after the lease ends.

Can landlords charge late fees in Kansas?

Yes, there is no statutory limit on late rent fees in Kansas, so landlords can enforce fees as agreed upon in the lease agreement, except in conflict with local ordinances.

Are there any protected classes under Kansas law?

Kansas follows the Federal Fair Housing Act, which protects classes such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability. Additionally, the Kansas Act Against Discrimination includes ancestry as a protected class.

What notices are required for eviction?

For rent nonpayment, Kansas landlords must serve a 3-day pay-or-quit notice. For lease violations, tenants have 14 days to cure the violation before facing a 30-day quit notice.

Is rent control allowed in Kansas?

No, rent control is banned statewide in Kansas, allowing landlords to set rental prices freely, though consistently reflecting market trends and fairness is recommended.

When can landlords enter a rental property?

Landlords in Kansas must provide reasonable notice before entry for inspections or repairs, except in emergencies where prior notice is not required.

How is tenant screening regulated?

Landlords in Kansas can use background checks during tenant screening but must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, ensuring applicants' credit information is protected and applied equally.

Free Downloads

1. Kansas Residential Lease Agreement Template
2. Kansas Quitclaim Deed
3. Kansas 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit
4. Kansas Eviction Notice
5. Kansas Termination of Month-To-Month Rental Agreement

Resources

1. Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (KRLTA)
2. Understanding Squatter’s Rights in Kansas
3. Kansas Eviction Process & Laws [2025]
4. Kansas Housing Market Trends & Forecast
5. Real Estate Terms & Definitions