Kansas Residential Rental Laws & Legislature

State law governing rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants are spelled out in the Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Kansas Statute 58-2540 through 58-2573). Covered topics include rental agreements, security deposits, duties of the landlord and tenant, landlord's right to enter premises, nonpayment of rent, extended absence of tenant and acceptance of late rent.

State Legislature that governs Landlord and Tenant Rights and Responsibilities include (but not limited to):

• Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (2021 Statute)
• Kansas Mobile Home Parks Landlord and Tenant Act (2021 Statute)
• Kansas Statute 58-25,137: Housing Protections for Persons Affected by Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Human Trafficking or Stalking (2021 Statute)

The Community Relations Division has put together a handbook to help as a guide to navigate the Kansas Landlord Tenant Act. The Landlord Tenant Handbook was created in 2015 and can be viewed here. Please note that the handbook should only be used for guidance and specific questions or concerns should be directed to an attorney.

Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

The following highlights are from the Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act:

• Within five days of receiving possession of the dwelling, the landlord (or a designated representative) and the tenant should inventory the property together. A written record detailing the condition of the premises and any furnishings or appliances provided should be done, and duplicate copies should be signed by the landlord and tenant. The tenant should receive a copy of the inventory sheet.
• For an unfurnished dwelling, a landlord may not require a security deposit in an amount more than the equivalent of one month's rent. If the tenant is allowed to use furniture owned by the landlord, the security deposit may not exceed one and a half month's rent. (K.S.A. 58-2550)
• A landlord may require an extra security deposit for tenants who have pets, but the amount may not exceed the equivalent of one half of a month's rent. (K.S.A. 58-2550)
• Landlord duties include: compliance with building and housing codes; the exercise of "reasonable care" in the maintenance of common areas; keep electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems in "good and safe working order;" supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times. (K.S.A. 58-2553)
• Tenant duties include: keeping the dwelling as clean and safe as the condition of the premises permit; removal of all ashes, garbage and other waste in a "clean and safe manner;" to use all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems in a "reasonable manner;" to be responsible for any destruction or damage to the premises "caused by an act or omission" of the tenant; to not be involved in or allow conduct that will "disturb the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of the premises" by other tenants. (K.S.A. 58-2555)
• The landlord has the right to enter the dwelling "at reasonable hours, after reasonable notice to the tenant" has been given, in order to make repairs, etc. (K.S.A. 58-2557)
• If rent is due but unpaid, the landlord may evict a tenant three days after giving notice. (K.S.A. 58-2564 (b))
• It is unlawful for a landlord to increase rent or decrease services as a retaliatory action in response to a tenant filing a complaint against them with a governmental agency. (K.S.A. 58-2572)

Legal Help and References

If you need legal assistance in handling a legal dispute or filing a claim in regards to the Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, you may want to seek out legal counsel.

Saline County Small Claims Court - FAQ - 785-309-5831

Kansas Bar Association - Small Claims Court Pamphlet PDF

Kansas Legal Services - 785-825-8147

Kansas Bar Association - 1-800-928-3111 (free referral line)

Disability Rights Center of Kansas - 785-273-9661