Kansas (KS) law guide
Quick answer
Kansas caps security deposits at 1 month's rent for unfurnished units and requires landlords to return the deposit within 30 days of move-out. There is no statewide rent control, and landlords must give 30 days' written notice before raising rent. For nonpayment of rent, landlords must serve a 3-day notice to pay or quit before filing for eviction.
Security deposit limit
1 month's rent (unfurnished); 1.5x with furnished unit; +0.5x for pets
Deposit return deadline
30 days after move-out (14 days once deductions are finalized)
Statewide rent control
None, banned by state law (KS § 12-16,120)
Nonpayment eviction notice
3-day written notice to pay or quit
Kansas rental market snapshot
Population
2.9 million
Renter households
~33%
Median rent
~$1,050/mo for a 2-bedroom
Largest rental markets
Wichita, Kansas City (KS), Topeka, Overland Park, Lawrence
Kansas is one of the most affordable rental markets in the US, ranking in the bottom 15 states for average rent. Wichita leads in renter share at roughly 42% of households.
Kansas limits security deposits to 1 month's rent for an unfurnished unit (KSA 58-2550). Landlords may charge up to 1.5 months' rent if the unit is furnished, plus an extra half-month's rent if the tenant is allowed to keep a pet.
Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days of the tenancy ending, delivery of possession, and tenant demand. If a landlord wrongfully withholds any portion, the tenant can sue to recover the withheld amount plus 1.5x that amount in damages.
Kansas has no statewide rent control. State law explicitly prohibits cities and counties from enacting local rent control ordinances (KS § 12-16,120), so landlords may raise rent to any amount.
For month-to-month tenants, landlords must give at least 30 days' written notice before a rent increase takes effect (KSA 58-2504). Kansas law does not set a statutory grace period for late fees, but lease terms govern; there is no state cap on late fee amounts.
For nonpayment of rent, a landlord must serve a 3-day written notice to pay or vacate (KSA 58-2564). If the tenant pays in full within 3 days, the eviction stops. If not, the landlord may file in district court.
For lease violations, the landlord serves a 14-day notice to comply or quit. For repeat violations within 6 months, the landlord may give a 14-day unconditional notice to quit. The entire eviction process typically takes 3 to 6 weeks once filed.
Kansas landlords must give at least 24 hours' advance notice before entering a rental unit, except in a genuine emergency (KSA 58-2557). Entry must happen at a reasonable time, typically during normal business hours.
When a tenant reports a habitability defect, the landlord must begin making repairs within 14 days of receiving written notice (KSA 58-2559). If the landlord fails to act, the tenant may have the right to terminate the lease or pursue damages.
Kansas landlords must keep rental units in a habitable condition -- including working heat, plumbing, and structural safety -- under KSA 58-2553. Failure to maintain these conditions is a material breach that triggers tenant remedies.
Landlords may not retaliate against tenants for reporting code violations, contacting housing authorities, or joining a tenants' organization. Retaliatory acts include unjustified rent hikes, eviction threats, or cutting off services.
Kansas landlords must comply with the federal Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. Kansas state law adds no additional protected classes, but Wichita and other cities may have local ordinances.
A tenant may break a lease early without penalty in limited circumstances: active military duty (under the federal SCRA), a landlord's failure to maintain habitability, or documented domestic violence. Otherwise, the tenant is typically responsible for rent until the unit is re-rented; Kansas courts apply a duty to mitigate to landlords.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Governing statute: Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, KSA Chapter 58, Article 25. Laws change; confirm the current statute or consult an attorney before acting. Last reviewed 2026-06-05.
Kansas FAQ
For an unfurnished rental, Kansas law caps the deposit at **1 month's rent**. If the unit is furnished, the cap rises to **1.5 months' rent**, and landlords may charge an extra **half-month's rent** if pets are permitted. These limits are set by KSA 58-2550.
A Kansas landlord must return the deposit within **30 days** after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered, and the tenant demands it. Once the landlord calculates any deductions, the remaining balance is due within **14 days** of that determination. Failure to comply lets tenants sue for the deposit plus 1.5x the withheld amount.
Yes. Kansas has **no rent control**, and state law bars cities and counties from imposing their own caps. The only requirement is that the landlord give **30 days' written notice** before a rent increase takes effect for month-to-month tenants.
Kansas landlords must provide **at least 24 hours' notice** before entering a unit, and entry must occur at a reasonable time. Emergency entry is allowed without notice when immediate action is needed to protect the property or the tenant's safety.
The landlord must first serve a **3-day written notice to pay or quit**. If the tenant does not pay or vacate, the landlord files in district court. From filing to a final judgment typically takes **3 to 6 weeks**, depending on the county and whether the tenant contests the case.
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