Overview
Kansas security deposit laws are governed by Kansas Statutes Annotated § 58-2550. These laws provide clear guidelines on the handling of security deposits, focusing on the collection, storage, return, and deductions from deposits.
While Kansas law does not set a limit on how much landlords can charge, it mandates timelines for returning deposits and specifies permissible deductions. Failure to comply with these laws may result in financial penalties for landlords.
This guide covers:
How much landlords can charge
Rules for returning security deposits
Allowable deductions
Penalties for non-compliance
Related Statute: Kansas Statutes Annotated § 58-2550
1. Security Deposit Limits & Storage Requirements
Maximum deposit: Kansas law does not impose a limit on the amount a landlord may charge for a security deposit. The deposit amount is typically defined in the lease agreement.
Storage requirements: There is no legal requirement in Kansas to place the deposit in a separate or interest-bearing account.
Law Reference: K.S.A. § 58-2550(a)
2. Security Deposit Returns & Allowable Deductions
Return deadline: Landlords must return the security deposit or the remaining balance within 30 days of the tenant vacating the unit.
Permissible deductions: Landlords may deduct for unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, and other costs associated with the tenant’s failure to comply with the lease terms.
Itemized statement required: If any deductions are made from the deposit, landlords must provide an itemized list of those deductions to the tenant within the 30-day period.
Law Reference: K.S.A. § 58-2550(b)
3. Penalties for Mishandling Security Deposits
Forfeiture of deductions: If the landlord fails to comply with the 30-day deadline for returning the deposit or providing an itemized list of deductions, they forfeit the right to retain any part of the deposit.
Tenant remedies: Tenants may sue for the return of the full deposit, and if the landlord acted in bad faith, the court may award the tenant up to double the amount of the deposit, along with attorney fees and court costs.
Law Reference: K.S.A. § 58-2550(c)
Key Takeaways
Kansas does not set a cap on how much a landlord may charge for a security deposit.
Deposits must be returned within 30 days, along with an itemized statement of deductions.
Landlords must comply with the 30-day return requirement or they forfeit any claims to the deposit.
Failure to follow the law can result in financial penalties, including the return of the full deposit and possible double damages.
Understanding and adhering to Kansas’ security deposit laws helps both landlords and tenants avoid disputes and ensure fair treatment.
Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should not act or refrain from acting based on any information included in this post without seeking legal counsel or other professional guidance specific to their situation. The information is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the content. Laws and regulations may change and vary by jurisdiction.
