Kansas security deposit rules
Kansas limits security deposits to 1 month's rent for an unfurnished unit; 1.5 months' rent if the landlord furnishes furniture; plus up to an additional half month's rent if pets are allowed. The deposit must be returned within 14 days after the landlord determines the deductions, and in no event more than 30 days after termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession and demand by the tenant; if the tenant makes no demand within 30 days, the landlord must mail the balance to the tenant's last known address, with a written itemization of any deductions. No interest is owed on the deposit under state law.
What the law requires
1 month's rent for an unfurnished unit; 1.5 months' rent if the landlord furnishes furniture; plus up to an additional half month's rent if pets are allowed. Returned Within 14 days after the landlord determines the deductions, and in no event more than 30 days after termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession and demand by the tenant; if the tenant makes no demand within 30 days, the landlord must mail the balance to the tenant's last known address, with a written itemization of any deductions. Furnished units may carry a 1.5-month deposit (capMonths shows the integer general case of 1). Wrongful withholding: tenant recovers the amount due plus damages of 1.5 times the amount wrongfully withheld. Tenant may not apply the deposit to the last month's rent. No interest requirement. Section last amended 1997.
- Deductions: unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, itemised in writing. Cleaning and repainting after ordinary use are normal wear in most states.
- Deadline: the 30-day clock usually starts when the tenant moves out and, in many states, when a forwarding address is provided. Missing it typically forfeits the landlord’s right to keep any of the deposit and can add statutory damages.
- Pets: An additional pet deposit of up to one-half of one month's rent is permitted when the rental agreement allows pets (K.S.A. 58-2550(a)); capMonths of 1 reflects the general unfurnished, no-pet case
- Interest: none required under state law. Cities in some no-interest states have their own ordinances, so check the municipal code where you rent.
Move-out checklist
- Give written notice of the move-out date and a forwarding address; many deadlines only start when the landlord has the address.
- Photograph every room after cleaning, with a timestamp. Request a joint inspection where the state allows one.
- If the deadline passes, send a written demand citing K.S.A. § 58-2550. Small-claims court handles deposit disputes in every state and most cap the claim well above a typical deposit.
Related Kansas rules
- Late fees: No statutory cap and no statutory grace period; no statute located. K.S.A. 58-2545(a) lets the parties include any terms not prohibited by law, so late fees must be in the rental agreement and reasonable (secondary sources TurboTenant and Landlord Studio confirm no state limit). Late fee calculator.
- Notice to end a tenancy: Written notice by either party stating the tenancy ends on a periodic rent-paying date at least 30 days after receipt of the notice; 7 days for week-to-week; a tenant on military orders may give 15 days (K.S.A. 58-2570(a)-(b)) Notice calculator.
- All rules on one page: Kansas landlord and tenant law.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Kansas?
1 month's rent for an unfurnished unit; 1.5 months' rent if the landlord furnishes furniture; plus up to an additional half month's rent if pets are allowed. Furnished units may carry a 1.5-month deposit (capMonths shows the integer general case of 1). Wrongful withholding: tenant recovers the amount due plus damages of 1.5 times the amount wrongfully withheld. Tenant may not apply the deposit to the last month's rent. No interest requirement. Section last amended 1997.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Kansas?
Within 14 days after the landlord determines the deductions, and in no event more than 30 days after termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession and demand by the tenant; if the tenant makes no demand within 30 days, the landlord must mail the balance to the tenant's last known address, with a written itemization of any deductions. The statute is K.S.A. § 58-2550.
Does a Kansas landlord have to pay interest on the security deposit?
No. Kansas law does not require interest on residential security deposits.
Are pet deposits limited in Kansas?
An additional pet deposit of up to one-half of one month's rent is permitted when the rental agreement allows pets (K.S.A. 58-2550(a)); capMonths of 1 reflects the general unfurnished, no-pet case