Security deposits in Kansas are regulated by Kansas Statutes Annotated § 58-2543 to § 58-2555. Certain municipalities may have local laws that supplement state regulations. To ensure full compliance, verify the regulations applicable in your area.

Maximum Security Deposit

Landlords/property managers cannot collect a security deposit greater than one month’s rent for an unfurnished property and one and a half months’ rent for a furnished property. If the tenant has a pet, the landlord/property manager can collect an additional deposit up to 1/2 of one month’s rent.

Holding & Interest Requirements

Holding Requirements: Kansas state law does not currently specify where landlords/property managers must hold security deposits.

‍Interest on Deposits: Kansas state law does not currently require landlords to pay tenants interest on security deposits.

Information Provided to Tenant: There is currently no specific requirement for landlords/property managers to provide tenants with information about where the security deposit is held.

Deposit Refunds

Timeline: Within 30 days after the tenant vacates the property and demands the return of the security deposit, the landlord/property manager must either (1) return the full security deposit, or (2) provide the tenant with a written notice of itemized deductions to the security deposit, along with the portion of the deposit being returned. If the tenant does not provide a forwarding address with their demand, the landlord/property manager must mail the deposit and the written notice of deductions, if any, to the tenant’s last known address.

Permissible Deductions: Landlords/property managers may deduct the following from a security deposit:

• Unpaid rent
• Damages beyond normal wear and tear, including cleaning costs to restore the unit to its condition at the start of the tenancy.

Documentation of Deductions: The written notice delivered to the tenant must itemize each deduction from the security deposit.

‍Penalties for Violations: Failure to return the deposit or provide a written notice of itemized deductions as required may result in the landlord/property manager being liable for the full deposit and up to one and a half times the amount wrongfully withheld. The tenant may also be entitled to attorney’s fees and court costs if they win in a lawsuit.

Sale of the Rental Property

If the property is sold, the landlord/property manager must provide written notice to the tenant of the sale and transfer the security deposit to the new owner. The landlord/property manager will remain liable for any portion of the security deposit to which the tenant is entitled.