What is the maximum security deposit allowed in Kansas?

Full question:

I am planning to shift to Kansas as I have a lucrative standing offer from a company in Leawood. I want to know the maximum security deposit that a landlord may demand per the tenancy laws in Kansas and how is the return of such security deposit made on termination of lease?

  • Category: Landlord Tenant
  • Subcategory: Residential Lease
  • Date:
  • State: Kansas

Answer:

In Kansas, landlords can require a security deposit of up to one month's rent for an unfurnished unit. If the rental agreement includes furniture provided by the landlord, the maximum deposit can be one and a half months' rent. Additionally, if pets are allowed, landlords may charge an extra deposit of up to half a month's rent (K.S.A. § 58-2550).

Upon lease termination, landlords may use the security deposit to cover unpaid rent and damages due to tenant violations. They must provide a written notice itemizing these charges. If any portion of the deposit is withheld for reasons other than rent, the landlord must return the remaining balance to the tenant within fourteen days of determining the charges, but no later than thirty days after the lease ends and the tenant has vacated. If the tenant does not request the return within thirty days, the landlord will mail the remaining deposit to the tenant's last known address.

If the landlord fails to comply with these rules, the tenant can recover the withheld amount plus damages equal to one and a half times the wrongfully withheld amount. Tenants cannot use the security deposit as the last month's rent, or they will forfeit the deposit (K.S.A. § 58-2550).

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

In Kansas, the term '14/30' refers to the timeline for returning a security deposit after a lease ends. Landlords must provide a written notice itemizing any deductions from the deposit within 14 days of lease termination. They are required to return any remaining balance to the tenant within 30 days after the lease ends and the tenant has vacated. This ensures that tenants are informed about any charges and receive their remaining deposit promptly (K.S.A. § 58-2550). Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.