Overview
Kansas security deposit laws are governed by Kansas Statutes § 58-2550. Kansas has clear deposit limits, requires trust account storage, and prohibits tenants from applying deposits to last month's rent. A security deposit compliance platform helps landlords stay on top of these requirements.
Maximum Security Deposit
Under Kansas law, security deposit limits vary by unit type:
- Unfurnished units: Maximum of 1 month's rent
- Furnished units: Maximum of 1.5 months' rent
- Pet deposit: Additional deposit of up to 0.5 month's rent (if tenant has pets)
For example, if monthly rent is $1,000 for an unfurnished unit with a pet, the maximum total deposit would be $1,500 ($1,000 + $500 pet deposit).
Return Timeline
Kansas landlords must return the security deposit within 30 days after the lease term ends and the tenant vacates.
- The landlord may take 14 days to determine deductions (other than rent)
- The total time to return must not exceed 30 days
- Must provide written notice with an itemized statement of deductions
- Notice must be mailed to the tenant's last known address
Interest Requirements
Kansas does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits.
Storage Requirements
Kansas has strict trust account requirements: (Missouri has comparable rules—see Missouri security deposit laws.)
- Deposits must be held in a trust account at a federally insured bank, savings and loan association, or savings bank
- The account must be maintained only for tenants' security deposits
- Landlords cannot commingle security deposit funds with any other funds, including their own
- Deposits must remain separate until refunded or applied to damages
Allowable Deductions
Landlords may deduct from the security deposit for:
- Unpaid rent
- Damages beyond normal wear and tear
- Other breaches of the rental agreement
Last Month's Rent Prohibition
Important: Tenants are not permitted to apply the security deposit toward last month's rent. If a tenant does so, they forfeit the full security deposit and are still liable for payment of last month's rent.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
If a landlord fails to comply with Kansas security deposit laws:
- Tenants may recover the deposit amount wrongfully withheld
- Courts may award reasonable attorney's fees
- Small claims court jurisdiction is $4,000, making it accessible for most deposit disputes
Common Compliance Questions
What counts as "normal wear and tear"?
Normal wear and tear includes minor scuffs on walls, slightly worn carpet in high-traffic areas, small nail holes from hanging pictures, and faded paint from sunlight. It does not include large holes in walls, stained or burned carpet, broken fixtures, or damage from pets. When in doubt, document the condition at move-in with dated photos.
How should I document the unit's condition?
Complete a detailed move-in checklist with the tenant, noting existing damage, appliance conditions, and overall cleanliness. Take timestamped photos or video of every room. At move-out, repeat the process. This documentation protects both parties and makes deduction decisions defensible if disputed. Request a demo to see how Passive streamlines documentation.
Can I deduct for unpaid utility bills?
Only if your lease specifically allows it and the utilities are in your name. If utilities are in the tenant's name, contact the utility company directly—they have their own collection processes. Never make unauthorized deductions, even for amounts you believe the tenant owes.