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Kansas security deposit law

Source: K.S.A. §§ 58-2548, 58-2550 · Checked against the statute

Maximum deposit
One month's rent for an unfurnished unit; 1.5 months' rent if furnished. If pets are allowed, an extra pet deposit of up to half a month's rent.
Return deadline
14 days (see details) (Landlord keeps part of the deposit); 30 days (see details)
If the landlord keeps it wrongly
If the landlord doesn't comply, the tenant recovers the amount due plus damages equal to 1.5 times the amount wrongfully withheld (2.5 times in total).

Calculate your Kansas deadline

Choose your state and move-out date to see when your landlord must return the deposit.

When the deposit must be returned

  • Return the balance within 14 days after the landlord determines the amount of damages and charges.
  • In any case, return the balance no later than 30 days after the tenancy ends, the tenant delivers possession, and the tenant demands the deposit.

If the tenant doesn't demand the deposit within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must mail the amount due to the tenant's last known address.

Itemized list of deductions

Required: Yes. Deductions for rent and damages must be itemized in a written notice delivered to the tenant.

What can and can't be deducted

The deposit may be applied to accrued rent and damages from the tenant's failure to meet tenant duties (§ 58-2555) or the lease. The statute doesn't define normal wear and tear.

Nonrefundable fees

The statute is silent on nonrefundable fees.

Interest, bank account and move-in inspection

  • Interest required: No. No interest requirement.
  • Separate account required: No. No separate-account requirement.
  • Move-in inspection required: Yes. Within 5 days of move-in, landlord and tenant must jointly inventory the unit and sign a written record of its condition and any furnishings or appliances; the tenant gets a copy (§ 58-2548).

Penalties and bad faith

If the landlord doesn't comply, the tenant recovers the amount due plus damages equal to 1.5 times the amount wrongfully withheld (2.5 times in total).

No bad-faith requirement or presumption; the penalty applies whenever the landlord fails to comply with the return rule.

Getting your deposit back in court

Small claims covers claims up to $10,000, excluding interest and costs. Court information

Before filing, many tenants send a written demand first. Write a Kansas demand letter →

Also good to know

  • Unless the lease allows it, a tenant may not use the deposit as last month's rent; doing so forfeits the deposit.
  • Housing authorities with income-based rent may use their own deposit schedule with a payment plan.
  • Whoever holds the landlord's interest when the tenancy ends is bound by the deposit rules.

Sources

Laws change. This page was checked against the sources above on October 11, 2026. It is legal information, not legal advice; see our methodology.