Kansas · Security deposits · Updated Oct 2026

Kansas security deposit law

In Kansas, your landlord has 30 days to return your deposit.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026

Short answer

In Kansas, the deposit limit is: One month's rent for an unfurnished unit; 1.5 months' rent if furnished. The landlord must return it as follows: If the landlord keeps part of the deposit, the rest must be returned within 14 days after the landlord figures the deductions, and never later than 30 days after the tenancy ends, you give back possession and you ask for it.

deposit limit: 1 month's rent (1.5 if furnished)
to return a deposit: 30 days
deposit penalty: Up to 1.5×

Get your letter ↓ Check the deadline ↓

Get your deposit back, step by step

Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
Give your landlord your new address in writing. In Kansas: If you do not ask within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must mail what is due to your last known address.
Wait for the deadline: If the landlord keeps part of the deposit, the rest must be returned within 14 days after the landlord figures the deductions, and never later than 30 days after the tenancy ends, you give back possession and you ask for it.
If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $10,000, not counting interest and costs (raised from $4,000 on July 1, 2024). Small claims court in Kansas on RobinClaim

Deposit return calculator for Kansas

Find your state's deadline for returning a security deposit, whether your landlord is late and what you may be owed.

Security deposit demand letter for Kansas

A short, firm and polite letter asking your landlord to return your deposit by a date. It cites your state's deposit law. Many landlords pay at this step, and the letter is proof that you asked. Fill this in, download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it), sign it, keep a copy and send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt.

Your full name (required)

Where should they send your money? (your mailing address) (required)

Phone

Landlord or property manager (required)

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

Landlord's address (required to mail it)

Address of the rental (required)

I will hand it to the landlord or email it (no mailing address needed)

Date of the letter

Usually today. The deadline in the letter counts from this date.

Date you moved in

Date you moved out (required)

Deposit you paid ($) (required)

Amount the landlord returned ($)

Did you get an itemized list of deductions?

Days the landlord has to pay

We suggest 14 days.

Why the deductions are wrong (optional, in English)

One or two sentences. This text goes into the letter as written.

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Other formats

Sign it, keep a copy, and send it by certified mail with a return receipt. The receipt is your proof that the landlord got it.

Security deposit in Kansas

Limit: One month's rent for an unfurnished unit; 1.5 months' rent if furnished. If pets are allowed, the landlord may also take a pet deposit of up to half a month's rent.
Deadline to return it: If the landlord keeps part of the deposit, the rest must be returned within 14 days after the landlord figures the deductions, and never later than 30 days after the tenancy ends, you give back possession and you ask for it. If you do not ask within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must mail what is due to your last known address. Do not use the deposit as your last month's rent unless the lease allows it: if you do, you lose the deposit and still owe the rent (K.S.A. 58-2550(d)).
Itemized list: Deductions must be itemized in a written notice delivered to you. Receipts are not required by the statute.
What may be deducted: Unpaid rent, and damages caused by your failure to meet your duties under K.S.A. 58-2555 and the lease (for example, damage beyond normal use, not keeping the unit clean and safe).
Interest: The statute does not require interest.
Move-in checklist: Within 5 days of move-in, you and the landlord must inspect the unit together and both sign a written record of its condition, furnishings and appliances. You get a copy. K.S.A. 58-2548.
If the landlord keeps it wrongly: If the landlord does not follow the return rules, you can recover the amount wrongly withheld plus damages of 1.5 times that amount.
Law: K.S.A. 58-2550, 58-2548

Small claims court in Kansas

Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer. Limit: $10,000, not counting interest and costs (raised from $4,000 on July 1, 2024).

How to file in Kansas

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Sources

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026