Short answer: In Kansas, tornadoes and hail make renters insurance worth having, since your landlord's policy doesn't cover your belongings. Under K.S.A. 58-2550, a security deposit for an unfurnished unit can't exceed one month's rent, or one and one-half months' rent if furniture is provided. An extra pet deposit of up to half a month's rent is allowed. After the tenancy ends, the landlord must itemize deductions and mail what's due within 30 days. Wrongful withholding allows recovery of the amount due plus one and one-half times the amount withheld.
This guide is general information for Kansas renters. It isn't legal advice, and local ordinances can add rules. Your lease and policy wording control.
Your landlord's policy covers the building, not your belongings or liability. A renters policy (HO-4) covers personal property, personal liability and loss of use; flood is generally excluded (see FloodSmart). Coverage basics: renters insurance. Roommates: whether renters insurance covers roommates. Liability: how much renters liability coverage you need.
Step 1: Deposit caps
Under K.S.A. 58-2550:
- Unfurnished: no more than one month's rent.
- Furnished (landlord's furniture): no more than 1½ months' rent.
- Pets: an additional deposit of up to ½ month's rent if pets are allowed.
Step 2: The 30-day return
- The landlord may apply the deposit to accrued rent and damages from your noncompliance with K.S.A. 58-2555 and the lease, all itemized in a written notice.
- The portion due to you must be mailed to your last known address within 30 days after the tenancy ends.
- Unless the lease says otherwise, you can't use the deposit as your last month's rent. If you do, the deposit is forfeited and the landlord may recover the rent.
Step 3: Penalty
If the landlord fails to comply, you may recover the amount due plus damages equal to 1½ times the amount wrongfully withheld.
Step 4: Tornado and hail
A renters policy typically covers belongings for wind and hail and includes loss of use. Flood is generally excluded; see FloodSmart.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Kansas.
Frequently asked questions
What's the maximum security deposit in Kansas?
One month's rent for unfurnished units and 1½ months' for furnished, plus up to ½ month for pets, under K.S.A. 58-2550.
How long does a Kansas landlord have to return my deposit?
Within 30 days after the tenancy ends.
Can I use my Kansas deposit as last month's rent?
Not unless the rental agreement allows it. Otherwise the deposit can be forfeited.
What's the penalty for wrongful withholding in Kansas?
The amount due plus 1½ times the amount wrongfully withheld.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.