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Kansas security deposit: 30 days to get it back

If the landlord keeps part of the deposit for damages or other non-rent charges, it must return the balance within 14 days after determining the amount, and in no event more than 30 days after the tenancy ends (the statute also mentions delivery of possession and tenant demand). With no demand within 30 days, the landlord must mail what is due to the tenant's last known address.

What the law requires

Itemized statement: The deposit may be applied to unpaid rent and damages from the tenant's noncompliance, all itemized by the landlord in a written notice delivered to the tenant. The statute sets no receipt or documentation threshold.
Forwarding address: A forwarding address is not required to start the clock; if the tenant makes no demand within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must mail the amount due to the tenant's last known address.
If the landlord breaks the rules: If the landlord fails to comply, the tenant may recover the portion of the deposit due plus damages equal to 1½ times the amount wrongfully withheld. The statute states no bad-faith or willfulness requirement and does not mention attorney fees.
Deposit cap: One month's rent for an unfurnished unit; 1½ months' rent if the tenant uses landlord-owned furniture; plus up to an extra half month's rent if pets are allowed. Certain municipal housing authorities may use a different schedule.
Small claims limit: $10,000 in District Court, small claims department
Statute: K.S.A. 58-2550

If your landlord misses the deadline

Write down your dates and gather proof: move-out date, the date you gave your forwarding address, the deposit amount, and anything the landlord sent. Photos and receipts help.
Send a written demand by certified mail, keep the receipt, and cite K.S.A. 58-2550. Give a date to respond.
If you still aren't paid, file in District Court, small claims department. Deposit claims up to $10,000 can be filed there, usually without a lawyer. Check the court's website for current filing fees and forms.

What a Kansas demand letter looks like

Re: Demand for return of security deposit / Rental address: [Street address, unit, city, state ZIP]

Dear [Landlord name]:

I rented the property above from you under a lease that began on [lease start date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount] on [date paid]. I moved out and returned possession on [move-out date].

My forwarding address is [forwarding address]. Please send my deposit and any required statement to that address.

[A.] I have not received my deposit or an itemized statement of deductions. Under K.S.A. 58-2550, the time allowed for returning my deposit and sending any required itemized statement has passed. [Confirm the exact deadline in the statute and add it here.]

Preview of the first part of letter one. Yellow marks the parts you fill in.

Common questions

How long does a landlord in Kansas have to return a security deposit?

What happens if a Kansas landlord keeps the deposit wrongfully?

If the landlord fails to comply, the tenant may recover the portion of the deposit due plus damages equal to 1½ times the amount wrongfully withheld. The statute states no bad-faith or willfulness requirement and does not mention attorney fees.

Do I have to give my Kansas landlord a forwarding address?

A forwarding address is not required to start the clock; if the tenant makes no demand within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must mail the amount due to the tenant's last known address.

Where do I sue for my deposit in Kansas?

Deposit claims up to $10,000 can be filed in District Court, small claims department. Check the court's website for current filing fees and forms.

Other states

Rules reviewed October 2026. Laws change, so confirm with the statute before you rely on this page.