Disclaimer: This blog post is meant for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a licensed attorney in Kansas for specific legal guidance.Â
If you’re renting out homes in Kansas, having a solid lease is a smart move. Use the free Kansas lease agreement template above to cover your bases, protect your property, and save time. This guide walks you through everything you need to know.
What Is a Kansas Lease Agreement?
A Kansas lease agreement is a legally binding contract between a property manager or landlord and a tenant. It lays out the terms of the rental, such as how much rent is due, when it’s paid, and who’s responsible for what.
This agreement helps both parties stay on the same page throughout the lease term. Property managers rely on it to avoid confusion and set clear expectations. For tenants, it spells out their rights and responsibilities. In short, it keeps things organized and fair for everyone.
Who Needs a Kansas Lease Agreement?
Anyone renting out residential properties in Kansas needs a Kansas Lease Agreement—especially when the lease term is longer than a year. In those cases, Kansas law requires the agreement to be in writing and signed by both the landlord and tenant.
Property managers, landlords, and tenants all benefit from having a signed lease. Property managers can refer back to it if questions or issues come up. Tenants can use it to understand what’s expected of them. And landlords stay protected if things go south.
Skipping the lease (or using a vague one) can lead to major headaches. Think missed rent payments, unauthorized occupants, or legal battles. A detailed agreement helps everyone avoid those problems.
Pro Tip: Buildium’s purpose-built leasing software can help you get even more efficient with your leasing process.Â
Types of Kansas Lease Agreements
There’s more than one way to rent a place in Kansas. Here are the most common types of lease agreements:
- Fixed-Term Lease Agreement: This is the go-to option for fixed-term rentals, such as a six- or twelve-month lease. It outlines responsibilities for both the tenant and landlord.
- Month-to-Month Lease Agreement: A flexible option that renews each month until one party gives notice.
- Sublease Agreement: Lets a current tenant rent out all or part of the unit to someone else. This usually requires the landlord’s approval.
- Roommate Agreement: Great for shared housing, this agreement helps roommates sort out expenses and responsibilities.
- Commercial Lease Agreement: Used for businesses rather than homes. Property managers with mixed portfolios might deal with these too.
Each type of lease fits different rental situations, so it’s helpful to pick the one that matches your setup.
What Should a Kansas Lease Agreement Include?
A Kansas lease should go beyond rent amounts and move-in dates. It needs to spell out who’s involved, what the rules are, and what happens when things don’t go as planned.
Parties Involved
Every lease needs to list the people or companies involved. This includes the landlord or property management company and the tenant. Make sure to include everyone’s contact information, so there’s no confusion about how to get in touch.
Lease Duration Dates
This section outlines how long the tenant can stay. You can go with a short-term tenancy such as month-to-month, or a long-term tenancy, such as a year-long lease.
Key details to include:
- Start and end dates
- Monthly rent amount
- When rent is due
- Accepted payment methods
- What happens if rent increases
Laying all this out ahead of time helps prevent disputes later on.
Rent and Security Deposit Information
Tenants need to know how much rent to pay, when it’s due, and how to pay it. This section also explains your security deposit policy.
In Kansas, landlords must follow rules about collecting and returning security deposits. That includes:
- Setting a deposit limit (usually one month’s rent for unfurnished units)
- Returning the deposit within 30 days after move-out
- Sending a written list of any deductions within 14 days
Include information about late fees, payment methods, and how to handle disputes to keep things clear from the start.
Occupancy Limits
Your lease should state how many people can live in the rental. Typically, only the tenants listed in the lease and their children can stay in the unit.
This clause helps stop long-term guests or unauthorized roommates from moving in. Landlords can take legal action, such as eviction, if tenants break this rule.
Property Management Company & Tenant Responsibilities
Every lease should spell out what both sides are responsible for.
Landlords or property managers usually handle:
- Fixing broken systems (such as plumbing or HVAC)
- Keeping common areas safe and clean
- Providing access to trash disposal
Tenants are expected to:
- Use appliances responsibly
- Keep noise down
- Maintain cleanliness in their unit
You can also add property-specific rules to help avoid disagreements later.
Pet Policies
If you allow pets, your lease should say so—and include any restrictions, such as pet size or the number allowed.
Let tenants know if they’re responsible for cleaning up after pets and covering any damage. If pets aren’t allowed, make that clear with a no-pets policy.
Kansas Lease Agreement Addenda and Disclosures
In Kansas, landlords must include certain disclosures in residential lease agreements. These disclosures help tenants understand what they’re signing up for.
Let’s delve into some of the most important addenda and disclosures for Kansas lease agreements. This list is not exhaustive, so consult a legal professional if you’re unsure about what to include in your own document.
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
Federal law says landlords must include a lead-based paint disclosure if the unit was built before 1978. Exposure to lead paint can cause serious health issues.
Landlords must:
- Fill out a lead paint disclosure form
- Give tenants an EPA-approved brochure
- Share any available records about lead in the unit
Skipping this step can lead to legal trouble, so don’t leave it out.
Landlord’s Name & Authorized Agents
Kansas law says landlords need to share the names and addresses of:
- The person managing the property
- The person or company allowed to receive legal notices
This helps tenants know who to contact when problems come up or questions need answering.
Move-In Inventory Checklist
Landlords and tenants must walk through the unit and complete a move-in checklist within five days of the lease starting.
This checklist should cover:
- The condition of the rental
- Any furnishings or appliances included
- Signatures from both parties
This document comes in handy if there’s ever a dispute about the security deposit when the lease ends.
Optional Disclosures & Addenda
Kansas doesn’t require disclosures for things such as asbestos, bed bugs, mold, or smoking policies. But it’s still a good idea to include them.
Adding these optional items shows transparency and helps protect landlords from liability.
Consequences for Not Including Mandatory Disclosures
Leaving out required disclosures can cause big problems. Landlords may face:
- Legal action
- Fines or penalties
- Lease provisions being thrown out in court
Following the rules protects both you and your tenants—and avoids preventable issues down the road.
Kansas Lease Agreement Laws and Regulations
Lease agreements in Kansas need to follow a few important laws around deposits, entry, rent collection, and late fees.
Again, it’s always recommended to speak with a local legal professional for the most complete and detailed list of regulations. Here’s what to know:
Security Deposits
Here’s what Kansas law says about security deposits:
- For unfurnished units, you can collect up to one month’s rent
- For furnished units, you can charge up to 1.5 months’ rent
- You can also charge an extra half month’s rent as a pet deposit
You must return the deposit within 30 days of the lease ending. If you plan to keep any of it for repairs, you need to send a list of charges within 14 days.
If you don’t return the deposit on time, you may owe the tenant up to 1.5 times the amount you kept.
Right of Entry
Landlords can enter a rental for:
- Repairs
- Inspections
- Showing the property to future renters or buyers
Kansas law doesn’t list a specific notice period, but 24 hours is a good rule to follow. In emergencies such as fires or gas leaks, landlords can enter right away without notice.
Grace Period
Kansas doesn’t require a grace period for rent payments. That means rent is due on the date listed in the lease.
Landlords can charge a late fee right away—as long as the lease says so. Even though it’s optional, adding a short grace period can make rent collection a little easier.
Late Fees
There’s no cap on late fees in Kansas, but they need to be:
- Reasonable
- Based on actual costs from late payments
- Written into the lease
Over-the-top fees could cause legal issues, so it’s smart to keep them fair.
Taking the Next Steps with Your Kansas Lease Agreement
Want a ready-to-go lease? Download theout free Kansas Lease Agreement template above and customize it for your rentals. It covers all the important details—from rent and deposits to disclosures and rules—so you don’t miss a thing.
For a faster leasing process, consider testing out Buildium’s comprehensive property management software. You can give it a try with a 14-day free trial or by signing up for a guided demo.
