Three caps
Under K.S.A. 58-2550(a), the deposit for an unfurnished unit may not exceed one month's rent. If you use the landlord's furniture, the limit is one and a half months. If pets are allowed, the landlord may take an additional pet deposit of up to half a month's rent. Some federally subsidized municipal housing authorities may set deposits by bedroom count and must offer a deferred payment plan.
What can be deducted
The landlord may apply the deposit to accrued rent and to damages caused by your failure to meet your duties under K.S.A. 58-2555 and the lease. Every deduction must be itemized in a written notice delivered to you.
14 days, 30 at most
If the landlord keeps part of the deposit for expenses, damages or other allowable charges, it must return the balance within 14 days after it determines those amounts. In no case may it take more than 30 days after termination, delivery of possession and your demand (58-2550(b)). If you do not make a demand within 30 days after termination, the landlord must mail what is due to your last known address.
Don't skip the last month's rent
Unless the lease says otherwise, you may not deduct the deposit from your last month's rent or use it in place of rent. If you do, the deposit is forfeited and the landlord can still collect the rent (58-2550(d)). A 2026 session law (SB 391) bars cities and counties from setting their own deposit limits, so the state caps apply statewide. Our calculator counts 30 days.
Steps to recover a Kansas deposit
- Check the cap that applies to your unit (unfurnished, furnished, pets).
- Pay the last month's rent.
- Return possession and make a written demand with your address.
- After 30 days, demand the deposit plus 1.5× in writing, citing 58-2550(c).
- If that fails, file a claim in small claims court.
Neighboring states
Missouri caps deposits at two months and allows up to 2×. Oklahoma has no cap, Nebraska gives 14 days, and Colorado allows treble damages.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum security deposit in Kansas?
One month's rent for an unfurnished unit, 1.5 months if furnished, plus up to half a month for pets.
How long does a Kansas landlord have to return a deposit?
14 days after deductions are determined, and no more than 30 days after termination, delivery of possession and your demand.
What is the penalty in Kansas?
The deposit due plus 1.5 times the amount wrongfully withheld.
Can I use my deposit as last month's rent in Kansas?
Not unless the lease allows it. Otherwise the deposit is forfeited.
Sources
Last reviewed Oct 17, 2026. Read how we verify. Found an error? Tell us.