Does Kansas Prohibit Source of Income Discrimination?

If you’re renting a home or apartment in Kansas, understanding your protections against discrimination is important. One question many renters have is whether landlords can legally refuse to rent to someone because of how they pay their rent—such as with Section 8 vouchers, Social Security benefits, or other non-wage income. This guide explains what “source of income discrimination” means in Kansas, what the current laws say, and what steps renters can take if they face discrimination.

What Is Source of Income Discrimination?

Source of income discrimination occurs when a landlord refuses to rent to or renew a lease for someone because of how they pay their rent—such as with housing vouchers (like Section 8), disability or Social Security income, child support, or other legal forms of income.

Are There Protections Against Source of Income Discrimination in Kansas?

Currently, Kansas state law does not prohibit landlords from refusing to rent to someone based on their source of income, unless that discrimination is tied to another protected class (like race, disability, or family status). There are no statewide protections specifically banning source of income discrimination in Kansas housing laws.^[1]

• Landlords in Kansas may legally refuse to accept certain sources of income, such as Housing Choice (Section 8) Vouchers.
• However, it remains illegal to discriminate against renters based on other protected characteristics under the federal Fair Housing Act (such as race, color, religion, disability, sex, familial status, and national origin).
• Some cities across the country have local ordinances protecting source of income, but as of this year, no cities in Kansas have adopted these extra protections.

Summary: Kansas law does not ban source of income discrimination, but federal fair housing protections for other characteristics still apply.

What Does Kansas Law Say for Renters?

Kansas’ main landlord-tenant law is the Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.^[2] It sets rules about leases, deposit returns, repairs, and evictions. However, it does not include source of income as a protected category.

• Landlords can choose not to accept Section 8 or similar subsidies, unless local law says otherwise (which is not the case in Kansas).
• If a landlord’s actions appear to target other protected categories (such as refusing all voucher holders but most are families with children of a particular race), you may have recourse under federal fair housing law.

If You Think You've Been Discriminated Against

If you believe a landlord has discriminated against you because of your race, disability, family status, or another federally protected characteristic—even if it involves your source of income—you can file a complaint.

• For claims related to federal protections, contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
• In Kansas, you can also file a complaint with the Kansas Human Rights Commission (KHRC), which enforces state-level fair housing law for federally protected categories.

There is no current Kansas state form or process to contest source of income discrimination by itself, but you may use these bodies if you face discrimination for other protected reasons that may relate to your source of income.

Relevant Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Kansas Human Rights Commission Fair Housing Complaint Form (Official Complaint Form)
  
  • When to Use: If you believe you were discriminated against by a landlord because of race, disability, family status, or another protected class.
  • How to Use: Complete the form online or download the PDF to print. Submit to the Kansas Human Rights Commission within 180 days of the alleged act.
  • Example: A Section 8 voucher holder who is denied an apartment and suspects it’s also because of their disability can file using this form.
• HUD Discrimination Complaint Form (Form HUD-903.1)
  
  • When to Use: If you experience discrimination for a reason covered by the federal Fair Housing Act.
  • How to Use: Submit the form online or by mail with details about your situation. HUD will review and may investigate.
  • Example: If a landlord refuses to rent to you and uses racially biased language along with denying your voucher, you might use this form.

Who Handles Tenant Complaints in Kansas?

The Kansas Human Rights Commission (KHRC) is the official tribunal that investigates complaints of housing discrimination for protected classes.

For issues strictly about leases, deposits, or repairs, you may refer to the Kansas Attorney General’s Landlord-Tenant Resources.

FAQ: Source of Income and Renter Protections in Kansas

1. Is it legal for a Kansas landlord to refuse Section 8 or housing vouchers?
   Yes; Kansas landlords can choose not to participate in Section 8 or accept housing vouchers unless discrimination is tied to a federally protected class.
2. Does any Kansas city ban source of income discrimination?
   No; as of this year, there are no Kansas cities with a law banning source of income discrimination in housing.
3. What can I do if I think there’s another kind of illegal discrimination involved?
   If you believe you were denied housing based on race, disability, or another protected class (even if your income source was discussed), file a complaint with the KHRC or HUD.
4. Where can I find the main Kansas law on tenant rights?
   The Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act covers lease terms, deposits, and basic rental rights.
5. How quickly should I file a housing discrimination complaint?
   File with the Kansas Human Rights Commission within 180 days, or with HUD within one year of the incident.

Summary of Key Takeaways

• Kansas law does not currently ban discrimination based on source of income for renters.
• You are protected against housing discrimination based on race, disability, family status, and other federally-listed categories.
• If you believe illegal discrimination applies, you can file a complaint with the KHRC or HUD.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Kansas Human Rights Commission (KHRC) – Handles housing discrimination complaints statewide for protected classes.
  Phone: (888) 793-6874
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Fair Housing – For federal housing discrimination complaints and education.
• Kansas Attorney General: Landlord-Tenant Resources – Helpful information on renter rights, evictions, and security deposits.

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1. Kansas Human Rights Commission, Official KHRC Website
2. Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act—Kansas Statutes Chapter 58, Article 25
3. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Fair Housing Complaint Process

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