Can my landlord add a new lease addendum after I sign the lease in Kansas?

Major lease changes or addendums require your agreement and signature. Minor policy updates may be communicated separately but cannot change key legal terms without your consent.

Do I have to sign a lease addendum I disagree with in Kansas?

No, you are not required to sign an addendum you disagree with. Discuss your concerns with your landlord or contact Kansas legal resources before signing.

What is a required lease addendum for older rentals in Kansas?

Federal law requires the Lead-Based Paint Disclosure form for rentals built before 1978. Your landlord must provide this before you sign the lease.

Where can Kansas renters get help with lease addendum disputes?

Contact the Kansas Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division or your local Kansas District Court for guidance.

Essential Lease Addendums Kansas Renters Need to Know

Lease Agreements & Renewals Kansas published: June 21, 2025

When renting in Kansas, understanding your lease agreement is crucial—especially when it comes to addendums (also called riders or amendments). These documents can change, clarify, or add to your lease terms, impacting your rights on issues like pet policies, utility billing, maintenance responsibilities, and more. Knowing what to look for helps you avoid surprises and ensures your home stays safe and affordable under Kansas law.

What Is a Lease Addendum?

A lease addendum is an extra document added to your original lease. It lays out specific rules or changes—such as allowing pets, setting up roommate arrangements, or explaining who pays for utilities. In Kansas, addendums are legally binding if both you and your landlord sign them. It’s important to read each addendum carefully before signing. If you’re unsure about any terms, seek clarification or professional advice first.

Common Lease Addendums Renters Encounter in Kansas

Pet Policies: Details if pets are allowed, required deposits, and related rules.
Utility Responsibility: Specifies whether the landlord or tenant pays for water, gas, electric, or trash service.
Maintenance Procedures: Outlines who handles routine or emergency repairs and timelines for response.
Smoke-Free Housing: Describes restrictions on smoking within the rental unit or premises.
Renters Insurance Requirement: States if you must obtain renters insurance and the coverage needed.
Early Termination Clauses: Explains fees or notice periods if you or the landlord ends the lease early.
Alterations & Improvements: Rules about painting, mounting items, or making changes to the property.
Roommate or Occupancy Limits: Sets how many people can live in the rented space.

Some addendums may be required by law (for example, lead paint disclosure if the building was constructed before 1978). Others are optional but still enforceable once signed.

Which Lease Addendums Are Legally Required in Kansas?

While Kansas doesn’t require most residential lease addendums, there are mandatory disclosures that must be attached to certain leases. Here are key examples:

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (if built before 1978): Federal law requires landlords to provide renters with this addendum. You’ll receive a Lead-Based Paint Disclosure form and the Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home pamphlet.
If you don’t get this document before signing, the lease is not in compliance with federal and Kansas law.

Other addendums, like those for pest control, non-smoking policies, or utility payments, are optional but should always be in writing for clarity.

How Addendums May Affect Your Rights and Responsibilities

Addendums can clarify or limit both tenant and landlord responsibilities. For example:

If a maintenance addendum sets longer repair timelines than allowed by law, Kansas law still requires landlords to make repairs in a “reasonable time.”
If you sign an addendum agreeing to pay for all repairs (not just for damages you caused), this could conflict with your rights under the Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. State law says the landlord must keep the premises “fit and habitable.”

If an addendum violates Kansas tenant protections or asks you to waive legal rights, it may not be enforceable. If you’re unsure, reach out to the Kansas Office of the Attorney General or legal aid services for clarification before signing.

Official Forms and Where to Find Them

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form
- Name/Number: EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (no state-specific number)
- When & How Used: Required for all Kansas residential rentals built before 1978, provided at lease signing. Example: If you rent an older apartment and don’t get this form, ask your landlord for it or contact the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
- Download the EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure form

How to Respond If You Disagree with a Lease Addendum

If your landlord presents a new addendum (such as after a lease renewal), and you disagree:

Ask the landlord to explain unclear terms in writing
Negotiate to modify or remove terms you’re uncomfortable with
Never sign until you fully understand—once signed, addendums are binding
Contact the Kansas Office of the Attorney General: Consumer Protection Division for free guidance

Disputes over lease terms or rights may be resolved in Kansas District Court, which handles rental disputes under the Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.¹

Key takeaway: Always request a written copy of every addendum and keep it for your records. You have a right to review and negotiate addendums before signing.

FAQ: Lease Addendums and Your Rights in Kansas

Can my landlord add new lease addendums after I move in?
Generally, major changes require your agreement and signature. Minor rules about maintenance or community conduct may be updated with written notice, but major legal changes can only happen at lease renewal or with your consent.
What happens if I refuse to sign a new addendum?
You can negotiate or seek clarification. If you refuse to sign and the addendum is required for lease renewal, your landlord may not renew—but they cannot force you to accept illegal terms.
Do I have to follow every addendum in my lease?
Yes, if it’s legal and you signed it. Any addendum that violates the Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act or federal law, however, is not enforceable.
Can an addendum change my rent amount?
If a signed addendum states a new rent, it is binding—typically, rent changes happen at lease renewal with written notice following Kansas law.
How can I confirm if an addendum is legal?
Compare it to the Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act or ask the Kansas Attorney General’s office.

Conclusion: What Kansas Tenants Should Remember About Lease Addendums

Always read and keep copies of every lease addendum you sign.
Illegal or unclear addendums may not be enforceable—do not sign if you have concerns.
Get help from state agencies if you have questions about your rights under Kansas law.

Staying informed puts you in control of your rental experience and helps avoid common disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Kansas Office of the Attorney General: Residential Landlord/Tenant – Guidance and complaint forms
Kansas Department of Health and Environment: Lead Poisoning Prevention – If your rental may have lead paint
Kansas District Courts – Where rental disputes are officially handled
Kansas Housing Resources Corporation – Renters' rights and assistance programs