Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Kansas

If you’re a renter in Kansas and believe you’ve faced housing discrimination, knowing how to assert your rights is crucial. Both Kansas state law and federal law protect renters from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and national origin. This article explains, in clear language, the steps to file a housing discrimination complaint in Kansas, including where to get official forms and who can help you through the process.

What Is Housing Discrimination?

Housing discrimination occurs when a landlord, property manager, or housing provider treats someone unfairly in renting, selling, or advertising housing because they belong to a protected group. Examples include refusing to rent to you, setting different terms, or harassing you for reasons connected to your race, disability, or other protected characteristic.

Your Rights Under Kansas and Federal Law

Kansas renters are protected by the Kansas Act Against Discrimination and the federal Fair Housing Act. These laws make it illegal for housing providers to discriminate in rental practices. The Kansas Human Rights Commission (KHRC) enforces these laws for rental situations in Kansas.

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Kansas

If you think you’ve experienced unfair treatment due to a protected characteristic, here are the steps to take:

1. Gather Information

• Write down what happened, including dates, times, and the names of everyone involved.
• Keep copies of emails, texts, letters, and lease documents.

2. Complete the Official Complaint Form

You can file a complaint online, by mail, or in person with the Kansas Human Rights Commission (KHRC). The main form is called the KHRC Charge of Discrimination Form.

• Form Name: KHRC Charge of Discrimination Form
• Purpose: To officially start the investigation process into your complaint.
• KHRC Charge of Discrimination Form and instructions
• Example: If your landlord refused to rent to you after you mentioned you have a service animal, you would use this form to report the incident.

3. Submit Your Complaint

• Online: The fastest way is to use the KHRC online complaint form.
• Mail or In Person: Download and complete the form, then mail or deliver it to your nearest KHRC office. Addresses are available on their Contact Us page.
• Deadline: Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the discriminatory action.

4. What Happens Next?

• KHRC will notify the housing provider and start an investigation.
• You may be contacted for more information or for mediation between you and the other party.
• If discrimination is found, KHRC can recommend remedies, such as requiring the landlord to rent to you or provide compensation.

Other Ways to File a Complaint

You can also file directly with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), especially if your situation involves federal housing programs or involves cross-state issues. However, beginning with the KHRC is usually easiest for Kansas renters.

What Laws Apply?

• Kansas Act Against Discrimination
• Kansas Statutes – Fair Housing
• Federal Fair Housing Act

The official tribunal for housing discrimination in Kansas is the Kansas Human Rights Commission (KHRC).

FAQ: Kansas Housing Discrimination Complaints

1. What evidence do I need to file a housing discrimination complaint?
   It’s helpful to provide details such as dates, names, written communications, and any witnesses. However, you can file even if you don’t have physical proof—describing what happened is enough to start the process.
2. Can a landlord retaliate if I file a complaint?
   No. Retaliation for filing a housing discrimination complaint is illegal under both Kansas and federal law. You are protected from eviction, rent increases, or other negative actions for exercising your rights.
3. Is there a fee to file a complaint with the KHRC?
   No, filing a complaint with the KHRC is completely free for renters.
4. What happens if discrimination is confirmed?
   If KHRC finds discrimination occurred, they may recommend actions such as requiring the landlord to provide housing, compensate you, or change their practices to comply with the law.
5. How long does the complaint process take?
   The length can vary, but KHRC will inform you of each major step and keep you updated on your case’s status.

Key Takeaways

• Kansas renters are protected from housing discrimination by state and federal law.
• Complaints are filed with the Kansas Human Rights Commission using the official form.
• The process is confidential, free of charge, and retaliation is not allowed.

Filing a housing discrimination complaint in Kansas ensures your right to fair and equal treatment in housing. Document your experience and seek help if needed—the process is straightforward and there are protections in place for your safety.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Kansas Human Rights Commission (KHRC) Homepage (resources, forms, contact info)
• KHRC Office Locations & Contact Numbers
• Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (housing support, tenant resources)
• HUD Fair Housing Complaint Process

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1. Kansas Act Against Discrimination: Kansas Fair Housing Laws
2. Kansas Human Rights Commission: Official KHRC Website
3. Federal Fair Housing Act: HUD Federal Fair Housing Act

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