Do I become a tenant if I’ve stayed over 28 days at a Kansas motel?

Often yes, but it depends on your intent and the terms of your stay. After 28 days, you are more likely to be protected by Kansas tenant laws.

Can a Kansas hotel manager lock me out without notice?

If you are considered a tenant, no. Lockouts without a court order are illegal. If you are a short-term guest, the rules are different.

What should I do if I receive an eviction notice?

Quickly respond using the official Answer to Petition for Eviction (Form C-18). Attend your court date or seek legal help immediately.

Who enforces hotel/motel tenant laws in Kansas?

The local Kansas District Court handles tenancy cases, and the Kansas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division assists with complaints.

Are hotel/motel tenants entitled to habitable living conditions?

Yes—when classified as a tenant, you’re entitled to safe, livable housing under the Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

Kansas Hotel and Motel Tenant Rights and Rules

Special Housing Types & Situations Kansas published June 21, 2025

If you’re living long-term in a Kansas hotel or motel, whether by choice or necessity, it’s crucial to understand if you have tenant rights and how Kansas law may protect you. These special housing situations often raise important questions about eviction, notice, and privacy.

When Does a Hotel or Motel Stay Become a Tenancy in Kansas?

Not all hotel or motel stays create a landlord-tenant relationship under Kansas law. Generally:

If you have lived in the same hotel/motel room as your primary residence for more than 28 consecutive days, you may be considered a tenant. This depends on factors like payment schedule, intent to reside, and any written rental agreement.
Short-term guests (less than 28 days) usually do not have tenant protections, and hotel/motel managers can remove guests without standard eviction proceedings.

If you become a tenant, the Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (KRLTA) may apply^[1].

What Laws and Rights Apply to Hotel and Motel Residents?

Tenant protections depend on your length of stay and the nature of your occupancy. These may include:

Eviction notice requirements: Once you’re considered a tenant, the property owner must follow Kansas’s eviction process and give proper notice—typically a 3-day notice for nonpayment or a 30-day notice to terminate month-to-month stays.
Right to privacy: The owner must provide at least 24 hours’ notice before entering your room, except in emergencies.
Right to livable conditions: Owners must provide safe, sanitary, and habitable accommodations, just as in traditional rentals.

If you are unsure of your status, you can contact the Kansas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division for help understanding your rights.

Eviction Rules for Hotel and Motel Tenants in Kansas

If you are classified as a tenant, eviction follows Kansas’s legal process. The landlord must serve an official written notice:

3-Day Notice to Quit for Nonpayment of Rent (K.S.A. 58-2564): Used when rent is late. If no payment is made within three days, the landlord may file for eviction in court.
30-Day Notice of Termination: For ending a month-to-month rental, either party can give this written notice.

If the court rules in favor of the hotel/motel owner, only a law enforcement officer can remove you—not the owner or staff. Lockouts and utility shut-offs without a court order are illegal for tenants.

Official Forms Related to Kansas Hotel/Motel Tenancy

Petition for Possession (Eviction) – Kansas Judicial Council Form C-17: This is used by the landlord/hotel to start an eviction against a tenant.
See Petition for Possession (Form C-17)
Example: If you receive a copy of this after a notice to quit, you’ll know that formal eviction proceedings have started—respond in court immediately.
Answer to Petition for Eviction – Kansas Judicial Council Form C-18: Tenants use this form to respond to an eviction lawsuit.
See Answer to Eviction Petition (Form C-18)
Example: If you get a Petition for Possession, fill out this form to explain your defenses before the court date.

If you believe you have been wrongfully evicted from a Kansas hotel or motel where you lived more than 28 days, contact the local court clerk or legal aid for help. You may be able to challenge the eviction as an unlawful removal.

How to Protect Your Rights During a Long-Term Hotel/Motel Stay

Here’s a quick summary for renters:

Keep proof of how long you’ve stayed—receipts, contracts, and all correspondence.
Request any eviction notices in writing.
Ask the property owner about their policies and your rights after 28 days.
If threatened with a lockout, call local law enforcement or the Kansas Attorney General’s office.

FAQ: Kansas Hotel and Motel Tenant Rights

Do I become a tenant if I’ve stayed over 28 days at a Kansas motel?
Often yes, but it depends on your intent and the terms of your stay. After 28 days, you are more likely to be protected by Kansas tenant laws.
Can a Kansas hotel manager lock me out without notice?
If you are considered a tenant, no. Lockouts without a court order are illegal. If you are a short-term guest, the rules are different.
What should I do if I receive an eviction notice?
Quickly respond using the official Answer to Petition for Eviction (Form C-18). Attend your court date or seek legal help immediately.
Who enforces hotel/motel tenant laws in Kansas?
The local Kansas District Court handles tenancy cases, and the Kansas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division assists with complaints.
Are hotel/motel tenants entitled to habitable living conditions?
Yes—when classified as a tenant, you’re entitled to safe, livable housing under the Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Kansas Hotel and Motel Renters

Staying over 28 days often gives you tenant rights in Kansas hotels and motels.
Evictions must follow legal procedures—no self-help removals or lockouts.
Official Kansas forms are available for responding to eviction actions—always act quickly to protect your housing.

Knowing your rights helps you navigate tricky hotel or motel living situations more safely and confidently.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Kansas Attorney General – Consumer Protection Division: Offers advice, investigations, and complaint forms for tenant/landlord disputes and hotel/motel rental problems.
Kansas District Courts: Local courts where eviction and landlord-tenant cases are filed.
Kansas Legal Services: Free or low-cost legal aid for renters facing eviction or housing issues, including hotel and motel tenancies.
Read the Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

See the Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (KRLTA) for statutory details and definitions of "tenant" and "rental agreement"
Kansas Judicial Branch's District Courts are the official tribunal handling residential tenancies, including hotel/motel evictions.
Official court eviction and answer forms are available from the Kansas Judicial Council Legal Forms.
Kansas Attorney General: How to File a Complaint