Kansas LIHTC: Affordable Housing Options & Tenant Rights

If you’re a renter searching for affordable housing in Kansas, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties could be a key solution. These apartments are designed to be affordable for households with low to moderate incomes, helping many Kansans find stable and safe homes. However, understanding how LIHTC works and knowing your tenant rights is essential for making confident decisions about where you live.

What Are LIHTC Properties and How Do They Work in Kansas?

LIHTC stands for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit—a federal program managed at the state level by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC). Through LIHTC, private property owners receive tax credits for building or renovating housing that must remain affordable for eligible tenants for at least 15 years.

• LIHTC units are not public housing, but privately owned apartment communities.
• Rents are typically capped so they remain affordable for households at or below certain income limits.
• Eligibility is based on income, household size, and sometimes other criteria.

Each year, KHRC oversees LIHTC properties and ensures renters benefit from capped rents, decent conditions, and legal protections.

Who Is Eligible for LIHTC Properties in Kansas?

To qualify for a LIHTC property in Kansas, you must typically:

• Have a household income at or below a specified percentage of the Area Median Income (AMI)
• Meet property-specific admissions criteria (such as background or credit checks)

Income limits and LIHTC property listings are published annually on the KHRC Renters Resource page.

How to Apply for LIHTC Housing in Kansas

The process is designed to be accessible, but some documents and forms are required. Here’s what you can expect:

• Contact LIHTC properties directly using the KHRC affordable housing locator.
• Fill out the property’s application form (each property may have a different application).
• Submit income verification documents, photo identification, and any required forms.
• Be prepared for a possible waitlist. Many properties keep a waiting list due to high demand.

Official forms required often include:

• Tenant Income Certification (TIC) Form: Used annually by the property manager to verify your income meets LIHTC requirements.
  Example: If your household income changes during the year, you may be asked to complete an updated TIC form to confirm continued eligibility. HUD form sample
• KHRC Rental Assistance Application: Some Kansas LIHTC properties accept applications for additional state rental assistance. See the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance Program for official forms and instructions.

Each property may request their own rental application, so always check for specific requirements.

Your Rights as a LIHTC Renter in Kansas

LIHTC tenants enjoy the same key protections as other Kansas renters, with added guarantees that rents will not exceed specified limits. Major tenant rights include:

• The right to receive advance notice before a rent increase
• The right to safe, habitable, and well-maintained housing
• The right to proper notice and a legal process before any eviction
• Protection from retaliation for asserting your legal rights

Kansas residential landlord-tenant matters are overseen by the Kansas District Courts. Tenant rights are established in the Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.^[1]

How to Report Issues or File a Complaint

If you experience unsafe conditions, improper rent increases, or feel you’ve been treated unfairly in a LIHTC property:

• Start by reporting the issue in writing to your property manager.
• If unresolved, submit a complaint to KHRC using their online contact form.
• For legal issues (e.g., illegal eviction), you can seek resolution through your local District Court or request free legal advice.

FAQ: Common Questions About LIHTC in Kansas

1. What is a LIHTC property?
   LIHTC properties are privately owned apartments in Kansas that receive federal tax credits in exchange for renting some or all units at reduced rents to income-eligible tenants.
2. How do I know if I qualify for LIHTC housing?
   You qualify by meeting income limits set according to your household size and area. You’ll need to provide proof of income and eligibility during the application process.
3. Can my rent go up in a LIHTC property?
   LIHTC rents can increase moderately but are capped by law, and you must receive advance notice per the Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
4. Who oversees LIHTC apartments and enforces tenant laws?
   The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation monitors LIHTC properties, while Kansas District Courts handle landlord-tenant disputes statewide.
5. What do I do if I’m facing eviction from a LIHTC apartment?
   Contact your property manager to resolve the issue, consult the Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, and seek help from the Kansas District Court or local legal aid.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Kansas LIHTC Renters

• LIHTC housing provides stable, affordable rent—but you must remain income eligible.
• Your rights are protected under the Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
• Seek official help or file complaints if issues are not resolved by your landlord.

Understanding your options helps you get the most out of LIHTC housing and protect your rights as a renter in Kansas.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) Renters Page – LIHTC details, property searches, forms, and help
• Kansas District Courts – Handles landlord-tenant disputes, including evictions
• Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – Full legal text
• Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA) Program
• Kansas Legal Services – Free or low-cost legal advice for renters

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1. Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (K.S.A. Chapter 58, Article 25)
2. Kansas Housing Resources Corporation
3. Kansas District Courts landlord-tenant case information
4. KHRC Renter Programs and LIHTC Property Listings
All links are to official state and federal sources current as of 2024.

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