Kansas Renters: Emergency Exit Lighting & Safety Rules

If you’re renting a home or apartment in Kansas, you depend on your building’s safety features, including well-lit emergency exits. Emergency exit lighting is more than a convenience—it can be the difference between safety and danger in an emergency situation. This article breaks down exit lighting standards in Kansas, your rights as a renter, and what steps to take if lighting in your building isn’t up to code.

What Are Emergency Exit Lighting Requirements in Kansas?

In Kansas, most emergency exit lighting requirements are based on the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s adoption of the International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC). These rules apply to multifamily apartments and some rental dwellings, especially those with common areas and interior exit corridors.

• All exits must be marked with visible, illuminated signs.
• Exit lights must work even during a power outage—typically by battery backup.
• Corridors and stairways that lead to exits must have emergency lighting.
• Landlords are responsible for installing and maintaining this lighting.

Local municipalities (cities or counties) may have additional requirements, so always check with your local housing or code enforcement office.

Does Your Rental Qualify?

Most exit lighting requirements apply to apartments, duplexes, and larger buildings. If you rent a single-family home, these standards might not apply unless local codes say otherwise. If you're unsure, ask your landlord or local code official.

Who Enforces Exit Lighting Standards?

In Kansas, your local city code enforcement office or fire department typically inspects and enforces emergency lighting laws. The Kansas State Fire Marshal oversees compliance for larger buildings and fire safety statewide.

Your Rights as a Kansas Renter

Under the Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, landlords are required to keep rental properties "in a fit and habitable condition," which includes following fire safety and exit lighting rules.^[1]

• If exit lights or emergency lighting in common hallways or exit routes are broken or missing, this may be considered a significant safety hazard.
• Landlords must repair or replace lighting promptly after being notified in writing.

What to Do If Exit Lights Aren’t Working

It's important to act quickly for your own safety. Here are the best steps to take:

• Notify your landlord in writing: Describe the problem, location, and date. Email is often easiest to document.
• Wait for a response—Kansas law generally requires repairs within 14 days if the problem affects health or safety.
• If there’s no response or the issue is not fixed, you may contact your local code enforcement or fire department to inspect.
• Emergencies can also be reported directly to 911 if there is an immediate danger.

Filing a Housing Complaint

If your landlord does not repair unsafe exit lighting, you may file a housing code complaint with your local code enforcement office. There is no statewide form for this, but many cities use a Housing Code Complaint Form, such as in Topeka.

• Form Name: Housing Code Complaint Form
• When to use: If your landlord ignores written repair requests for exit lighting or other safety issues.
• How to use: List your address, describe the problem (e.g., “emergency exit lighting in east hallway is broken”), and submit it online or in person. Your city may accept email, mail, or phone submissions.
• Topeka Housing Code Complaint Form

Once filed, a city inspector may come to your building and require your landlord to fix code violations.

What Government Agencies Oversee Tenant Safety?

The main body for residential tenancy issues in Kansas is your local city code enforcement office or, in larger cases, the Kansas State Fire Marshal. For tenant-landlord disputes, court cases are generally handled in Kansas District Court.

FAQ: Kansas Emergency Exit Lighting & Renters

1. Who is responsible for maintaining emergency exit lights in Kansas rentals?
   Landlords are legally responsible for installing and maintaining emergency exit and corridor lighting in multi-unit buildings and common areas.
2. What should I do if the emergency lighting in my apartment building isn’t working?
   First, report the issue to your landlord in writing. If it isn’t addressed, you can file a complaint with your local city code enforcement office or fire department.
3. Does exit lighting law apply to single-family rental homes?
   Usually, exit lighting requirements apply to apartments or multi-unit buildings. Single-family homes may not be covered by these rules unless local codes specify otherwise.
4. Is there a state-wide complaint form for housing code violations in Kansas?
   No, but many cities (like Topeka) provide a Housing Code Complaint Form to report violations. Use your city’s official website to find the correct form and process.
5. Can I withhold rent if my building's exit lights aren’t fixed?
   In Kansas, withholding rent is not recommended without legal advice. Use code enforcement or court action if your landlord fails to meet safety obligations.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Renters

• Kansas landlords are required by law to maintain functioning emergency exit lights in multi-unit dwellings.
• Always notify your landlord in writing if you find a safety issue, and follow up with your city’s code enforcement if it isn’t resolved.
• Contact your local code enforcement office or the Kansas State Fire Marshal for further help if needed.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Kansas State Fire Marshal – Fire safety, inspections, and reporting unsafe building conditions.
• Kansas City and County Offices – Find your local code enforcement or housing authority.
• Topeka Housing Code Complaint Form – Example complaint form (check your city’s website for local forms).
• Kansas Legal Services – Free and low-cost legal help for renters.

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1. Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, K.S.A. 58-2553 and 58-2559. See the full text at Kansas Residential Landlord & Tenant Act
2. Kansas State Fire Marshal, Building Codes: Kansas State Fire Marshal—Building Codes
3. International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC) via ICC Digital Codes

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