Kansas Renters: Medical Proof for Disability Accommodation?

Renters in Kansas with disabilities have the right to request reasonable accommodations, such as service animals or parking adjustments, to make their homes accessible. If you're considering such a request, it's important to know what your landlord can—and cannot—ask regarding medical proof.

Your Right to Disability Accommodation in Kansas Rentals

Under federal law, landlords are required to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities. In Kansas, both the federal Fair Housing Act and the Kansas Act Against Discrimination protect people from housing discrimination based on disability.^[1]

What Landlords Can Request

• Landlords may ask for verification that you have a disability if it's not obvious, and that the accommodation is related to your condition.
• However, they cannot demand access to your detailed medical records or diagnoses. A simple verification from a healthcare provider is usually enough.
• You may be asked to complete a verification form if the need for accommodation is not clear.

The Kansas Human Rights Commission Housing Discrimination Complaint Form is available if you believe your rights have been violated.^[2]

Examples of Acceptable Proof

• A signed letter from a doctor, nurse, social worker, or other qualified professional confirming you have a disability and stating the needed accommodation is related.
• Official verification forms issued by the landlord for your provider to complete (if kept confidential and only requesting need, not diagnosis).

This approach balances your privacy with your right to reasonable accommodation.

Official Forms and How Kansas Renters Use Them

• Kansas Human Rights Commission Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
  When to use: If your landlord denies your disability accommodation request, asks for inappropriate medical details, or you face any discrimination related to your disability, you can file this form with the Kansas Human Rights Commission (KHRC).
  How to use: Download the form, provide details about your case (dates, the accommodation requested, and the landlord's response), and submit it to the KHRC. Access the KHRC Housing Complaint Form here.

In most cases, before taking formal action, it's a good idea to communicate your accommodation needs in writing and provide reasonable proof if required. Always keep records of your correspondence.

Who Handles Rental Disputes in Kansas?

Housing discrimination cases—including issues about disability accommodations—are handled by the Kansas Human Rights Commission (KHRC). The KHRC investigates and mediates complaints between renters and landlords.

Relevant Kansas Tenant Laws

• The Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act governs rental obligations and general rights of Kansas renters and landlords.
• The Kansas Act Against Discrimination prohibits discrimination based on disability in housing.
• Federal protections include the Fair Housing Act.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my Kansas landlord ask for my detailed medical records?
   No, landlords can only ask for basic verification of a disability and the need for the accommodation—not your diagnosis or full medical records.
2. What should I do if my landlord denies my accommodation request?
   Document your request and your landlord’s response, then file a complaint with the Kansas Human Rights Commission.
3. Does my request for a service animal require medical proof?
   If your disability is not obvious, your landlord may ask for a signed statement from a healthcare provider, but not specific medical details.
4. Can my landlord reject my request for reasonable accommodation?
   Landlords must approve reasonable requests unless they cause undue hardship or fundamentally alter the rental property.
5. Is there a fee to file a housing discrimination complaint in Kansas?
   No, there is no fee to file a complaint with the Kansas Human Rights Commission.

Summary of Your Rights and Next Steps

• Landlords can only ask for simple verification of your disability and need for accommodation, not full medical records.
• If your needs are denied or ignored, you have protected complaint channels through the Kansas Human Rights Commission.
• Always put your accommodation request in writing and keep copies for your records.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Kansas Human Rights Commission (KHRC) – Handles discrimination complaints, including disability accommodations.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Fair Housing Complaint Process
• Kansas Housing Resources Corporation – General housing information and resources.
• Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Official Statutes)

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1. See HUD’s Fair Housing Act and the Kansas Act Against Discrimination for housing rights in Kansas.
2. Official KHRC complaint form at https://www.kansas.gov/khrc/forms/complaint.pdf.

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