Can I break my lease early in Kansas if I am a victim of domestic violence?

Yes. Kansas law allows you to terminate your lease early if you provide written notice and appropriate documentation, such as a protection order or police report.

Does my landlord have to change the locks if I am a domestic violence survivor?

Yes. If you provide your landlord with proper documentation, they must change or rekey the locks and not give a new key to the person named in the protection order.

Is my information kept confidential if I notify my landlord about domestic violence?

Yes. Kansas law requires landlords to keep this information confidential unless disclosure is legally required.

What official forms are accepted to access these protections?

You should use either a Kansas Protection from Abuse or Protection from Stalking order, or a police report documenting the violence.

Who handles tenant-landlord legal disputes in Kansas?

The Kansas District Court is the official body responsible for tenant-landlord legal matters in Kansas.

Kansas Tenant Rights: Domestic Violence Protections

Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Kansas published June 21, 2025

Renters in Kansas who are experiencing domestic violence have important legal protections designed to help them stay safe in their homes or move when necessary. This guide explains your rights as a tenant facing domestic violence, including options related to locks, lease termination, and working with your landlord, under Kansas law.

Legal Protections for Renters Experiencing Domestic Violence

The state of Kansas offers specific protections to help renters who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. These include the right to ask for lock changes and, in some cases, to terminate a lease early without penalty.

Requesting a Lock Change

In Kansas, tenants who have experienced domestic violence may request that their landlord change or rekey the locks to their rental unit. To do this:

Provide your landlord with written documentation, such as a protection order (commonly known as a restraining order) or a police report.
The landlord is not allowed to provide a new key to the excluded individual named in the protection order.

This option can help you secure your rental home and restrict access by an abuser.

Early Lease Termination Rights

Under Kansas Statutes § 58-25a-201, if you are a victim of domestic violence, you may have the right to break your lease without penalty. Generally, you must:

Give your landlord written notice requesting early termination.
Include relevant documentation, such as a court protection order or police report.
Pay rent for no more than the month you give notice and the next month (up to 30 days after the next rent due date).

This law is meant to let you relocate quickly if your safety is at risk without being forced to pay for the rest of your lease.

Required Documentation: Official Forms

To use your rights, you typically need to provide official papers, such as:

Order of Protection (Kansas Protection from Abuse or Protection from Stalking Orders): Used to request lock changes or lease termination. You can file for these orders at your local District Court. Forms and instructions are available from the Kansas Judicial Council - Protection Order Forms.
Police Report: If you have reported domestic violence, ask law enforcement for a report detailing the incident. This can be used as proof when making requests to your landlord.

For a step-by-step look at how to file for a Kansas protection order, visit the official Kansas Judicial Council forms resource.

Your Landlord’s Responsibilities

Once notified and given proper documentation, Kansas landlords must:

Change or rekey locks promptly upon request and not give new keys to an abuser identified in legal paperwork.
Allow lease termination by a domestic violence victim as stated in the law, without additional penalties.
Keep details confidential, except as required by law.

Tip: Keep copies of all communications and paperwork you send your landlord for your records.

Who Oversees Kansas Tenant-Landlord Laws?

The primary tribunal handling landlord-tenant disputes in Kansas is the Kansas District Court. You can file civil cases, including for protection orders and housing-related matters, through your local district court.

Relevant Kansas Law: The Kansas Residential Landlord & Tenant Act

The key law protecting renters’ rights in these situations is the Kansas Residential Landlord & Tenant Act (K.S.A. 58-25a-201 et seq.). It provides legal standards for both landlords and tenants, including the specific steps landlords must follow when a tenant is a survivor of domestic violence.

Action Steps: How to Use These Protections

Collect documentation (court order or police report).
Notify your landlord in writing of your request to change locks or terminate your lease. Attach official documentation.
Keep copies of all requests, notices, and documents.
If the landlord does not respond or you face retaliation, contact the Kansas District Court or seek help from a legal aid organization.

These steps can empower Kansas renters to prioritize their safety and housing stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I break my lease early in Kansas if I am a victim of domestic violence?
Yes. Kansas law allows you to terminate your lease early if you provide written notice and documentation, such as a protection order or police report.
Does my landlord have to change the locks if I am a domestic violence survivor?
Yes. If you provide proper documentation, your landlord must change or rekey the locks and must not provide a new key to the person named in the protection order.
Is my personal information kept confidential if I notify my landlord about domestic violence?
Yes. Landlords are legally required to keep this information confidential, except when disclosure is required by law.
What forms do I need to give my landlord?
You should provide either a Kansas Protection Order (from the court) or a police report documenting the domestic violence incident.
Which agency helps with tenant-landlord disputes in Kansas?
The Kansas District Court handles landlord-tenant legal matters in the state.

Key Takeaways for Kansas Renters

Kansas law offers strong protections for rental tenants experiencing domestic violence.
You have the right to request lock changes and, if needed, break your lease with proper notice and documentation.
Use official forms and keep all related paperwork for your records and legal support.

Understanding these rights enables you to make informed, confident decisions if you or someone in your household is at risk.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Kansas District Court: File protection orders and resolve rental housing disputes.
Kansas Judicial Council – Protection Orders: Access forms and instructions for protection from abuse and stalking.
Kansas Legal Services: Free or low-cost legal help for renters experiencing domestic violence or landlord-tenant issues.
Kansas Attorney General – Victim Services: Support resources and victim advocacy.