Can my utility company shut off my service without notice?

No. Kansas law requires at least 10 days’ written notice before utilities can be disconnected for non-payment.

What if my landlord pays the utilities and has not paid the bill?

You should notify both the utility company and your landlord. In many cases, you may pay the bill and deduct that amount from your rent if allowed by law.

Are there special protections for renters with medical needs?

Yes. You can delay utility shutoff by submitting a Medical Certification Form from your healthcare provider to your utility company.

How do I file a complaint about wrongful utility disconnection?

File a complaint with the Kansas Corporation Commission using their official Utility Complaint Form if you cannot resolve the issue directly with the utility.

Which law covers tenant utility rights in Kansas?

The Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (KRLTA) contains the main protections and obligations relating to utility service for renters.

Kansas Tenant Rights: Utility Shutoff Protections

Utilities, Services & Billing Kansas published June 21, 2025

If you’re renting in Kansas, knowing your rights around utility shutoff is essential. Utility disruptions can impact your health and safety. Kansas law provides certain protections for tenants to help maintain essential services like water, electricity, and natural gas, even if payment or landlord issues arise. This guide explains how tenant utility shutoff protections work in Kansas, how to take action if you’re facing a shutoff, and what resources are available to help.

What Are Utility Shutoff Protections for Renters?

In Kansas, both state law and utility regulations provide renters with some protection against sudden shutoff of essential services. Utility shutoff protections are designed to ensure tenants are notified in advance and given opportunities to resolve payment or other issues before services are disconnected.

When Can Utilities Be Shut Off in Kansas?

Most utilities (electric, gas, water) require a written notice before disconnecting services.
Utilities must provide at least a 10-day notice before shutoff.
Disconnections cannot occur on holidays, weekends, or after 4 p.m. on any day.
Special protections apply for households with elderly, disabled, or seriously ill tenants.

You can review the official regulations on disconnection and reconnection of utilities issued by the Kansas Corporation Commission.

Protections for Tenants When Utilities Are in the Landlord’s Name

Sometimes, utilities are billed directly to the landlord. If your landlord fails to pay, the utility company must notify tenants before disconnection. Tenants may be allowed to continue service by paying the bill themselves and deducting from future rent. It’s important to act quickly if you receive a utility shutoff notice.

Medical and Financial Hardship Protections

Kansas law allows tenants to apply for additional time or assistance if a household member has a medical condition made worse by utility loss, or if you're facing financial hardship. This may require you to submit a specific form to your utility provider.

Medical Certification Form (KCC form): The "Physician's Certificate" verifies a medical need for essential utility services. Official instructions and form here.
Example: If a household member relies on electrically powered medical equipment, submit this certificate to your utility company to postpone disconnection.
Payment Agreement Request: You can request a payment arrangement by contacting your utility provider. Most providers use their own application forms, which you can request by phone or online.

Contact your utility company for details—Kansas utilities regulated by the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) must honor these requests if all requirements are met.

How to Respond to a Utility Shutoff Notice

If you receive a shutoff notice, take these steps promptly to maintain your service:

Read the notice carefully and note the shutoff date.
Contact your utility provider immediately to discuss payment options or hardship programs.
If your name is not on the account (landlord pays utilities), inform both the utility and your landlord in writing.
If eligible, submit the Medical Certification Form or request payment arrangements.
If the issue is unresolved, you can file a complaint with the Kansas Corporation Commission (see below).

If your utility service is shut off in violation of these rules, you may be entitled to restoration of service and other remedies under Kansas law.

Tip: Document all contact with your utility company and landlord, and keep copies of any notices, payment receipts, or forms submitted.

Where to File a Complaint or Seek Help

The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) regulates investor-owned electric, gas, and water utilities in Kansas. If you believe your utility was wrongfully disconnected or your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the KCC Consumer Protection Office.

Complaint Form (Kansas Corporation Commission): Use the KCC Utility Complaint Form to report issues with utility disconnection or other concerns.
When to use: If your utility is regulated and you have not resolved your issue with the utility company directly.

Tenancy in Kansas is governed by the Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (KRLTA), which addresses responsibilities for utility services and remedies for violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my utility company shut off my service without notice?
No. Kansas law requires at least 10 days’ written notice before a utility shutoff, plus additional notification requirements in certain renter situations.
What should I do if my landlord is responsible for utilities but has not paid the bill?
Contact both the utility company and your landlord. In some cases, you can pay the bill directly and deduct it from your rent. Document communications and payment receipts carefully.
Are there protections for renters with medical conditions?
Yes. Submitting a Medical Certification Form to your utility provider can delay shutoff if a resident has a qualifying medical condition.
Access the Medical Certification Form and procedure.
Where can I file a utility shutoff complaint in Kansas?
File a complaint with the Kansas Corporation Commission Consumer Protection Office.
Which law protects tenant utility rights in Kansas?
The Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (KRLTA) covers tenant utility rights and landlord obligations.

Key Takeaways for Kansas Renters

Kansas law requires at least 10 days’ written notice before a utility shutoff.
Medical and financial hardship protections are available—submit the relevant forms promptly.
If utilities are in your landlord’s name, you still have specific rights and remedies.
The Kansas Corporation Commission regulates utilities and can help resolve complaints.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

KCC Utility Complaint Form – Use this to report unfair disconnection or landlord/utility disputes.
Kansas KCC Utility Disconnection Rules – Learn your rights and protections in plain language.
Kansas Housing Resources Corporation – Explore rental and utility assistance programs.
For legal assistance, contact Kansas Legal Services, a nonprofit offering free advice to low-income renters.
Official residential tenancy law: Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

See Kansas Corporation Commission: Disconnection and Reconnection of Utility Services
Official Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (KRLTA): Kansas Statutes Chapter 58, Article 25
Medical Certification for Utility Service: Medical Certification Procedures & Form