Kansas Tenants: Your Rights Against Familial Status Discrimination

Finding housing can be stressful, especially if you're a renter in Kansas with children or if you're expecting to add to your family. It's important to know that the law protects renters from discrimination based on familial status. This means landlords generally cannot treat you unfairly simply because you have children, are pregnant, or are in the process of gaining custody of a minor.

What Is Familial Status Discrimination?

Familial status discrimination occurs when a landlord or housing provider denies you housing, sets different rules, or treats you less favorably because you have children under the age of 18, are pregnant, or are securing legal custody of a child. This protection comes from both federal and Kansas state law.

• Refusing to rent or renew a lease because you have children
• Setting special rules, higher deposits, or restricting areas for families with kids
• Harassing or threatening a tenant due to pregnancy or family status

How Kansas Law Protects Renters

Kansas law and the federal Fair Housing Act protect tenants from familial status discrimination in most rental situations.

• Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits familial status discrimination nationwide.
• The Kansas Act Against Discrimination (KAAD) enforces similar protections throughout the state.

Most rental properties are covered. However, there are some narrow exceptions, such as for owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units. For most Kansas renters, landlords must treat families and individuals without discrimination.

Examples of Familial Status Discrimination

Understanding what counts as discrimination helps you recognize your rights. Examples include:

• A landlord refusing to let you sign a lease just because you have a child
• Advertising "adults only" or "no children" apartments (except in housing legally designated for seniors)
• Charging higher rent or deposits only to families with kids
• Setting unreasonable "quiet hours" rules that target children

How to File a Discrimination Complaint in Kansas

If you think your rights have been violated, Kansas tenants can file a housing discrimination complaint with the state. The process is designed to be accessible and doesn't require an attorney. The main agency handling these complaints is the Kansas Human Rights Commission (KHRC).

Official Form Needed

• Form name: Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
• Form number: KHRC does not assign a form number; the official form is titled "Housing Complaint Form." Download it directly from the official KHRC website.
• When and how to use: Use this form if you believe you've experienced housing discrimination by a landlord, rental agent, or other housing provider. For example, if a landlord refuses to rent to you after learning you have children, complete and submit the Housing Complaint Form to start an investigation.

Action Steps for Kansas Renters

• Download and fill out the KHRC Housing Complaint Form.
• Gather evidence—emails, texts, advertisements, or notes from conversations.
• File the form online, by mail, or in person using the instructions on the KHRC website.
• The KHRC will review your complaint and investigate. You may be asked for more information during the process.

The Kansas Human Rights Commission is the official tribunal handling residential discrimination complaints for renters in Kansas. For more information, visit the KHRC's complaint filing page.

What Happens After You File?

After your complaint is submitted, the KHRC will assess whether your situation meets discrimination criteria under Kansas law or federal law. If your complaint moves forward, the landlord will be notified, and both parties may be asked to provide details. The KHRC may help you reach a resolution, or, if discrimination is found, order remedies such as allowing you to rent, financial compensation, or requiring policy changes.

FAQ: Familial Status Discrimination and Your Kansas Tenant Rights

1. What is considered "familial status" under Kansas and federal law?
   Familial status includes households with children under 18, pregnant persons, or renters in the process of gaining custody of a child.
2. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I have children?
   No. The law generally prohibits landlords from refusing to rent or treating you differently because you have children, unless very limited exceptions apply.
3. What should I do if my landlord sets "adults only" rules?
   This is likely illegal unless the property qualifies as senior housing. Document your experience and consider filing a complaint with the KHRC.
4. Is there a time limit for filing a discrimination complaint?
   Yes. In Kansas, you should file within 180 days of the most recent incident to preserve your legal rights.
5. Will filing a complaint affect my current housing?
   Landlords are not allowed to retaliate against you for exercising your fair housing rights. Retaliation is also illegal under Kansas law.

Key Takeaways: Protecting Your Family in Kansas Rentals

• Kansas law protects renters from discrimination based on familial status—landlords cannot treat you unfairly because you have or expect children.
• The Kansas Human Rights Commission is your resource for filing discrimination complaints and getting help.
• Know your rights, gather evidence, and act quickly if you believe you've been targeted.

Knowing your rights can make your rental experience safer and more secure for your family.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Kansas Human Rights Commission (KHRC) – File complaints, review educational resources, or contact for help.
• HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity – Federal resources and additional complaint channels.
• Kansas Attorney General Consumer Protection Division – General tenant protections and mediation assistance.
• Review your rights under the Kansas Residential Landlord & Tenant Act.

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1. Federal Fair Housing Act: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/progdesc/title8
2. Kansas Act Against Discrimination: https://licensing.ks.gov/Documents/Statutes%20and%20Regulations/Fair%20Housing%20Act.pdf
3. Kansas Human Rights Commission: https://www.khrc.net/filing-a-complaint/
4. Kansas Residential Landlord & Tenant Act: https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch58/058_025a_0001.html

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