Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation as a Kansas Renter

Finding a safe and comfortable home is important for everyone. If you are a renter in Kansas with a disability, you have specific rights to request reasonable accommodations from your landlord. Understanding how this process works can help you live more independently while staying within your legal protections.

Your Rights to Reasonable Accommodation in Kansas

Under the federal Fair Housing Act and the Kansas Act Against Discrimination, renters with physical or mental impairments have the right to request changes to rules, policies, or services necessary to use and enjoy their housing. Your landlord is required to consider these requests and cannot discriminate against you because of a disability.^[1][2]

What is a Reasonable Accommodation?

• Allowing service or emotional support animals even if pets are typically not allowed
• Granting a reserved accessible parking space close to your unit
• Permitting installation of a ramp, grab bars, or visual/alarm aids

Accommodations should not cause an undue financial or administrative burden for the landlord, or fundamentally alter the nature of the housing.

How to Request a Reasonable Accommodation

Requests for accommodation can be made verbally or in writing, but putting your request in writing (email or letter) is recommended for documentation and clarity. The steps below help ensure your rights are protected.

• Clearly state you are requesting a “reasonable accommodation” for a disability
• Describe your disability-related need for the accommodation (specific details about your diagnosis are not required)
• Propose the change you need (e.g., service animal, accessible parking)
• Include a letter or documentation from a medical provider, if possible

Official Form for Requesting Accommodation

• Form: Kansas Human Rights Commission (KHRC) Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (Housing Discrimination Complaint Form)
  Use this form if your landlord denies your accommodation request or you believe you are being discriminated against. Submit it to the KHRC to open an official investigation.

Example: If your landlord refuses to allow an emotional support animal despite your written request, you can file a complaint using the Kansas Human Rights Commission's Housing Discrimination Complaint Form. This starts the formal review of your claim.

What Happens After Your Request?

Your landlord must respond promptly and in good faith. They can ask for information verifying:

• That you or someone in your household has a disability
• Why the accommodation is necessary for your disability

Landlords cannot ask for specific details about your disability or demand access to your medical records.

What if My Request is Denied?

If your request is denied or ignored, you can:

• Contact the Kansas Human Rights Commission (KHRC) for investigation
• File a complaint directly with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• Consider contacting a local legal aid or advocacy group for guidance

Where Are Housing Disputes Decided in Kansas?

The Kansas Human Rights Commission is the official agency handling discrimination and accommodation complaints in Kansas rental housing. They investigate, mediate, and make rulings under state and federal law.

Relevant Kansas Legislation

• Kansas Act Against Discrimination (K.S.A. 44-1001 et seq.)
• Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (K.S.A. 58-2540 et seq.)

These laws work alongside the federal Fair Housing Act to protect Kansas renters’ rights.

FAQ: Kansas Reasonable Accommodation Requests

1. Do I need to use a specific form to request a reasonable accommodation?
   No, a written request by email or letter is usually enough. However, keeping a record helps if there are disputes later.
2. Can my landlord legally refuse my request?
   Landlords can only refuse if the request would cause an undue hardship or fundamentally alter the property. They must clearly explain the reason for refusal.
3. Who decides if my request is reasonable?
   If you and your landlord disagree, the Kansas Human Rights Commission (KHRC) investigates and can issue a ruling.
4. Can a landlord ask for proof of my disability?
   They may ask for documentation that a disability exists and supports the need for an accommodation, but not for specific medical diagnoses.
5. What should I do if my landlord retaliates against me?
   Retaliation is illegal. Contact the KHRC or legal aid for support and file a complaint immediately.

Key Takeaways for Kansas Renters

• You have the right to ask for reasonable accommodations under state and federal law
• Requests should be made in writing whenever possible
• If denied, you can file a formal complaint with the Kansas Human Rights Commission

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Kansas Human Rights Commission (KHRC) – Official agency for discrimination and accommodation complaints
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Housing
• Disability Rights Center of Kansas – Advocacy and assistance
• Kansas Legal Services – Free or low-cost legal aid
• Kansas Residential Landlord & Tenant Act

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1. Fair Housing Act
2. Kansas Act Against Discrimination (K.S.A. 44-1001 et seq.)
3. Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (K.S.A. 58-2540 et seq.)
4. Kansas Human Rights Commission – Housing
5. KHRC Housing Discrimination Complaint Form

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