Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I’m over 60?

No, age discrimination is illegal in most Kansas rental housing. You can file a complaint if denied based on age.

What should I do if my landlord won’t make requested repairs?

Begin by notifying your landlord in writing. If unresolved, follow the steps in the Kansas Attorney General’s Tenant Handbook or seek legal assistance.

Is my landlord required to let me install accessibility features?

Yes. Landlords must allow reasonable modifications for seniors and tenants with disabilities, though restoration may be required at move-out.

How much notice does my landlord need to give for eviction in senior housing?

Usually at least three days in Kansas, but special rules may apply for subsidized senior housing.

Where can I report housing discrimination or rental disputes?

File discrimination complaints with the Kansas Human Rights Commission. For tenancy issues, contact your local Kansas District Court.

Senior Renters’ Housing Rights and Protections in Kansas

Special Housing Types & Situations Kansas published June 21, 2025

Kansas law offers important protections for senior renters, from safeguards against housing discrimination to specific rules for accessible residences. Understanding your rights as a senior tenant in Kansas can help you maintain stable housing, challenge unfair treatment, and get the accommodations you may need as you age—all while navigating the state’s unique legal landscape for rental housing.

Who Qualifies as a Senior Renter in Kansas?

In Kansas, housing designated as ‘senior’ or ‘elderly’ usually serves residents aged 55 or older, or, in some communities, 62 and above. Protections for senior renters apply to both private apartments and federally subsidized units. Eligibility for certain protections or housing communities may require you to meet age and sometimes income criteria.

Key Housing Protections for Seniors in Kansas

Seniors renting in Kansas benefit from both federal and state laws designed to prevent discrimination and ensure fair access to housing.

Fair Housing Protections: The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on age, disability, and other factors. Kansas law echoes these protections against unfair denial or eviction due to age or disability.^[1]
Reasonable Accommodations: Senior renters have the right to reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, or services to allow equal enjoyment of their home. This might include grab bar installation, service animal acceptance, or reserved parking close to building entrances.
Maintenance and Habitability: Kansas landlords must keep rental properties in a safe, habitable condition, meeting all health and safety codes. Seniors can request repairs through proper channels.^[2]
Eviction Protections: Seniors in subsidized or age-restricted housing are entitled to written notice and, in most cases, may only be evicted for specific reasons, with extra time allowed if a disability affects their ability to move.^[2]

Accessible Housing and Modifications

Kansas senior renters with disabilities have the legal right to request modifications to their rental units at their own expense. For example, adding a wheelchair ramp or shower grab bars. In many subsidized properties, these modifications must be allowed or provided at the landlord’s expense if feasible.^[3]

How to Exercise Your Rights as a Senior Renter

The Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (KRLTA) outlines the main process for all renters, including seniors, to address disputes or ask for accommodations. If you experience discrimination or your landlord refuses a reasonable accommodation, here’s what you can do:

Request the accommodation or repair in writing, keeping a dated copy for your records.
If unresolved, file a housing discrimination complaint with the Kansas Human Rights Commission (KHRC).
For issues like habitability or eviction, you can contact legal aid or seek help from municipal or district court, which oversee rental housing disputes in Kansas.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

Kansas Human Rights Commission Housing Discrimination Complaint Form – Submit this form if you believe you have been discriminated against due to age, disability, or another protected status in housing.
When to Use: If, for example, a senior renter is denied a ground-floor apartment because of age or disability, they can use this form to launch an official investigation.
Download Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (KHRC)
Kansas Residential Landlord or Tenant Complaint Form – This form allows renters to notify the landlord of a violation (such as failure to repair) and begin the formal process for seeking a solution under state law.
When to Use: To formally alert your landlord about an unresolved maintenance problem, send this written notice as required by KRLTA. There is no official state-provided template; tenants should write a letter including the issue, date, and a deadline, and deliver it as recommended in the state’s tenant handbook.

Where Rental Disputes Are Handled

If an issue cannot be resolved with the landlord, senior renters may bring disputes—including eviction cases—to the Kansas District Court, the official body responsible for residential tenancy matters.

Tip: Always keep copies of all written complaints, maintenance requests, and any communication related to your case. If you require assistance, Kansas Legal Services offers free or low-cost legal help for seniors.

FAQ Section

Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I’m over 60?
No, age discrimination is illegal in most Kansas rental housing. If you are denied for reasons related to your age or disability, you can file a complaint with the Kansas Human Rights Commission.
What should I do if my landlord won’t make requested repairs?
First, notify your landlord in writing. If repairs are not made within a reasonable time, refer to the state tenant handbook for steps to file a formal complaint, or seek help through Kansas Legal Services.
Is my landlord required to let me install accessibility features?
Yes, Kansas law and federal law require landlords to allow reasonable modifications for seniors and persons with disabilities. They may ask you to restore the unit upon moving out unless it’s federally subsidized housing.
How much notice must my landlord give for eviction in senior housing?
Typically, at least three days’ written notice is required for nonpayment, but more time or special protections may apply in federally subsidized senior housing.
Where can I report housing discrimination or unresolved disputes?
You may file a discrimination complaint with the Kansas Human Rights Commission and take most tenancy disputes to your local Kansas District Court.

Conclusion: Senior Housing Law Key Takeaways

If you are a senior renter in Kansas, you are protected by both federal and state laws against discrimination and unsafe housing.
Reasonable accommodations for disabilities are your right—inquire in writing and keep records of all communication.
Unresolved complaints can be taken to the Kansas Human Rights Commission or District Court for legal action.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Kansas Attorney General’s Tenant Handbook – Official guidance on your rights and responsibilities
Kansas Human Rights Commission – For complaints about housing discrimination
Kansas District Courts – Where most landlord-tenant disputes are handled
Kansas Legal Services – Free/low-cost legal help for eligible seniors

Kansas Human Rights Commission: Official Kansas Anti-Discrimination Laws
Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: KRLTA – Chapter 58, Article 25
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Overview on Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications