Does Kansas have any rent control laws?

No, Kansas prohibits rent control and rent stabilization at all state and local government levels.

Can my landlord raise the rent for a new tenant after I move out?

Yes, Kansas landlords can set any rent for new tenants because there are no vacancy decontrol limits.

What notice does my landlord have to give for a rent increase?

Landlords must give at least 30 days' written notice for increases on month-to-month leases.

Who handles rental disputes in Kansas?

Rental disputes are handled by the local District Court, not a rent board.

Are there official forms to contest rent increases?

No official government forms exist; renters can respond in writing or seek legal assistance.

Understanding Vacancy Decontrol Rules for Kansas Renters

Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Kansas published June 21, 2025

If you rent in Kansas, understanding rent increases and your rights during tenant turnover is important. While terms like “rent control” and “vacancy decontrol” appear in the news, Kansas has its own unique approach. This article explains what vacancy decontrol means for Kansas renters and what laws protect you.

What Is Vacancy Decontrol?

Vacancy decontrol is a policy that allows landlords to reset or increase the rent to market rates when a unit becomes vacant and a new tenant moves in. In states or cities with strong rent control, vacancy decontrol might limit how much landlords can raise rent between tenancies. In practice, it often means there are no legal caps on how much rent can be raised for new tenants once the previous renter has moved out.

Does Kansas Have Rent Control or Vacancy Decontrol?

Kansas law prohibits rent control at the state and local level. This means:

No city or county in Kansas can enact their own rent control or stabilization regulations.
Landlords can set the rental price at will, for both existing and new tenants (as long as changes follow the lease terms).
Vacancy decontrol is effectively the norm—landlords are free to set rents for new tenants after the previous tenant leaves.

The key state statute governing this is Kansas Statutes §12-16,207 (Prohibition of rent control and rent stabilization by municipalities).

How This Impacts Kansas Renters

Landlords must provide advance notice of rent increases if the lease is month-to-month—usually at least 30 days (Kansas Housing Resources Corporation).
If you have a fixed-term lease, your rent generally cannot be increased until renewal.
When a unit is vacant, there is no law restricting how much the landlord can charge the next tenant.

No Official Rent Control Tribunals or Boards in Kansas

Kansas does not have a specific tribunal or housing board overseeing rent controls because none exist at the state or local level. Renters and landlords resolve disputes in their local District Court. For information, visit the Kansas Judicial Branch District Courts Directory.

Relevant Legislation for Kansas Renters

Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: Outlines rights and duties for both parties.
Prohibition of Local Government Rent Control (§12-16,207)

Are There Official Forms Related to Rent Increases or Vacancy?

Kansas does not provide a statewide form specifically for rental increases, vacancy decontrol, or municipal rent board filings, because there are no such regulations. However, official notices may be needed in these situations:

Notice of Rent Increase (No State Form Number)
When used: If your landlord wants to raise your rent (especially with month-to-month leases), they must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before the increase is effective.
Example: If you currently pay $900/month and your landlord wishes to raise it to $950, they must deliver this notice at least 30 days before the new rent applies.
View sample notice templates and letters (Kansas Legal Services)
Notice to Terminate Tenancy (No State Form Number)
When used: For ending a month-to-month agreement, either party must give written notice 30 days before moving out or requiring the tenant to leave.
See landlord-tenant summary at Kansas Legal Services

Tip: Always get notices and communications in writing and keep copies for your records. For legal forms, sample letters from the Kansas Legal Services site can guide you, but double-check your lease and state statute for requirements.

What Should Kansas Renters Know About Rent Increases and Unit Turnover?

Review your lease to understand how rent increases are handled and what notice is required.
If you are presented with a higher rent after moving out and returning, know that it’s legal due to lack of rent control.
Consider negotiation—most landlords are open to reasonable discussions about rent, especially with good tenants.
If you feel a rent increase is retaliatory (due to complaints or repairs requested), know that is prohibited under the Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act §58-2573. Retaliatory rent increases can be challenged in court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Kansas have any rent control laws?
Kansas law prohibits all forms of rent control and rent stabilization. Cities and counties cannot enact local regulations to limit rent increases.
Can my landlord raise the rent for a new tenant after I move out?
Yes, Kansas landlords can set a new rent for incoming tenants without restriction, as there are no vacancy decontrol limits or caps.
What notice does my landlord have to give for a rent increase?
For month-to-month leases, the landlord must give at least 30 days’ written notice before a rent increase takes effect. Fixed-term leases cannot be changed until renewal unless the lease allows it.
Who handles rental disputes in Kansas?
Disputes are managed by the local District Court. There is no state rent control board. Visit the Kansas District Courts directory to find your local court.
Are there official forms to contest rent increases?
No official government forms exist, but renters can respond in writing or seek legal advice. Sample letters are available at Kansas Legal Services.

Key Takeaways for Kansas Renters

There is no rent control or vacancy decontrol limit in Kansas—landlords can set rent for new tenants at market rates.
Advance written notice is mandatory for rent increases on month-to-month leases.
Rental disputes go through local District Courts, not a rent board or tribunal.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation: Renter Resources – Official guidance and assistance programs
Kansas Judicial Branch District Courts Directory – For legal disputes and filings
Kansas Legal Services – Free tenant legal advice, sample forms, and advocacy
Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – State housing laws and regulations