Can my landlord refuse my request for a disability modification?

No, if your request is reasonable and related to your disability, the landlord must allow it. You may be responsible for costs and restoration.

Who pays for accessibility modifications in my rental?

Tenants usually pay for modifications inside their unit, but landlords must permit these changes if necessary for a disability.

Do I need to use a special form to ask for an accommodation?

No special state form is required to make the request, but use the KHRC Housing Discrimination Complaint Form if your request is denied.

Can my landlord require a deposit for restoration?

Yes, but only if restoration is necessary and the amount must be reasonable.

Who do I contact if my landlord denies my request?

Contact the Kansas Human Rights Commission or local legal aid services if your landlord will not cooperate.

Who Pays for Accessibility Changes in Kansas Rentals?

Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Kansas published: June 21, 2025

If you are a renter in Kansas with a disability, you may need to make accessibility modifications in your rental unit. Understanding who pays for these changes is important for all tenants and landlords. Kansas and federal laws provide clear rules about accessibility, protections against discrimination, and the process for making changes to your apartment or rental home. This article covers your rights, responsibilities, and the proper procedures in Kansas when requesting disability accommodations.

Understanding Accessibility and Disability Accommodations

Accessibility modifications are physical changes made to a rental property so that people with disabilities can use and enjoy their homes. These modifications can include:

Installing grab bars in the bathroom
Adding a wheelchair ramp or a lowered countertop
Widening doorways
Installing visual or flashing alarms for individuals with hearing impairments

Both federal and state laws protect tenants needing these changes. The primary federal law is the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits housing discrimination and requires reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. In Kansas, additional protections are found in the Kansas Act Against Discrimination and the Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.^1,2

Who Pays for Accessibility Modifications?

In most cases, the tenant is responsible for paying the cost of reasonable accessibility modifications inside the rental unit. The landlord, however, cannot refuse to let you make these modifications if they are necessary for a disability and are reasonable.

The landlord must permit you (at your expense) to make reasonable modifications as long as it is necessary for your full enjoyment of the premise.
Landlords may require the tenant to restore the unit to its original condition when the lease ends, but only if the modification affects future use by others.
Exterior and common area modifications—such as a building entrance ramp—may sometimes be the landlord’s responsibility if required under federal law for multi-unit buildings, especially if federal funding is involved.

Landlords cannot charge extra fees or increase your rent just because you request or need an accessibility modification.

How to Request an Accessibility Modification in Kansas

Communicate in writing with your landlord about the need for a specific modification. You may be asked to describe the requested change and provide a medical statement confirming your disability.

In Kansas, there is no specific state form required for requesting accommodations, but you should:

Write a letter clearly stating the modification you need
Include a brief note from a treating professional, if asked
Propose how you will pay for and ensure the work is done professionally

If your landlord denies your request or retaliates against you, you can file a complaint with the Kansas Human Rights Commission (KHRC).

Required Forms and Complaint Filing

Kansas Human Rights Commission Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
Used when you believe your landlord has refused your legal right to a reasonable accommodation or modification. Access the official form and filing information on the KHRC's housing complaint page.
Example: If your landlord refuses your written request to install a ramp, you can fill out and submit this form to open an investigation.

Role of the Landlord, Deposits, and Restoration

Your landlord may ask you to:

Use licensed contractors and obtain necessary permits
Place funds into an escrow account to cover removal of the modification or restoration of the property once you move out (if restoration is reasonable)

If the modification would not interfere with future renters’ use (like adding grab bars), restoration might not be necessary. Always clarify these terms in writing with your landlord before beginning work.

Official Tribunal for Kansas Renters and Landlords

Kansas rental disputes, including accessibility issues, are handled by the Kansas Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and, for eviction or lease disagreements, local district courts.

You can read more about your rights in the Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.²

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my landlord refuse my request for a disability modification?
No, as long as your request is reasonable and necessary due to your disability. However, you may be responsible for payment and restoration if required.
Do I need to pay for modifications in common areas?
It depends. Some exterior or common area changes may be the landlord's responsibility, especially in federally funded buildings, but usually, tenants pay for changes inside their unit.
Is there a form to request disability accommodations in Kansas rentals?
No state-issued form is required for requests, but complaints about denial can use the KHRC Housing Discrimination Complaint Form.
Can my landlord ask for a deposit related to modifications?
Yes, but only if restoration is reasonably necessary for the next tenant, and the amount must be reasonable.
Where do I go if my landlord won’t cooperate?
You can file a complaint with the Kansas Human Rights Commission or seek help from local legal aid services.

Key Takeaways for Kansas Renters

You have the right to reasonable accessibility modifications.
Generally, tenants pay for these changes inside the unit, but landlords must permit them if necessary and reasonable.
No official state form is needed to request, but complaints can be filed with the KHRC if denied.

If you have a disability and need changes in your Kansas rental, always communicate clearly and keep records. Understanding the process helps ensure your rights are protected.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Kansas Human Rights Commission – Disability rights, housing complaints, and filing instructions
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Kansas – Fair housing information and disability resources
Kansas Legal Services – Free or low-cost legal help for renters, including disability accommodation issues
Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – Official state rental legislation

Kansas Act Against Discrimination (K.S.A. 44-1001 et seq.), Read from Kansas Human Rights Commission
Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (K.S.A. 58-25a-101 et seq.), View Official Legislation