How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in Kansas?
A Kansas landlord has 14 days after it works out its deductions to return the balance of the deposit, and never more than 30 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant demands it. Here is how the two clocks work.
What is the Kansas deadline to return a security deposit?
Kansas uses two clocks. If the landlord proposes to keep any part of the deposit for expenses or damages other than rent, it must return the balance within 14 days after it determines the amount of those charges, but in no event more than 30 days after the tenancy ended, possession was delivered and the tenant demanded the deposit (K.S.A. 58-2550(b)). The Kansas security deposit return deadline calculator uses whichever ends first.
What starts the 30 days?
Three things together: the tenancy has terminated, the tenant has delivered possession and the tenant has demanded the deposit. If the tenant does not make a demand within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must mail the part of the deposit due to the tenant’s last known address. Make the demand in writing, with your new address, the day you leave.
What must come with the money?
A written notice delivered to the tenant that itemizes what the landlord applied to accrued rent and to damages caused by the tenant’s noncompliance with the rental agreement and the tenant’s statutory duties (58-2550(b)). A lump sum with no detail is the kind of notice the Kansas courts have treated as a failure to itemize.
How are the days counted?
The statute sets no rule for weekends or holidays in this section, so the safe approach is to count calendar days and act earlier. A tenancy that ended on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 with a demand that day has an outer limit of Friday, November 27. If the landlord worked out its deductions on Tuesday, November 10, its 14 days end on Tuesday, November 24.
What happens if the landlord misses the deadline?
The tenant may recover the part of the deposit due together with damages equal to 1½ times the amount wrongfully withheld (58-2550(c)). On a $900 amount wrongly kept, that is $900 plus $1,350. See the Kansas penalty and suing rules.
Who owes the deposit if the building is sold?
The holder of the landlord’s interest in the premises at the time the tenancy ends is bound by the section (58-2550(f)). Keep your receipt, and send your demand to whoever collects the rent when you leave.
A worked example
A tenant leaves on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 and demands the deposit in writing that day. The outer limit is Friday, November 27. If the landlord works out its deductions for damages on Tuesday, November 10, its 14 days end on Tuesday, November 24, and that earlier date is the one to meet. If the landlord keeps nothing for damages, only rent, the 30-day outer limit is the date that applies. The deposit deadline calculator does the same count for your dates.
A checklist for tenants
Hand back the keys and get a dated receipt; make a written demand for the deposit and give your new mailing address the same day; photograph every room at move-out; calendar day 14 and day 30; and keep the lease, the receipt for the deposit and any notice with its envelope.
A checklist for landlords
Record the date the tenancy ended, the date possession was delivered and the date of the tenant’s demand; work out deductions promptly, because the 14 days start when you determine them; send a written notice itemizing the accrued rent and damages with the balance; and keep photographs and invoices for each item.
Where to get help
Legal aid organizations, the district court clerk and a licensed Kansas attorney can explain the forms and the process for a money claim. Bring the lease, the notice and your photographs.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does a Kansas landlord have to return a deposit?
14 days after it works out its deductions, and never more than 30 days after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered and the tenant demands it.
Do I have to demand my deposit in Kansas?
The 30-day limit runs from your demand; if you never make one, the landlord must mail what is due to your last known address.
What must the notice say?
It must itemize the accrued rent and damages the landlord applied to the deposit.
What if the landlord is late?
You can recover what is due plus 1½ times the amount wrongfully withheld.
Is there a weekend extension?
Not in the deposit section; count calendar days and act early.
Official sources
A local landlord-tenant attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Kansas statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Kansas attorney.