In 2025, the Kansas Legislature passed a landmark state law providing stronger protections for tenants who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. This new legislation, aligning Kansas with VAWA protections (Violence Against Women Act), directly impacts landlords of residential properties, housing providers, and property owners across the state.
The law aims to ensure that victims of domestic violence, dating violence, and sexual assault have the housing rights they need to escape immediate danger without facing unfair financial or legal penalties.
Below, we break down what Kansas landlords need to know about tenant protections for victims of abuse, how these changes affect rental housing and lease agreements, and the steps housing providers should take to stay compliant with the new state law.
Key Takeaways
Kansas’ new tenant protection law mirrors federal VAWA protections, expanding them to all residential properties, not just subsidized housing.
Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking can now terminate a lease early without penalty when facing imminent danger.
Landlords and property owners are prohibited from denying tenancy or evicting a protected person due to being a victim of abuse.
Tenants must provide written notice and supporting documentation (e.g., police report, court order, or a statement signed by a victim service provider, mental health professional, or health care professional).
The law creates clear affirmative defenses for tenants and strict penalties for landlords who refuse to honor these protections provided under the new state law.
Understanding the New Kansas Law
The new Kansas tenant protection legislation updates how landlords and housing providers must handle lease terminations, evictions, and tenancy decisions involving victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
Previously, only federal VAWA-covered subsidized housing offered this type of protection. The new Kansas state law extends these rights to all rental housing, including private residential properties and urban development housing.
Under this law, a tenant notified of an imminent danger may provide written notice to the housing provider to terminate the lease early. The tenant must provide documentation verifying their status as a protected person.
Acceptable forms of documentation include:
A police report filed with a local law enforcement agency
A court order, such as a restraining or protection order
A statement signed by a victim service provider, health care professional, or mental health professional confirming the tenant’s need to relocate for safety
Once the written notice and supporting documents are received, the tenant is only responsible for up to one month’s rent following the termination. The landlord cannot charge additional future rent or penalty fees beyond a reasonable amount.
Housing Rights of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survivors
The new Kansas legislation recognizes that stable housing is vital for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault to rebuild their lives. The law ensures housing rights that prevent discrimination and unjust treatment.
1. The Right to Terminate a Lease Early
A victim of domestic violence or sexual assault can leave early if remaining in the unit places them in immediate danger. This reasonable termination fee (no more than one month’s rent) gives survivors a safe way out without being trapped in a lease agreement.
2. The Right to Stay in Their Home
Housing providers and landlords cannot evict or deny tenancy to a protected person solely because they are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Even when the abuse causes property damage or police involvement, the law provides an affirmative defense for the victim.
3. Protection for Co-Tenants and Remaining Tenants
If a tenant notifies the landlord of abuse and terminates the lease, the remaining tenants may remain in the unit. The landlord must not penalize or terminate the tenancy as long as rent continues to be paid under the lease agreement.
How This Law Impacts Landlords and Property Owners
For property owners and landlords of residential properties, this state law requires procedural changes in how lease agreements, documentation, and tenant communications are handled.
Landlords must fulfill a variety of responsibilities, which can sometimes be overwhelming. For tips and effective strategies on how to manage landlord stress, see our guide.
Accept written notice and supporting documentation without delay.
Respect the tenant’s right to terminate the lease early when imminent danger exists.
Maintain confidentiality regarding any court record, police report, or victim service provider statement received.
Avoid discrimination against tenants based on sexual orientation, gender, or status as a protected person, and ensure you are providing a secure rental environment that meets safety standards.
Housing providers who refuse to honor these rights or act on false information may face penalties under administrative agency enforcement. The court finds that violations can result in civil fines, loss of rental licenses, and potential lawsuits.
The Role of Documentation and Local Law Enforcement
Documentation is key for tenants seeking protection under the law. A victim of domestic violence must provide written notice with one or more of the following:
Police report from a local law enforcement agency
Court order (restraining order, protective order)
Statement signed by a victim service provider, health care professional, or mental health professional confirming the immediate danger
The law makes it clear that housing providers cannot request unnecessary or excessive documentation beyond what is listed. Any false statement by a tenant can, however, be grounds for legal action.
Subsidized Housing and VAWA Protections
Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), tenants in subsidized housing already receive certain protections provided by federal law. Kansas’ new legislation strengthens these VAWA protections by ensuring non-federal housing tenants enjoy the same housing rights.
Key similarities to VAWA include:
Prohibition against denying tenancy to victims of domestic violence or sexual assault
Right to terminate the lease early with proper documentation
Confidential handling of all records and statements
By mirroring VAWA, the Kansas Legislature reinforces that sexual harassment in housing or involuntary servitude will not be tolerated — especially when it places victims in imminent danger.
Legal Help and Other Services
Tenants in Kansas City and throughout the state can access several other services for assistance, including resources for those interested in renting out their home in Kansas City:
Victim service providers offering relocation and safety planning
Local law enforcement agencies assisting with reports and restraining orders
Legal help from administrative agencies or nonprofits specializing in housing rights and tenant protections
Mental health professionals and health care professionals who can issue documentation
Rental assistance programs supporting relocation costs for victims of domestic violence
These services ensure that protected persons can secure safe housing and rebuild their lives without financial hardship.
FAQs
1. What happens if a tenant provides false documentation?
If the court finds that a tenant knowingly provided false information, the landlord may pursue legal remedies, including recovering unpaid rent or damages. However, good faith efforts by a victim will always be protected under the state law.
2. Can a landlord refuse to rent to a victim of abuse?
No. Housing providers cannot deny tenancy or refuse to rent based on a tenant’s status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Doing so violates both state law and federal VAWA protections.
3. Does the law apply to all types of housing?
Yes. The new law extends to all residential properties, including subsidized housing, private rental housing, and urban development units. All property owners and landlords must comply.
Creating Safe Spaces: How Kansas Is Empowering Victims of Domestic Violence
The Kansas Legislature has taken a major step toward protecting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault survivors by ensuring equal housing rights across all property types.
For landlords and property owners, understanding and implementing these tenant protections is essential. By complying with VAWA protections, honoring written notices, and respecting documentation, Kansas landlords can help victims find safety while maintaining ethical, lawful rental practices.
For more information or help with compliance, visit SCUDO — your trusted resource for property management in Kansas.
