Kansas Security Deposit Demand Letter (K.S.A. 58-2550)
Moved out and still waiting on your deposit? A clear, written demand is usually the first step — and often the last one needed. Answer the questions below and your letter fills itself in as you type.
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[Your forwarding address]
October 15, 2026
[Landlord or property manager name]
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — [Rental address]
Dear [Landlord or property manager name],
I was a tenant at [Rental address] and moved out on [Move-out date]. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of [Deposit amount ($)]. So far none of my deposit has been returned, and I have not received an itemized statement of deductions.
Under Kansas Statutes Annotated § 58-2550, a landlord must return the security deposit, with a written, itemized notice of any rent or damages deducted, within 14 days after determining those amounts and no later than 30 days after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered and the tenant makes a demand. This letter is my written demand for the return of my deposit.
Please send [Deposit amount ($)] to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 29, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for the portion of the deposit due, plus damages of one and one-half times the amount wrongfully withheld.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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How security deposits work in Kansas
In Kansas, a landlord who keeps part of a deposit must return the balance within 14 days after determining the deductions, and no later than 30 days after the tenancy ends, the tenant returns possession and the tenant demands the deposit. Deductions are limited to accrued rent and damage caused by the tenant's failure to meet their obligations. Deposits are capped at one month's rent for unfurnished units.
Every deduction must be itemized in a written notice delivered to the tenant. If the tenant doesn't demand the deposit within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must mail what's owed to the tenant's last known address. Kansas tenants generally can't apply the deposit to their last month's rent unless the lease allows it.
A landlord who fails to follow these rules can be ordered to pay the portion of the deposit due plus damages of one and one-half times the amount wrongfully withheld. Since July 1, 2024, Kansas small claims court hears claims up to $10,000, up from $4,000. Parties present their own cases, and outside legal representation isn't allowed before judgment.
What to do, step by step
Fill in your details
Answer the questions above. Your letter updates live as you type, so you can check every detail before you send it.
Send it in a way you can prove
Mail the letter by certified mail with return receipt and keep the receipt. If your lease lists an email address for notices, send a copy there too.
Wait for a reply
Give your landlord the 14 days stated in the letter. For reference, Kansas's own deadline under K.S.A. 58-2550 is 30 days after move-out.
Gather your evidence
Collect your lease, move-in and move-out photos, any inspection checklist, rent receipts and every message about the deposit.
File in small claims if needed
If the deposit still doesn't come back, you can file in small claims court (Kansas limit: $10,000). Bring this letter and your proof of mailing.
What if the landlord ignores the letter?
Silence doesn't end the matter. Your letter creates a dated record that you asked for the deposit back and gave a reasonable deadline — exactly what a small claims judge will want to see.
In Kansas, the rules are set out in Kansas Statutes Annotated § 58-2550. If a landlord keeps a deposit without following them, a court may award the portion of the deposit due, plus damages of one and one-half times the amount wrongfully withheld.
Small claims court is designed for people representing themselves: filing fees are modest, forms are short, and hearings are informal. In Kansas the limit is $10,000, which covers nearly every deposit dispute.
Example Kansas security deposit demand letter
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Jordan Rivera
88 Pine Ave, Springfield
October 5, 2026
Oakview Property Management
500 Market St, Suite 200, Springfield
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield
Dear Oakview Property Management,
I was a tenant at 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield and moved out on August 31, 2026. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of $1,800.00. So far you have returned $300.00, leaving $1,500.00 outstanding.
Under Kansas Statutes Annotated § 58-2550, a landlord must return the security deposit, with a written, itemized notice of any rent or damages deducted, within 14 days after determining those amounts and no later than 30 days after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered and the tenant makes a demand. This letter is my written demand for the return of my deposit.
I returned all keys on August 31 and took dated photos of every room, which show the unit clean and undamaged apart from normal wear and tear.
Please send $1,500.00 to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 19, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for the portion of the deposit due, plus damages of one and one-half times the amount wrongfully withheld.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
Jordan Rivera
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Kansas landlord have to return a deposit?
Within 14 days after the landlord determines the deductions, and never more than 30 days after the tenancy ends, you return possession and you demand the deposit. Sending this letter is a clear written demand.
Is there a cap on security deposits in Kansas?
Yes. For an unfurnished unit the deposit can't exceed one month's rent, and for a furnished unit it can't exceed one and a half months' rent. A landlord may add up to half a month's rent if pets are allowed.
What can I recover if my Kansas landlord wrongfully keeps my deposit?
The portion of the deposit you are owed, plus damages equal to one and one-half times the amount wrongfully withheld. Kansas courts have applied this when landlords failed to provide an itemized statement.
Can I use my deposit as my last month's rent in Kansas?
Generally no, unless your lease says otherwise. A tenant who applies the deposit to the last month's rent without permission can forfeit the deposit, and the landlord can still collect the rent.
Do I have to send a demand letter before going to small claims?
Many courts expect you to have asked for the money first, and a written demand is the simplest proof that you did. It also resolves a large share of disputes on its own.
How should I send the letter?
Use a method that gives you proof of delivery, such as certified mail with return receipt. Keep a copy of the letter and the receipt together.
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