Kansas Small Claims Court for a Security Deposit
Limits: $10,000 (District Court small claims procedure (K.S.A. 61-2703) only). Court: District Court (small claims procedure). Limitation period listed in our state data: 5 years. Filing fees vary by county; service costs may be extra. See the table. E-filing verified in 0/5 counties. Typical demand-letter response window: 30 days.
County court coverage and fees
5 listed counties · E-filing: Yes 0, No 0, Not verified 5
Deposit return deadlines
- 14 calendar days after the determination of the amount of expenses, damages, or other charges (other than rent). landlord proposes to retain any portion for expenses/damages/other allowable charges other than rent; hard cap remains 30 days after termination, delivery of possession, and demand.
- 30 calendar days after termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession, and demand by the tenant. outer maximum for return of any balance when landlord is retaining for non-rent charges; also the window for tenant to make demand.
- 30 calendar days after termination of the tenancy (no tenant demand). if the tenant does not demand within 30 days after termination, landlord must mail the portion due to the tenant at the last known address.
From a letter to court
- Send a Kansas security deposit demand letter stating the deposit amount supported by your records.
- Before you file: review the deposit return deadlines above and allow the typical response window of 30 days after your letter.
- Time limit to sue in Kansas: 5 years.
- Check the court's filing instructions. Keep your lease, payment records, photos, letter, and proof of delivery ready.
How to file
Forms: Court forms and filing information
File online: Varies by county
Attorneys allowed: No
Free Kansas template, built from verified state data
I rented [rental property address] from [lease start date] to [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[amount]. I returned the keys on [date] and gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date]. Under Kansas law (Kan. Stat. Ann. § 58-2550), a landlord must return the deposit or respond in writing within [14 calendar days / 30 calendar days, see the note above] after [the event listed in the note above].
Key facts
| Small claims limit | $10,000 (District Court small claims procedure (K.S.A. 61-2703) only) |
|---|---|
| Court | District Court (small claims procedure) |
| Limitation period listed in our state data | 5 years |
| Bad faith required | No |
| Itemization required | Yes |
What you can recover
tenant may recover the portion of the security deposit due together with damages equal to 1.5 times the amount wrongfully withheld. Bad faith required: No.
County small claims courts
| County | Court and city | Limit | Filing fee | E-filing | Court link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson | Johnson County District Court, Olathe | $10,000 | Statewide filing fee: Confirm current filing and service fees with the district court clerk. | Not verified | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Sedgwick | Sedgwick County District Court, Wichita | $10,000 | Statewide filing fee: Confirm current filing and service fees with the district court clerk. | Not verified | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Shawnee | Shawnee County District Court, Topeka | $10,000 | Statewide filing fee: Confirm current filing and service fees with the district court clerk. | Not verified | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Wyandotte | Wyandotte County District Court, Kansas City | $10,000 | Statewide filing fee: Confirm current filing and service fees with the district court clerk. | Not verified | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Douglas | Douglas County District Court, Lawrence | $10,000 | Statewide filing fee: Confirm current filing and service fees with the district court clerk. | Not verified | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
Detailed guides for 5 counties
Statute says
If the landlord fails to comply with subsection (b) of this section, the tenant may recover that portion of the security deposit due together with damages in an amount equal to 1½ the amount wrongfully withheld.
What this means
Tenant resources
- Kansas Legal Serviceslegal aid, 316-267-3975
- Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc.hotline in Topeka
- Kansas Attorney General Consumer Protectionag consumer, 785-296-2215
- Kansas Judicial Council Small Claims Formscourt self help
FAQ
What is the small claims limit in Kansas?
$10,000 (District Court small claims procedure (K.S.A. 61-2703) only)
What is the statute of limitations?
Limitation period listed in our state data: 5 years.
Can I recover more than my deposit?
tenant may recover the portion of the security deposit due together with damages equal to 1.5 times the amount wrongfully withheld. Bad faith required: No.
Which court handles the claim?
District Court (small claims procedure)
Should I send a demand letter first?
First listed deposit return deadline: 14 calendar days after the determination of the amount of expenses, damages, or other charges (other than rent). landlord proposes to retain any portion for expenses/damages/other allowable charges other than rent; hard cap remains 30 days after termination, delivery of possession, and demand. Typical response window after a demand letter: 30 days.