Kansas City Residential Lease Agreement

A residential lease agreement in Kansas City is a binding document between a landlord and a tenant. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions surrounding the use of a rental property in exchange for payment.

Residential Lease Agreement Requirements in Kansas City

Kansas currently has several mandatory disclosures that landlords must provide to tenants. These disclosures are either in addition to or modify requirements for Missouri’s lease agreement requirements.

Tenants Bill of Rights

Kansas City Landlords are required to provide a copy of the Tenants Bill of Rights, which provides protections for property owners, landlords, and tenants. This bill, passed in 2019, addresses topics including:

• Housing discrimination
• Tenant’s right to refuse landlord entry (under certain circumstances)
• Landlord retaliation
• Tenant’s right to safe, affordable, and liveable housing
• Tenant’s right to privacy
• Tenant’s right to utility history

Landlord-Tenant Rights and Regulations in Kansas City

When it comes to landlord-tenant rights, Kansas City landlords should be aware of the following:

Right to Counsel Program

The Right to Counsel Program in Kansas City works to protect tenants from eviction by providing legal assistance and support to tenants. The goal is to help tenants and their families remain in their homes by preventing unlawful evictions from landlords.

Office of the Tenant Advocate

The City’s Office of the Tenant Advocate program was created to provide assistance to Kansas City residents and ensure they receive safe and affordable housing accommodations.

Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program exists to provide financial assistance to tenants who are behind on past-due rent payments and utility bills. Kansas City residents can fill out this form online to be considered.

Healthy Homes Inspection Program

The Healthy Homes Inspection Program protects public health, safety, and welfare in Kansas City rental properties. The Health Department helps ensure that residential rental properties are in compliance with the minimum health and safety standards by responding to complaints of neglected rental properties.

Rental Housing Assistance Unit

Kansas City’s Rental Housing Assistance Unit provides certain services to eligible low-income residents. These services include: [1]

• Educating residents on laws, tenant rights, and other policy matters
• Providing resources for legal representation
• Utilizing a rental housing hotline
• Publishing the Tenants Bill of Rights

Optional Lease Agreement Disclosures and Addendums in Kansas City

While not mandatory, landlords can add specific disclosures and addendums to their leases. This helps outline the responsibilities of the tenant and can prevent future liability issues.

Mold Addendum

Due to the humid climate in Kansas City, landlords may want to include a mold addendum. This will prevent landlords from being liable for future mold-related damage.

Pest Control Addendum

Kansas City has a higher rat population compared to other cities, and it would be wise for landlords to include a pest control addendum. This agreement should highlight the tenants’ responsibilities related to pest prevention—including reporting any signs of pests to management as soon as possible.

Crime-Free Addendum

Due to Kansas City’s high crime rate, landlords may want to include an addendum stating that engaging in criminal activity, including drug-related activity, is prohibited on or near the property.

Summary of Required Lease Disclosures for the State of Missouri

• Landlord’s Name and Address – Missouri leases must contain the name and address of the landlord or authorized agent.
• Meth – Missouri landlords must disclose any knowledge of methamphetamine production, use, or storage on the rental property.
• Lead-Based Paint – It is a federal law in the United States that any home built prior to 1978 must disclose the risks posed by lead-based paints.