Kansas Commerce Committee hears testimony for bill to cap late fees, require upfront fee disclosures for renters

The Kansas Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing on Senate Bill 369, a proposal to amend the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to limit late fees and require landlords to disclose fees and eligibility criteria to prospective tenants before accepting any application fees or payments. Staff summary and proponents outlined a 5% cap on late fees and a required minimum five-day grace period before a landlord may charge a late fee.

Amelia Kovar Donhue, assistant reviser, told the committee the bill would “restrict fees for the late payment of rent” and require landlords to provide in writing a good-faith estimate of rent, each fixed nonrent expense, the date the unit will be available and the criteria used to determine tenant eligibility, including criminal history, credit, income, employment and rental history. Kovar Donhue told members that violations could allow a…