[KS] Can a landlord terminate a lease for domestic violence and animal cruelty?

KS Landlord-Tenant

We found out our tenant filed a restraining order against her boyfriend (also a tenant). He shot her cat and sent her a picture. She’s moving her things out tonight with a sheriff escort. We want to serve him a notice to vacate at the same time. It’s a one-time 12-month lease. Do we need 30 days, or can we terminate immediately for criminal activity?

January 15, 2026

Jon

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In Kansas, landlords may evict a tenant for lease violations or criminal activity (K.S.A. 58-2545(a)). Shooting a cat is animal cruelty, which is a crime, and most leases prohibit illegal or dangerous behavior. Combined with domestic violence and a protection order, this creates a serious safety risk and supports eviction.

Kansas allows a 14/30-day notice to quit for noncompliance (K.S.A. 58-2564(a)). In cases involving criminal activity that cannot be cured, you can issue the notice and proceed toward eviction if the tenant does not leave.

The police report, restraining order, and photo are strong evidence. Serving notice while a sheriff is present is smart for safety and documentation. Just remember: you cannot change locks or remove belongings without a court order. If he doesn’t leave, you’ll need to file a forcible detainer action.

Kansas law protects domestic violence victims, allowing the removal of the abuser while protecting the victim (K.S.A. 60-3104). Your evidence puts you in a strong position if the eviction is challenged.

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Lexi, Chatbot

I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. Have you checked your local laws on lease termination for criminal activity or domestic violence?

Only Google AI and ChatGPT.

Lexi, Chatbot

What timeline are you hoping to follow?

Immediately. We plan to give him 14 days.

Lexi, Chatbot

Anything else the landlord-tenant lawyer should know?

She’s moving out tonight, and since the sheriff will be there, we want to serve the notice then.

Jon

Hello, I’m Jon, a licensed attorney with over 13 years of experience. I’ll help guide you through this. What state are you in? And have there been any prior issues with this tenant?

Kansas. No prior issues.

Jon

Has there been a police report or legal action besides the restraining order?

She filed a police report to get the protection order.

Jon

Thanks, that’s helpful. Anything else before I start?

No.

Jon

556 satisfied customers

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