Topeka takes action to protect tenants from landlord retaliation

TOPEKA (KSNT) – The City of Topeka announced Friday morning that it is updating its retaliation ordinance to help protect renters in the area.

Topeka City spokesman Dan Garret said in a July 12 news release that a collaboration between the city attorney’s office, property management, housing authorities and the fire marshal’s office as part of the Changing Our Culture of Property Maintenance initiative resulted in changes to the ordinance in May of this year. This followed initial discussions by Topeka City Council members in July 2023 on the ordinance, which allows landlords to be held accountable for harassing and evicting tenants in revenge.

The City of Topeka is now drawing attention to these changes and reminding tenants that they have a right to a clean, safe and sanitary environment in which to live without fear of retaliation. The updated ordinance emphasizes that no tenant in good standing should face eviction due to retaliation or harassment.

“The comprehensive changes to the City of Topeka’s retaliation ordinance have strengthened protections for renters,” said Abi Panecatl, program manager for tenant and landlord counseling and education at Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc. “Now our priority is to educate our community about these changes. Educating landlords is critical so they can recognize and confront retaliation. Equally important is empowering renters to utilize the legal remedies and enforcement mechanisms available to them.”

If you believe you or someone you know has been the victim of an eviction or retaliation action, click here. The City also encourages you to call Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc. at 785-234-0217 or Property Maintenance Division at 785-368-3171 for more information.

Garrett said the city will also be holding several trainings in the near future. The full schedule for these is below:

• Thursday, July 25 – Training for landlords
  • 3pm to 5pm KRLTA, including retaliation
  • 6 to 8 p.m. Fair Housing
• Thursday, August 1 – Training for tenants/tenant representatives
  • 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tenant preparation, including retaliation
  • 5:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Fair Housing
• Thursday, 19 September – Training for landlords
  • 10am to 12pm KRLTA, including retaliation
  • 1pm to 3pm Fair Housing
• Thursday, 26 September – Training for tenants/tenant representatives
  • 10am to 12pm KRLTA, including retaliation
  • 1pm to 3pm Fair Housing

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