Topeka takes action to protect tenants from landlord retaliation

TOPEKA (KSNT) - The City of Topeka announced Friday morning it is rolling out updates to its retaliatory action ordinance to help protect tenants in the area.

City of Topeka spokesman Dan Garret said in a press release on July 12 a collaboration between City Prosecution, Property Maintenance, Housing Services 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 earlier this year. This followed initial discussions by Topeka City Council members in July 2023 on the ordinance, which allowed landlords to be held accountable for harassing and evicting tenants out of retaliation.

The City of Topeka is now raising awareness about these changes and reminds tenants they have a right to a clean, safe and sanitary environment to live in without fear of retaliation. The updated ordinance emphasizes that no tenant in good standing should face eviction as a result of retaliation or harassment.

"The thorough amendments to the City of Topeka's Retaliatory Action ordinance have strengthened protections for tenants (renters),” said Tenant/Landlord Counseling and Education Program Manager Abi Panecatl with Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc. “Now, the priority is to educate our community about these changes. Informing landlords is crucial to help them recognize and address retaliatory behaviors. Equally important is empowering tenants to utilize the available remedies and enforcement mechanisms at their disposal."

If you think you or someone you know has suffered retaliatory eviction or 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 have several training sessions in the near future. The full schedule for these is below:

• Thursday, July 25 - Landlord Training
  • 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. KRLTA, including retaliation
  • 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Fair Housing
• Thursday, Aug. 1 - Tenant/ Tenant Advocate Training
  • 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Renter Preparation, including retaliation
  • 5:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fair Housing
• Thursday, Sept 19 - Landlord Training
  • 10 a.m. to noon KRLTA, including retaliation
  • 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Fair Housing
• Thursday, Sept. 26 - Tenant/Tenant Advocate Training
  • 10 a.m. to noon KRLTA, including retaliation
  • 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Fair Housing

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