The Kansas Fair Chance Housing and Homelessness Reduction Act aims to enhance consumer protections in the rental housing market by regulating the use of consumer reports related to residential or tenant history. Under the new provisions, consumer reporting agencies are prohibited from including adverse residential or tenant history in consumer reports unless they have contacted the consumer to provide an explanation opportunity. Additionally, landlords are restricted from considering any residential or tenant history that is more than three years old or that does not include an explanation from the consumer. If a landlord takes adverse action against a tenant, they must provide the consumer with any relevant consumer report or history that influenced their decision.

The bill also establishes that violations of these provisions by landlords or consumer reporting agencies are considered deceptive acts under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act, subjecting them to enforcement actions. Furthermore, it amends existing laws to clarify the definitions of terms related to consumer reports and rental agreements, ensuring that consumers are better informed and protected in their housing transactions. The act will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 50-626