The City of Topeka is pleased to announce updates to its retaliatory action ordinance, aimed at providing stronger protections for tenants and ensuring fair and safe housing practices within the city.
In July 2023, the Topeka City Council took a closer look at its retaliatory eviction ordinance, which allowed landlords to be held accountable for harassing and evicting tenants out of retaliation. Following collaboration between City Prosecution, Property Maintenance, Housing Services and the Fire Marshal’s Office and as part of the Changing Our Culture of Property Maintenance initiative, the Governing Body further amended and strengthened the policy in May 2024.
The city recognizes that many tenants hesitate to assert their rights to a clean, safe and sanitary dwelling due to fear of retaliation. The 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 believe you or someone you know has been the victim of a retaliatory eviction or action, you may visit the city’s website or contact any of the following entities for more information:
Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc., (785) 234-0217
Property Maintenance Division, (785) 368-3171
In an effort to help the public gain a better understanding of the ordinance, Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc. is hosting several public engagement sessions. You must preregister for these workshops as space is limited:
Thursday, July 25-Landlord Training
3:00 pm-5 pm-KRLTA (including retaliation)
6:00 pm-8 pm-Fair Housing
Thursday, August 1-Tenant/Tenant Advocate Training
3:00 pm-5 pm-Renter Preparation (including retaliation)
5:15 pm-7 pm-Fair Housing
Thursday, September 19-Landlord Training
10:00 am-12:00 pm- KRLTA (including retaliation)
1:00 pm-3:00 pm-Fair Housing
Thursday, September 26-Tenant/Tenant Advocate Training
10:00 am-12:00 pm- KRLTA (including retaliation)
1:00 pm-3:00 pm-Fair Housing