The 2025 Guide to Kansas City Property Management Companies

(Last updated: April, 2025)

Bottom‑line up front: Expect a typical 7‑10 % (8% is most common) monthly management fee in Kansas City, plus a one‑time lease‑up fee. Use the comparison tables and decision matrix below to zero‑in on the right partner.

Why listen to us?

• This guide is compiled by Lutz Sales + Investments, a KC‑based brokerage for over eight years that has closed $350 M+ in multifamily deals locally.
• We have hired, referred and dealt with dozens of property management companies, including many on this list.

Quick Answers

What is the average property management fee in Kansas City?

Most full‑service firms charge 7–12 % of collected rent, with 8% being the most common.(kansascitypropertymanagement.co)

Is there a legal cap on security deposits in Kansas City?

Missouri: ≤ 2 months’ rent.(lsmo.org)

Kansas: ≤ 1 month’s rent for unfurnished units (1.5 mo if furnished + 0.5 mo pet deposit).(kslegislature.gov)

How long must a landlord return a security deposit in Kansas City?

Missouri – 30 days.

Kansas – 14–30 days depending on deductions.(kslegislature.gov)

What is the typical lease‑up / tenant‑placement fee in Kansas City?

$400–$1,000 or 50-100% of one month’s rent, depending on unit class.

2025 Kansas City Property Management Fees

Kansas City sits in HUD’s $60.58 per‑unit‑per‑month (PUM) 80th‑percentile bracket for FHA properties, placing it mid‑pack nationally.(hud.gov) Conventional residential managers instead price as a percentage of rent:

Landlord‑Tenant Law Cheat Sheet (MO vs KS)

Do I Need a Professional Property Manager?

1. Regulatory protection: Dual‑state compliance (MO & KS) prevents costly mistakes—KC municipal inspections alone can trigger $500 fines.
2. Higher occupancy: Professionally managed units show 15 % higher occupancy vs self‑managed rentals nationally.(blog.rentpure.com)
3. Maintenance savings: Scale discount and preventive schedules can trim repair costs by up to 20 % annually.(blog.rentpure.com)
4. Tenant‑screening rigor: Fair‑Housing‑compliant screening reduces eviction probability to <1 %.

Complete Directory of Kansas City Property Managers

How to Choose the Right Manager (Decision Matrix)

1. Portfolio fit: Does the firm manage comparable unit size & class?
2. Geographic footprint: Coverage in both MO & KS if you cross state lines.
3. Fee transparency: Ask for a sample owner statement + fee schedule.
4. Technology stack: Online portals, ACH rent, real‑time maintenance updates.
5. Compliance expertise: Ability to navigate differing MO/KS statutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What services are typically included in full-service property management?
A: A reputable Kansas City manager will handle marketing and showings, rigorous resident screening, lease execution, rent collection with ACH deposits, 24/7 maintenance coordination, periodic (move-in, routine/drive-by, move-out) inspections, detailed monthly/annual financial reporting, and, if necessary, eviction coordination.

Q2: How much do property managers charge in Kansas City?
A: Monthly management fees generally run 7 %–10 % of collected rent, with a one-time leasing fee of 50 %–100 % of one month’s rent and renewal fees around 25 % of one month’s rent. Kansas City Property Management BiggerPockets

Q3: How is the rental price for my property set with a property manager?
A: Managers compare your home’s condition, neighborhood, and recent rents for similar units, then adjust for seasonality and current demand to recommend an optimal rate. 

Q4: How long will it take to lease my Kansas City rental property?
A: With professional marketing that drives high online traffic, well-priced homes in average condition usually secure a qualified tenant within 2–4 weeks.

Q5: What screening criteria are used for tenants?
A: Expect credit checks (typically 600 +), income verification (≥ 2.5× rent), eviction and criminal records searches, employment confirmation, and landlord reference checks. Kansas City Property ManagementTrailhead PM

Q6: When will I receive my rental income each month?
A: Most Kansas City managers deposit owner funds by ACH twice monthly or once after the 10th business day, following rent collection and statement reconciliation. Kansas City Property Management

Q7: How are maintenance requests handled and what’s my role?
A: Residents submit work orders through an online portal; the manager dispatches vetted vendors, approvals follow your preset dollar limit, and invoices appear on your owner statement. Trailhead PM

Q8: How much should I budget annually for maintenance?
A: A common rule of thumb is about 1 % of the property’s value per year for routine and preventive upkeep, though older or larger homes may require more. Kansas City Property Management

Q9: Do I have to accept Section 8 (Housing Choice Vouchers)?
A: At present, a federal injunction blocks Kansas City from compelling landlords to accept vouchers, so participation remains voluntary, though market demand may make it attractive. KSHB 41 Kansas City News

Q10: How often will my property be inspected?
A: Best practice—and city compliance guidance—calls for a documented move-in inspection, a move-out inspection, plus quarterly or biannual routine inspections to catch issues early.

Q11: What is the standard security-deposit amount in Kansas City?
A: Kansas City rentals typically collect one month’s rent as the deposit, with some owners asking up to two months based on risk factors allowed by state law. Trailhead PM

Q12: Can a landlord enter the property without notice in Missouri?
A: Missouri has no specific statute on notice, but industry standards—and most leases—require at least 24 hours’ advance notice for non-emergency entry at reasonable times. Nolo

Q13: What happens if a tenant doesn’t pay rent—how long does eviction take?
A: After rent is late, a landlord may issue an immediate demand; courts allow filing right away or after a short grace period. For other breaches, a 10-day Notice to Vacate is typical. A contested eviction in Missouri can take 4-8 weeks from filing to possession. Innago

Q14: Are property-management fees tax-deductible?
A: Yes. The IRS treats “ordinary and necessary” expenses—specifically including property-management fees, leasing commissions, and maintenance costs—as deductible against rental income on Schedule E. IRS

Q15: How do lease renewals work and will I pay a fee?
A: Managers typically begin renewal outreach 60–90 days before lease end, adjusting rent to market. Many charge a flat or 25 % of one month’s rent renewal fee, covering negotiation, paperwork, and updated disclosures. BiggerPockets