Fair Housing and equal opportunity

Stalwart Management LLC is an Equal Housing Opportunity provider. We market, lease and manage homes without discrimination. We apply the same written screening criteria to every adult applicant and treat all residents and prospective residents in line with federal, state and local fair housing laws. We are committed to HUD Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity principles. This page is provided for general information and is not legal advice.

Federal protected classes

The federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 3601–3619) prohibits discrimination in housing because of:

• Race
• Color
• Religion
• Sex
• National origin
• Familial status (including children under 18 and pregnancy)
• Disability

In September 2025, HUD withdrew its 2021 memo that had directed enforcement of the Act’s “sex” protections to cover sexual orientation and gender identity. Several Kansas City area cities protect those characteristics expressly in housing (see below). Learn more in HUD’s Fair Housing Act overview.

Kansas and Missouri law

State law adds to federal protection.

• Kansas. The Kansas Act Against Discrimination (K.S.A. 44-1016) prohibits housing discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, disability, familial status, national origin or ancestry.
• Missouri. The Missouri Human Rights Act (RSMo 213.040) prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability or familial status.
• Local ordinances. Some cities in the Kansas City area protect additional classes in housing. Kansas City, Missouri’s civil rights ordinance (Code of Ordinances, chapter 38) adds sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, marital status and age, among others. In Kansas, Leawood amended its non-discrimination ordinance in 2019 to cover sexual orientation and gender identity in housing. Where a local ordinance gives greater protection, we follow it.

What this means in practice

• We advertise available homes using accurate, neutral descriptions.
• We screen every adult applicant using the same written criteria. See our leasing policy and application process.
• We do not steer applicants toward or away from any home or neighborhood.
• We set terms, conditions and services the same way for all residents.
• We do not retaliate against anyone who asserts fair housing rights.

Reasonable accommodations and modifications

If you or a household member has a disability, you may ask for a reasonable accommodation (a change to a rule, policy, practice or service) or a reasonable modification (a physical change to the home or common areas) so you have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy your home.

1. Make your request. Email leasing@stalwartmgmt.com or call 913-229-9040. You can ask verbally or in writing, and you do not need to use special words or a particular form.
2. Tell us what you need. Describe the change you’re requesting. If your disability or the need for the request is not obvious, we may ask for reliable information that supports it. We will not ask for medical records or diagnoses beyond what is necessary.
3. We respond. We review requests promptly, may talk with you about alternatives, and keep your information confidential. Requests involving a property owner’s home may require the owner’s involvement.

Modifications are generally made at the resident’s expense unless the law provides otherwise, and may be subject to reasonable conditions.

Assistance animals

We treat service animals and assistance animals, including emotional support animals, as reasonable accommodation matters rather than pets. We evaluate requests for an assistance animal as reasonable accommodation requests, and we do not charge pet fees or pet deposits for an approved assistance animal. If the disability or the disability-related need for the animal is not apparent, we may ask for reliable documentation. Residents remain responsible for damage the animal causes and for keeping it under control. The duty to make reasonable accommodations comes from the Fair Housing Act and HUD’s regulation at 24 CFR 100.204, and from RSMo 213.040 in Missouri.

How to file a complaint

If you believe you have experienced housing discrimination, you may file a complaint with the agencies below. Deadlines apply, so act promptly. You may also contact a private attorney, and you are welcome to talk with us first at leasing@stalwartmgmt.com.

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): report housing discrimination online or call 1-800-669-9777. Complaints must be filed within one year of the alleged discrimination (42 U.S.C. § 3610).
• Kansas Human Rights Commission: khrc.net. Housing complaints must be filed within one year (K.S.A. 44-1019).
• Missouri Commission on Human Rights: labor.mo.gov/mohumanrights. Complaints must be filed within 180 days (RSMo 213.075).
• Kansas City, Missouri: the city’s Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Department enforces chapter 38 for homes inside city limits.