Kentucky landlord-tenant law FAQ
45 answers to common Kentucky landlord questions. Every answer is a verified fact with its official source and last-checked date.
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Kentucky?
No maximum in the URLTA deposit section (it requires a separate account and move-in and move-out damage lists).
Verified Source: KRS 383.580 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full security deposit limit page
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Kentucky?
No fixed refund deadline: the landlord must send the tenant notice of any refund due, and may keep the deposit if the tenant doesn't respond within 60 days. If the tenant leaves owing the last month's rent and doesn't ask for the deposit, the landlord may apply it after 30 days.
Verified Source: KRS 383.580(6), (7) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full deposit return deadline page
How much notice does a landlord have to give before entering a rental in Kentucky?
The landlord may enter to make repairs, provide maintenance or show the property, and should come at times convenient to the tenant.
Verified Source: Kentucky Attorney General, Rental Housing · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full notice to enter page
How much notice does a landlord need to give to raise the rent in Kentucky?
Kentucky's URLTA (KRS 383.500-.715) sets no specific notice period for rent increases (whole act read). It applies only in localities that adopted it.
Verified Source: KRS 383.500-.715 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full rent increase notice page
Can a landlord charge a late fee in Kentucky, and how much?
Kentucky's URLTA sets no cap on late fees (whole act read). It applies only in localities that adopted it.
Verified Source: KRS 383.500-.715 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full late fees page
What notice does a landlord have to give before evicting for unpaid rent in Kentucky?
7 days' written notice to pay or the rental agreement terminates. Applies where the local government has adopted the URLTA.
Verified Source: KRS 383.660(2) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full eviction notice (nonpayment) page
Can cities in Kentucky pass rent control?
Cities, counties and other local governments may not adopt or enforce any landlord-tenant ordinance that conflicts with state law (effective March 6, 2024). Local governments may adopt the URLTA only in its entirety and without amendment.
Verified Source: KRS 383.198; 383.500 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full rent control / state preemption page
How much notice is needed to end a month-to-month tenancy in Kentucky?
Where the URLTA is in effect, either party may end a month-to-month tenancy with written notice at least 30 days before the periodic rental date (7 days for week-to-week). Elsewhere, a landlord ends a tenancy at will or by sufferance with one month's written notice.
Verified Source: KRS 383.695(2), 383.195 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full ending a month-to-month tenancy page
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Kentucky?
No interest is required. Where the URLTA applies, deposits must be kept in a separate account used only for deposits at a regulated bank, and tenants must be told the account location and number. (URLTA provisions, KRS 383.505–.705, apply only where a city or county has adopted the Act; KRS 383.500.)
Verified Source: KRS 383.580(1) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full interest on deposits page
Is a move-in or move-out inspection checklist required in Kentucky?
Before paying a deposit, the tenant must get a comprehensive list of existing damage with estimated repair costs, may inspect the unit to check it, and both parties sign it. At move-out, the landlord inspects and lists damage being charged. (URLTA provisions, KRS 383.505–.705, apply only where a city or county has adopted the Act; KRS 383.500.)
Verified Source: KRS 383.580 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full move-in/move-out checklist page
Is landlord retaliation illegal in Kentucky?
A landlord may not raise rent, cut services, or bring or threaten an eviction after a code complaint, a habitability complaint to the landlord, or joining a tenants' union. A complaint within one year before the action creates a presumption of retaliation. (URLTA provisions, KRS 383.505–.705, apply only where a city or county has adopted the Act; KRS 383.500.)
Verified Source: KRS 383.705 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full retaliation protections page
Can a landlord change the locks or shut off utilities in Kentucky?
If a landlord unlawfully removes or excludes the tenant, or willfully interrupts heat, water, electricity, gas or other essential service, the tenant may recover possession or end the lease, plus up to three months' rent and attorney's fees. (URLTA provisions, KRS 383.505–.705, apply only where a city or county has adopted the Act; KRS 383.500.)
Verified Source: KRS 383.655 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full lockouts and utility shutoffs page
What can a tenant do if the landlord won't make repairs in Kentucky?
For a health-or-safety noncompliance costing less than $100 or half a month's rent (whichever is greater), the tenant may give written notice. If the landlord willfully fails to act within 14 days, the tenant may repair and deduct the paid, itemized cost. If essential services are cut, the tenant may buy them and deduct the cost, recover the reduced rental value, or get substitute housing. (URLTA provisions, KRS 383.505–.705, apply only where a city or county has adopted the Act; KRS 383.500.)
Verified Source: KRS 383.635, 383.640 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full repairs and habitability remedies page
What disclosures must a landlord give tenants in Kentucky?
At or before move-in, the landlord must disclose in writing the name and address of the manager and of the owner or agent for service. Deposit account location and number must also be disclosed. (URLTA provisions, KRS 383.505–.705, apply only where a city or county has adopted the Act; KRS 383.500.)
Verified Source: KRS 383.585, 383.580(1) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full required lease disclosures page
What can a landlord do with property a tenant leaves behind in Kentucky?
Under URLTA, if a tenant abandons the unit the landlord must make reasonable efforts to re-rent at a fair rental, and the lease ends when a new tenancy begins. The act sets no procedure for disposing of personal property left behind (whole act read). It applies only in localities that adopted it.
Verified Source: KRS 383.670 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full abandoned property page
Can a tenant break a lease early for domestic violence or military service in Kentucky?
A tenant protected by a domestic violence order or interpersonal protective order obtained after signing the lease may end it with written notice effective at least 30 days after the landlord receives it, plus a copy of the order. This applies statewide to leases created or renewed on or after June 29, 2017.
Verified Source: KRS 383.300 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full early termination (dv/military) page
Is there a grace period before a late fee can be charged in Kentucky?
Kentucky's URLTA sets no grace period for late fees (whole act read). It applies only in localities that adopted it.
Verified Source: KRS 383.500-.715 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full late fee grace period page
What happens if a tenant stays after the lease ends in Kentucky?
If a term of a year or more ends on a set day and the tenant holds over without a contract, the tenant gains no right to stay. The landlord can recover possession without demand or notice by filing within 90 days.
Verified Source: KRS 383.160(2) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full holdover tenants page
How does the eviction court process work in Kentucky?
The landlord files a forcible detainer complaint in district court, and the warrant gives the tenant at least 3 days' notice of the trial. The court tries the case unless a jury is demanded. To appeal, a tenant must file within 7 days and deposit the rent owed plus future rent with the circuit clerk.
Verified Source: KRS 383.210, 383.255 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full eviction court process & timeline page
Can a tenant fix something and deduct it from rent in Kentucky?
Where a city or county has adopted the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, a tenant may buy heat, water, electricity, gas or other essential services the landlord wrongfully fails to supply and deduct the cost from rent, after written notice. Outside those localities, a search of KRS ch. 383 found no repair-and-deduct rule.
Verified Source: KRS 383.640; KRS 383.500 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full repair and deduct page
How much can a landlord charge for a rental application fee in Kentucky?
A search of the full text of KRS ch. 383 found no application-fee limit.
Verified Source: KRS ch. 383 (searched in full) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full application fees & screening page
Does a landlord have to give notice before not renewing a lease in Kentucky?
A tenant who holds over gets no right to stay, and the landlord can recover possession without notice if it files within 90 days after the term ends. If the landlord doesn't file in that time, the tenancy effectively continues for another year, and so on from year to year.
Verified Source: KRS 383.160 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full lease renewal / non-renewal notice page
Can a tenant withhold rent for repairs in Kentucky?
A party appealing an eviction judgment has 7 days to file. To stay the eviction, they must deposit with the circuit clerk the rent owed since the case began and each month's rent during the appeal.
Verified Source: KRS 383.255 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full rent withholding / escrow page
What happens to the lease when a tenant dies in Kentucky?
A search of the full text of KRS ch. 383 found no provision on what happens to a lease when a tenant dies. The only death provisions cover a landlord's estate collecting unpaid rent.
Verified Source: KRS ch. 383 (searched in full) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full death of a tenant page
Can a landlord refuse Section 8 or other source of income in Kentucky?
Source of income is not a protected class under Kentucky's housing anti-discrimination statute. KRS 344.360 covers race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability and national origin.
Verified Source: KRS 344.360 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full source of income discrimination page
What is the pet deposits/fees & service/esa animals rule in Kentucky?
A tenant with an approved assistance animal cannot be charged a pet fee, pet deposit or extra rent for it. The tenant is still responsible for damage if other residents with pets are. If the need isn't obvious, the landlord may ask for reliable documentation of the disability-related need.
Verified Source: KRS 383.085 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full pet deposits/fees & service/esa animals page
What is the eviction record sealing rule in Kentucky?
A search of the full text of KRS ch. 383, which includes the state's residential eviction procedure, found no provision for sealing or expunging eviction records. Court rules, which this site has not reviewed, may still allow it.
Verified Source: KRS ch. 383 (searched in full) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full eviction record sealing page
What is the tenant relocation assistance rule in Kentucky?
A search of the full text of KRS ch. 383 found no requirement for landlords to pay tenants relocation assistance. Government relocation programs, such as those for public projects, are in other laws not reviewed here.
Verified Source: KRS ch. 383 (searched in full) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full tenant relocation assistance page
What is the rent receipts, payment methods & cash rule in Kentucky?
A search of the full text of KRS ch. 383 found no rule requiring rent receipts, requiring or banning any payment method, or limiting payment fees. Unless otherwise agreed, rent is due at the time and place the parties agreed.
Verified Source: KRS ch. 383 (searched in full) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full rent receipts, payment methods & cash page
What is the domestic violence early termination rule in Kentucky?
A tenant protected by a domestic violence order or interpersonal protective order may end the lease with written notice effective at least 30 days after the landlord gets it, plus a copy of the order (leases created or renewed on or after June 29, 2017). Code text: "Written notice of termination to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least thirty (30) days after the landlord's receipt of the notice; and 2. A copy of the valid protective order."
Verified Source: KRS 383.300 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full domestic violence early termination page
What is the military lease termination (federal scra, all states) rule in Kentucky?
Federal law that applies in every state: under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, a tenant may end a residential lease after entering military service, or after getting permanent-change-of-station orders or deployment orders of at least 90 days, by delivering written notice and a copy of the orders to the landlord. For a lease with monthly rent, termination takes effect 30 days after the next rent due date following delivery of the notice. Any state-specific rule on this page also applies. Code text: "The lessee on a lease described in subsection (b) may, at the lessee's option, terminate the lease at any time after."
Verified Source: 50 U.S.C. § 3955 (federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full military lease termination (federal scra, all states) page
What is the warranty of habitability in Kentucky?
Applies only in Kentucky cities and counties that have adopted the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (KRS 383.500). Landlords must make all repairs needed to keep the premises fit and habitable. Statute text: "Make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition" (KRS 383.595(1)(b)).
Verified Source: KRS 383.595(1)(b) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full habitability / warranty of habitability page
What disclosures must a landlord give in Kentucky?
Applies only in Kentucky cities and counties that have adopted the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (KRS 383.500). Landlords must disclose in writing, by the start of the tenancy, the names and addresses of the manager and of an owner or authorized agent. Statute text: "A landlord or any person authorized to enter into a rental agreement on his behalf shall disclose to the tenant in writing at or before the commencement of the tenancy the name and address of: (a) The person authorized to manage the premises; and (b) An owner of the premises or a person authorized to act for and on behalf of the owner for the purpose of service of process and receiving and receipting for notices and demands" (KRS 383.585(1)).
Verified Source: KRS 383.585(1) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full required disclosures (mold, lead, radon, bedbug, asbestos, flood zone) page
What is the deposit bank holding / separate account rule in Kentucky?
Applies only in Kentucky cities and counties that have adopted the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (KRS 383.500). Security deposits must be kept in a separate account used only for deposits at a regulated bank, and tenants must be told its location and number. Statute text: "All landlords of residential property requiring security deposits prior to occupancy shall be required to deposit all tenants' security deposits in an account used only for that purpose, in any bank or other lending institution subject to regulation by the Commonwealth of Kentucky or any agency of the United States government" (KRS 383.580(1)).
Verified Source: KRS 383.580(1) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full deposit bank holding / separate account page
What is the eviction notices for other grounds (lease violation, no-fault) rule in Kentucky?
Where the URLTA has not been adopted locally, a landlord can end a tenancy at will with one month's written notice. Statute text: "In those jurisdictions where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is not in effect, a tenancy at will or by sufferance may be terminated by the landlord giving one (1) month's notice, in writing, to the tenant requiring him to remove" (KRS 383.195).
Verified Source: KRS 383.195 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full eviction notices for other grounds (lease violation, no-fault) page
What is the right to cure / redeem rule in Kentucky?
Applies only in Kentucky cities and counties that have adopted the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (KRS 383.500). After a 14-day lease-violation notice, the lease does not terminate if the tenant fixes a remediable breach before the date in the notice. Statute text: "If the breach is remediable by repairs or the payment of damages or otherwise and the tenant adequately remedies the breach before the date specified in the notice, the rental agreement shall not terminate" (KRS 383.660(1)).
Verified Source: KRS 383.660(1) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full right to cure / redeem page
What is the rental / transient occupancy tax rule in Kentucky?
Kentucky imposes a 1% statewide transient room tax on short-stay lodging, including rentals arranged through booking platforms; stays of 30+ continuous days are excluded. Statute text: "A statewide transient room tax shall be imposed at a rate of one percent (1%) of the rent for every occupancy of any suite, room, rooms, cabins, lodgings, campsites, or other accommodations charged by any hotel, motel, inn, tourist camp, tourist cabin, campgrounds, recreational vehicle parks, or other place in which accommodations are regularly furnished to transients for a consideration or by any person that facilitates the rental of the accommodations by brokering, coordinating, or in any other way arranging for the rental of the accommodations for consideration" (KRS 142.400(2)).
Verified Source: KRS 142.400(2) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full rental / transient occupancy tax page
What is the manufactured / mobile home parks rule in Kentucky?
Operating a manufactured or mobile home community requires a state permit. Statute text: "No person shall operate a community without having first obtained a permit as provided for in KRS 219.310 to 219.410" (KRS 219.330).
Verified Source: KRS 219.330 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full manufactured / mobile home parks page
What is the tenant buyout disclosures rule in Kentucky?
The state landlord-tenant statute (KRS ch. 383 (rental of property; forcible entry and detainer; URLTA), read in full on 2026-10-16) has no provision on tenant buyout agreements or buyout disclosures. Local ordinances or other state or federal laws may still apply.
Verified Source: KRS ch. 383 (rental of property; forcible entry and detainer; URLTA) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full tenant buyout disclosures page
What is the guest & occupancy limits rule in Kentucky?
The state landlord-tenant statute (KRS ch. 383 (rental of property; forcible entry and detainer; URLTA), read in full on 2026-10-16) has no provision on guest stays or occupancy limits. Local ordinances or other state or federal laws may still apply.
Verified Source: KRS ch. 383 (rental of property; forcible entry and detainer; URLTA) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full guest & occupancy limits page
Does a landlord need just cause to evict in Kentucky?
The state landlord-tenant statute (KRS ch. 383 (rental of property; forcible entry and detainer; URLTA), read in full on 2026-10-16) has no provision on a general just-cause (good-cause) requirement for ending a tenancy. Local ordinances or other state or federal laws may still apply.
Verified Source: KRS ch. 383 (rental of property; forcible entry and detainer; URLTA) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full just-cause eviction page
What is the property manager licensing rule in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, property management and leasing or renting real estate for others for a fee is real estate brokerage (KRS 324.010(1)), which requires a real estate license. Statute text: "No person shall practice real estate brokerage with respect to real estate located in this state unless: (a) The person holds a license to practice real estate brokerage under this chapter; or (b) The person has complied with KRS 324.235 to 324.238" (KRS 324.010(1), 324.020(2)).
Verified Source: KRS 324.010(1), 324.020(2) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full property manager licensing page
Can a tenant sublet an apartment in Kentucky?
A tenant with a term under two years (or a tenant at will) who assigns or transfers the lease without the landlord's written consent forfeits it; the landlord can retake possession after 10 days' written notice to quit. Statute text: "(2) Unless the landlord consents thereto in writing, every assignment, or transfer of his term or interests in the premises, or any portion thereof, by a tenant at will or by sufferance, or one who has a term less than two (2) years, shall operate as a forfeiture to the landlord." (KRS 383.180(2)).
Verified Source: KRS 383.180(2) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full subletting & assignment page
Can a landlord deny a tenant for criminal or credit history in Kentucky?
Kentucky's landlord-tenant law (KRS ch. 383 (all 96 sections, incl. the URLTA, KRS 383.500–.715), read in full on 2026-10-16) sets no rules on screening applicants' criminal or credit history; federal fair-housing and FCRA rules still apply.
Verified Source: KRS ch. 383 (all 96 sections, incl. the URLTA, KRS 383.500–.715) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full criminal & credit history rules page
What is the condo conversion protections rule in Kentucky?
Kentucky's landlord-tenant law (KRS ch. 383 (all 96 sections, incl. the URLTA, KRS 383.500–.715), read in full on 2026-10-16) has no condo-conversion tenant protections; the lease terms and normal termination notices control.
Verified Source: KRS ch. 383 (all 96 sections, incl. the URLTA, KRS 383.500–.715) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full condo conversion protections page
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