Kentucky Landlord-Tenant Law at a Glance
Kentucky’s Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act only applies in the cities and counties that have adopted it, including Louisville and Lexington — elsewhere, far fewer rules apply. Statewide, a landlord who takes a deposit must keep it in a separate bank account and tell the tenant where.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in Kentucky?
A Kentucky landlord must return the deposit within 30 days; if the tenant disputes deductions or leaves no address, the landlord can wait up to 60 days before keeping it.
| Maximum Deposit | No statutory limit |
| Return Deadline | 30 days; up to 60 days in some cases |
| Interest Required | No |
| Itemized Statement | Required, based on the move-in and move-out inspection lists |
| Statute Reference | KRS 383.580 |
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Kentucky?
Kentucky has no rent control and no cap on increases; a month-to-month tenancy needs 30 days’ notice to change.
| Late Fee Limit | No statutory cap |
| Rent Control Status | No rent control |
| Rent Increase Notice | 30 days for month-to-month |
| Statute Reference | KRS 383.695 |
How to Evict a Tenant in Kentucky
In URLTA areas, a Kentucky eviction for unpaid rent starts with a 7-day notice to pay; a lease violation gives the tenant 15 days to cure.
| Non-Payment Notice | 7 days |
| Lease Violation Notice | 15 days to cure |
| Month-to-Month Notice | 30 days |
| Statute Reference | KRS 383.660, 383.695 |
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Kentucky?
No. Where URLTA applies, a Kentucky landlord must give 2 days’ notice before entering except in an emergency.
| Notice Required | 2 days (URLTA areas) |
| Emergency Entry | Allowed without notice |
| Permitted Reasons | Inspect, repairs, agreed services, show the unit |
| Statute Reference | KRS 383.615 |
What Must a Kentucky Lease Disclose?
- Lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 housing)
- Bank and account where the deposit is held (KRS 383.580)
- Name and address of the manager and owner or agent (KRS 383.585)
What Repairs Is a Landlord Responsible For in Kentucky?
In URLTA areas Kentucky landlords must keep the unit fit and habitable, and a tenant deprived of essential services can obtain substitute housing and stop paying rent.
What Kentucky landlords must maintain
- • Comply with building and housing codes affecting health and safety
- • Maintain supplied electrical, plumbing, heating and appliances
- • Supply running water, reasonable hot water and heat
What a Kentucky tenant can do
- • Terminate after notice if a material breach is not remedied within 14 days
- • Obtain substitute housing when essential services are withheld
| Statute Reference | KRS 383.595, 383.625, 383.640 |