Kentucky landlord-tenant laws.
Notable Kentucky quirk
One state, two rulebooks — and all-or-nothing: the URLTA (KRS 383.505–383.715) applies only where a city, county, or urban-county government has adopted it, and KRS 383.500 requires adoption in its entirety and without amendment — while barring non-adopters from enacting any other ordinance on the same subjects. Louisville/Jefferson County and Lexington-Fayette are in; most of rural Kentucky is out. In URLTA territory, skipping the separate deposit account or the signed move-in/move-out damage listings forfeits the right to retain any of the deposit (KRS 383.580(4)).
Kentucky landlord law FAQ
Do I have to keep security deposits in a separate account in Kentucky?
In URLTA jurisdictions, yes — an account used only for security deposits at a bank or lending institution regulated by Kentucky or a federal agency, and the prospective tenant must be told the account's location and the account number (KRS 383.580(1)). If the deposit wasn't in the separate account and the required damage listings weren't provided, you may not retain any portion of it (KRS 383.580(4)).
How long do I have to return a security deposit in Kentucky?
KRS 383.580 sets no fixed return deadline — the clocks run in your favor. If the tenant leaves owing no rent with a refund due, send notice of the refund amount to their last known address; if they don't respond within 60 days of the mailing, you keep the deposit free of any claim (KRS 383.580(7)). If they leave owing the last month's rent without demanding the deposit, after 30 days you may apply it to the debt (KRS 383.580(6)).
What damage listings does Kentucky require before I can make deposit deductions?
Two, in URLTA jurisdictions: before taking any deposit, a comprehensive listing of existing damage with estimated repair costs, which the tenant may verify by inspection and both parties sign; and at move-out, a final listing of damage charged against the deposit, again with inspection and signature rights (KRS 383.580(2)–(3)). A tenant who signs without dissenting waives the dispute, but skipping the listings costs you the whole deposit (KRS 383.580(4)–(5)).
Is there a cap on late fees or a grace period for rent in Kentucky?
No — no Kentucky statute caps residential late fees or imposes a grace period, so the written lease governs. Rent is payable without demand or notice at the time and place the parties agreed, defaulting to the start of each month (KRS 383.565(2)). In URLTA jurisdictions, terminating for nonpayment first requires a written notice giving the tenant 7 days to pay (KRS 383.660(2)).
How much notice before entering a rental in Kentucky?
In URLTA jurisdictions, at least two days' notice of intent to enter, entry only at reasonable times, and no abusing the right or using it to harass the tenant — with exceptions for emergencies or when notice is impracticable (KRS 383.615(2)–(3)). Outside URLTA jurisdictions there is no state entry-notice statute; the lease governs.
How much can a landlord charge for late rent in Kentucky?
No statutory cap — the lease governs. Grace period: None statutory — rent is payable without demand or notice at the time agreed (KRS 383.565(2)); URLTA jurisdictions require a 7-day right-to-cure notice before terminating for nonpayment (KRS 383.660(2)). Late fee terms should always be written into the lease.
What is the security deposit limit in Kentucky?
No cap. The deposit must be returned within No fixed deadline — refund notice; unclaimed refunds forfeit 60 days after notice (URLTA jurisdictions) after move-out.
How much notice does a landlord need to enter a rental in Kentucky?
2 days (URLTA jurisdictions).
Is there rent control in Kentucky?
Prohibited.
Sources
Summarized from public statutes, state bar guides, and provincial residential tenancy acts. Last reviewed 2026-07-17. Deposit statute: Ky. Rev. Stat. (KRS) § 383.580 (URLTA jurisdictions; separate account + signed move-in/move-out damage listings). Late fee statute: None — no Kentucky statute caps residential late fees or requires a grace period; the lease governs (rent terms: KRS 383.565(2)).
- Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580 (security deposits)
- Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.615 (access/entry)
- Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.500 (URLTA local adoption — entire & unamended)
- Ky. Rev. Stat. § 24A.230 (small claims jurisdiction)
- KY LRC — HB 550 (2018) local mandate note (URLTA adopters incl. Louisville/Jefferson & Lexington/Fayette)
This page is general information, not legal advice. Consult a local attorney for your specific situation.