Kentucky Landlord-Tenant Laws: Key Rental Rules (2026)
Security deposits, notice periods, landlord entry, and other key rental rules in Kentucky, each linked to the state law it comes from.
By the ListMyHomes.com™ Editorial TeamPublished Last reviewed
This page summarizes the main landlord-tenant rules in Kentucky. Each rule in the table below links to the law it comes from.
Key rules at a glance
| Rule | Kentucky |
|---|---|
| Where these laws apply | Kentucky law authorizes cities, counties and urban-county governments to enact the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (KRS 383.505 to 383.705); if adopted, it must be adopted in its entirety and without amendment. No other ordinance relating to the subjects of the Act may be enacted by a city, county or urban-county government. Several rules below differ between jurisdictions where the Act is in effect and jurisdictions where it is not. The Act does not govern residence at an institution incidental to detention or to medical, geriatric, educational counseling, religious or similar services; occupancy by a buyer under a contract of sale; occupancy by a member of a fraternal or social organization in the part of a structure operated for its benefit; transient occupancy in a hotel, motel or lodgings subject to a state transient lodgings or room occupancy excise tax act; occupancy by an employee whose right to occupy depends on employment in and about the premises; occupancy by a condominium owner or cooperative proprietary lessee; or a dwelling on land devoted to producing livestock, poultry or their products, or to growing tobacco or other crops including timber. KRS 383.500, 383.195, 383.535 |
| Security deposit limit | |
| Where deposits are held | Where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is in effect: A landlord who requires a security deposit before move-in must keep all deposits in an account used only for that purpose, at a bank or other lending institution regulated by Kentucky or a federal agency. Prospective tenants must be told where the account is and its account number. A landlord may not keep any part of the deposit if it was not placed in a separate account and the move-in and move-out damage lists were not provided. KRS 383.580(1), (4) Where that Act is not in effect: No requirement in KRS 383.010 to 383.302. KRS 383.010 to 383.302 (no provision) |
| Returning the deposit | Where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is in effect: No fixed deadline in KRS 383.580. If the tenant leaves owing nothing and a refund is due, the landlord must send notice of the refund amount to the tenant's last known or reasonably determinable address; if the tenant does not respond within 60 days, the landlord may keep the deposit. If the tenant leaves without paying the last month's rent and does not demand its return, the landlord may apply it to the debt after 30 days. KRS 383.580(6), (7) Where that Act is not in effect: No deadline in KRS 383.010 to 383.302. KRS 383.010 to 383.302 (no provision) |
| Deposit deductions | Where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is in effect: A security deposit secures the landlord against loss from damage caused by the tenant's occupancy, other than ordinary wear and tear. Before paying a deposit, the tenant must be given a list of existing damage that would be charged against it, with estimated repair costs, and may inspect the unit; both sign the list, or the tenant states and signs in writing the items disputed. At move-out, the landlord inspects and lists any damage charged against the deposit, with estimated repair costs; the tenant may inspect, and both sign the list, or the tenant states and signs in writing the items disputed. A tenant who disputes the final list may sue in District Court; except as otherwise provided, the claim is limited to the items disputed in writing, and a tenant who neither signs the list nor disputes it in writing cannot recover damages under that section. KRS 383.545(13), 383.580(2), (3), (5) Where that Act is not in effect: No requirement in KRS 383.010 to 383.302. KRS 383.010 to 383.302 (no provision) |
| Interest on deposits | |
| Landlord entry notice | Where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is in effect: At least 2 days' notice of the intent to enter, and entry only at reasonable times, except in an emergency or where that is impracticable. The tenant may not unreasonably refuse entry to inspect, make repairs, decorations, alterations or improvements, supply services, or show the unit to prospective or actual buyers, mortgagees, tenants, workers or contractors. The landlord may not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant. KRS 383.615 Where that Act is not in effect: No notice period in KRS 383.010 to 383.302. KRS 383.010 to 383.302 (no provision) |
| Notice to end a month-to-month lease | Where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is in effect: Written notice at least 30 days before the periodic rental date named in the notice, by either the landlord or the tenant (week-to-week: 7 days before the termination date). KRS 383.695(1), (2) Where that Act is not in effect: A landlord may end a tenancy at will or by sufferance by giving the tenant one month's written notice to move out. KRS 383.195 |
| Rent-increase notice | Where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is in effect: A landlord may not raise rent to retaliate against a tenant for complaining to a building or housing code enforcement agency of a violation materially affecting health and safety, complaining to the landlord of a violation of KRS 383.595, or organizing or joining a tenant's union. KRS 383.705(1) |
| Late fees | |
| Notice for unpaid rent | Where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is in effect: Written notice of the nonpayment and that the lease will end if the rent is not paid within 7 days; if it is not paid, the landlord may end the lease. KRS 383.660(2) Where that Act is not in effect: No notice period in KRS 383.010 to 383.302. KRS 383.010 to 383.302 (no provision) |
| Rent control | No cap on rent amounts or rent increases in KRS Chapter 383. Cities, counties and other local governments may not adopt or enforce a landlord or tenant ordinance that conflicts with any Kentucky law. KRS 383.198; KRS Chapter 383 (no rent-control provision) |
| Required landlord disclosures | Where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is in effect: In writing at or before the start of the tenancy: the name and address of the person authorized to manage the premises, and of an owner or a person authorized to receive legal papers, notices and demands for the owner; the information must be kept current. The deposit account's location and number are also required (see above). KRS 383.585(1), (2); 383.580(1) Where that Act is not in effect: No requirement in KRS 383.010 to 383.302. KRS 383.010 to 383.302 (no provision) Federal law: For housing built before 1978 (with limited exceptions): before the tenant is bound by the lease, the landlord must give the EPA lead-hazard pamphlet and disclose any known lead-based paint or hazards and any available reports. 42 U.S.C. § 4852d; 40 CFR 745.107 |
| Fair housing protected classes | Race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability and national origin. These are the same classes as the federal Fair Housing Act, which says "handicap" for disability. KRS 344.360(1); 42 U.S.C. § 3604 |
What this means for renters
Before you sign, compare the lease's deposit amount, rent due date, and late-fee terms with the rules above. At move-in, record the unit's condition with dated photos. When you move out, give the written notice your lease and the rules above call for, leave a forwarding address, and keep copies of everything you send and receive.
What this means for landlords who manage their own rental
List the unit with its rent, deposit, and lease terms. Screen every applicant by the same written criteria, within fair-housing law. Collect the deposit and give notices following the rules above, and keep records of the unit's condition at move-in and move-out.
List your rental on ListMyHomes.com for one flat fee, or browse rentals in Kentucky listed directly by owners.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Kentucky?
No limit set by KRS Chapter 383. See the source in the table above.
How long does a Kentucky landlord have to return a security deposit?
Where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is in effect: No fixed deadline in KRS 383.580. If the tenant leaves owing nothing and a refund is due, the landlord must send notice of the refund amount to the tenant's last known or reasonably determinable address; if the tenant does not respond within 60 days, the landlord may keep the deposit. If the tenant leaves without paying the last month's rent and does not demand its return, the landlord may apply it to the debt after 30 days. Where that Act is not in effect: No deadline in KRS 383.010 to 383.302. See the source in the table above.
How much notice must a Kentucky landlord give before entering?
Where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is in effect: At least 2 days' notice of the intent to enter, and entry only at reasonable times, except in an emergency or where that is impracticable. The tenant may not unreasonably refuse entry to inspect, make repairs, decorations, alterations or improvements, supply services, or show the unit to prospective or actual buyers, mortgagees, tenants, workers or contractors. The landlord may not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant. Where that Act is not in effect: No notice period in KRS 383.010 to 383.302. See the source in the table above.
How much notice ends a month-to-month lease in Kentucky?
Where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is in effect: Written notice at least 30 days before the periodic rental date named in the notice, by either the landlord or the tenant (week-to-week: 7 days before the termination date). Where that Act is not in effect: A landlord may end a tenancy at will or by sufferance by giving the tenant one month's written notice to move out. See the source in the table above.
How much notice is required for a rent increase in Kentucky?
No notice period in KRS Chapter 383. Where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is in effect: A landlord may not raise rent to retaliate against a tenant for complaining to a building or housing code enforcement agency of a violation materially affecting health and safety, complaining to the landlord of a violation of KRS 383.595, or organizing or joining a tenant's union. See the source in the table above.
How much can a Kentucky landlord charge for late rent?
No limit or grace period in KRS Chapter 383. See the source in the table above.
How much notice must a Kentucky landlord give when rent is unpaid?
Where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is in effect: Written notice of the nonpayment and that the lease will end if the rent is not paid within 7 days; if it is not paid, the landlord may end the lease. Where that Act is not in effect: No notice period in KRS 383.010 to 383.302. See the source in the table above.
Does Kentucky have rent control?
No cap on rent amounts or rent increases in KRS Chapter 383. Cities, counties and other local governments may not adopt or enforce a landlord or tenant ordinance that conflicts with any Kentucky law. See the source in the table above.
Rentals in Kentucky listed by owners
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