Kentucky

Rental Lease Laws Overview

Kentucky does not have rent control laws, and there is no limit on late fees that landlords can charge. Late fees can be included in the rental agreement, and there is no mandatory grace period for rent payments. Additionally, landlords in Kentucky do not require a license to operate.

Required Lease Disclosures

Kentucky rental laws mandate that landlords provide specific disclosures to tenants:

• Move-in Inspection Form: Landlords must provide a list of existing damages to the unit, which both parties must sign.
• Security Deposit Notice: Landlords must inform tenants about the location and account numbers of the separate bank account where the security deposit is held. Failure to provide this information means the landlord cannot retain any portion of the deposit.
• Identification: Landlords must provide the names and addresses of individuals authorized to manage the property and the property owner in writing before the lease begins.
• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: If the property was built before 1978, landlords must disclose the potential presence of lead-based paint.

Security Deposit

Regarding security deposits, there is no limit on the amount a landlord can request. Landlords are not required to provide receipts for the security deposit or pay interest on it. The security deposit must be held in a separate bank account designated solely for that purpose. Landlords must return the security deposit within 30-60 days after the lease terminates, depending on whether there are disputes over deductions. Furthermore, landlords must provide an itemized list of damages and costs before withholding any part of the security deposit.

Rent Payments

Rent is due as specified in the lease agreement. Kentucky has no rent control laws, and there is no mandatory grace period for late payments. Landlords can charge late fees as specified in the lease. Tenants may withhold rent if the landlord fails to provide essential services.

Landlord Right of Entry

Landlords must provide at least two days’ notice before entering the rental premises. There are no specific statutes governing keys, locks, and security in Kentucky.

Property Repairs

Landlords are required to maintain the premises in a habitable condition. If the landlord fails to make necessary repairs, tenants may deduct the cost of those repairs from their rent. If a tenant abandons the property, the landlord must make a reasonable effort to re-rent it.

Terminating a Lease

For month-to-month tenancies, a 30-day notice is required to terminate the lease. Kentucky does not have specific laws regarding the handling of a tenant’s abandoned property by the landlord.

Statutes

• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.130 – Tenancy under contract to labor forfeited by breach
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.535 – Exclusions from Application
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.560 – Notice
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.565(2) – Terms and conditions of rental agreement
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.565(3) – Terms and conditions of rental agreement
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580(1) – Security deposits
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580(2) – Security deposits
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580(3) – Security deposits
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580(4) – Security deposits
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580(6) – Security deposits
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580(7) – Security deposits
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.585(1) – Disclosure
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.595 – Landlord maintenance obligations and agreements
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.605 – Tenant’s maintenance obligations
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.610 – Rules and Regulations
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.615 – Access
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.635 – Remedies for noncompliance that affects health and safety
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.640 – Wrongful failure to supply essential services
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.645 – Landlord’s noncompliance as defense to action for possession or rent
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.660(1) – Tenant’s noncompliance with rental agreement – Failure to pay rent
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.660(2) – Tenant’s noncompliance with rental agreement – Failure to pay rent
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.695(1) – Periodic tenancy – Holdover remedies
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.695(2) – Periodic tenancy – Holdover remedies
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.670(2) – Remedies for absence, nonuse and abandonment
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.655 – Tenant’s remedies for unlawful ouster, exclusion or diminution of service
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.705 – Retaliation conduct
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.010 – Action for recovery of real property – Fifteen year limitation
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.080 – Action upon equity of redemption in personal property
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 514.040 – Theft by deception
• Ky. Rev. Stat. § 24A.230 – Jurisdiction – Authority