How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Kentucky?

Kentucky sets no statutory cap on the security deposit amount. The deposit must be accounted for within 30 days after the tenancy ends (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580).

Is there a limit on late fees in Kentucky?

Kentucky sets no statutory late-fee cap; the fee must be stated in the lease.

How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Kentucky?

Landlord must give at least 2 days' notice before entering, except in an emergency. (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.615)

How do you end a month-to-month tenancy in Kentucky?

Either party must give at least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy. (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.695)

What happens if a tenant does not pay rent in Kentucky?

Tenant has 7 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file for possession. (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.660) The case is filed as a forcible detainer in District Court. A landlord may never change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order.

Does a residential lease have to be in writing in Kentucky?

A written lease is not always legally required, but it is what makes the terms enforceable and provable. Kentucky tenancies are governed by the Kentucky Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, and a written lease is the practical way to document rent, deposits, and each party's obligations. Landy builds a lease specific to Kentucky with the statutory citations printed in it.

Kentucky Residential Lease Agreement

A lease that works in the Commonwealth of Kentucky has to respect the Kentucky Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: no statutory ceiling on the security deposit, accounted for within 30 days of move-out, and no statutory ceiling on late fees. Below is every number that governs a Kentucky tenancy, with the statute it comes from.

Read the whole lease before you pay. $14.99 to download, or three for $29.

Kentucky rental law at a glance

Each row is the rule Landy applies when it builds a Kentucky lease. The citation is printed in the finished document too, so a tenant can check it.

Kentucky landlord-tenant rules with statutory citations
Rule	Kentucky	Citation
Security deposit limit	No statutory limitKentucky sets no statutory cap on the security deposit amount.	No statute on point
Deposit return deadline	30 daysLandlord must provide an itemized list of deductions and return the balance within 30 days.	Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580
Interest on deposits	Not requiredKentucky does not require interest on security deposits.	Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580
Late fee limit	No statutory limitKentucky sets no statutory late-fee cap; the fee must be stated in the lease.	No statute on point
Grace period before rent is late	No statutory grace periodKentucky sets no statutory grace period for rent.	No statute on point
Notice to pay or quit	7 daysTenant has 7 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file for possession.	Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.660
Time to cure a lease violation	15 daysTenant generally has 15 days to remedy a curable lease violation.	Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.660
Ending a month-to-month tenancy	30 days' noticeEither party must give at least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy.	Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.695
Notice before landlord entry	48 hoursLandlord must give at least 2 days' notice before entering, except in an emergency.	Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.615

Disclosures a Kentucky lease must carry

Missing a required disclosure is the most common way an otherwise fine lease creates a problem. Landy adds these automatically, plus any that apply only to your specific property.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. Before renting pre-1978 housing, landlords must disclose the presence of known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the dwelling, provide any available records and reports to the tenant, and give the tenant the EPA-approved pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home." Tenant acknowledges receipt of this information by signing below.
42 U.S.C. § 4852d; 24 C.F.R. Part 35; 40 C.F.R. Part 745 · applies to housing built before 1978

If things go wrong in Kentucky

Where eviction is filed

District Court, as a forcible detainer.

Governing law

Kentucky Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, cited from the Kentucky Revised Statutes.

Never self-help

Changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities to force a tenant out is unlawful. A court order is the only route.

Kentucky lease questions, answered

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Kentucky?: Kentucky sets no statutory cap on the security deposit amount. The deposit must be accounted for within 30 days after the tenancy ends (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580).
Is there a limit on late fees in Kentucky?: Kentucky sets no statutory late-fee cap; the fee must be stated in the lease.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Kentucky?: Landlord must give at least 2 days' notice before entering, except in an emergency. (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.615)
How do you end a month-to-month tenancy in Kentucky?: Either party must give at least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy. (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.695)
What happens if a tenant does not pay rent in Kentucky?: Tenant has 7 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file for possession. (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.660) The case is filed as a forcible detainer in District Court. A landlord may never change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order.
Does a residential lease have to be in writing in Kentucky?: A written lease is not always legally required, but it is what makes the terms enforceable and provable. Kentucky tenancies are governed by the Kentucky Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, and a written lease is the practical way to document rent, deposits, and each party's obligations. Landy builds a lease specific to Kentucky with the statutory citations printed in it.

Build a Kentucky lease with these rules already in it.

Answer questions in plain English. Landy writes the Kentucky lease around your answers, applies every limit above, and shows you the finished document before you decide to pay.

Lease laws in other states

This page summarizes Kentucky law for general information and is not legal advice. Landy is a self-help document service, not a law firm. Cities and counties may impose additional requirements, and statutes change. Have a licensed Kentucky attorney review your lease before you rely on it.