Landlord tools · Kentucky

Kentucky residential lease agreement.

Everything a Kentucky lease must get right in 2026 — deposit limits, late fees, notice periods, and required disclosures — plus a free builder that applies each rule for you and outputs a signable PDF.

No capSecurity deposit cap

60 daysDeposit return deadline

48 hrsEntry notice required

30 daysTo end month-to-month

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Security deposits in Kentucky

Kentucky doesn't cap security deposits by statute — most landlords charge one to two months' rent. No statutory limit After the tenancy ends, the deposit must be returned within 60 days. URLTA areas: 30-60 day framework after notice; deposit forfeited if tenant unresponsive 60 days Returning one now? Use the free Kentucky deposit return letter generator — it computes the deadline and itemizes deductions for you.

Late fees and grace periods

Kentucky sets no statutory dollar cap on late fees, but courts require them to be reasonable and they must appear in the written lease. No grace period is required by statute, though many leases include one. No statutory cap or grace period; must be in lease and reasonable.

Landlord entry and notices

Landlords must give at least 48 hours' notice before entering, except in emergencies. At least 2 days' notice in URLTA jurisdictions (e.g. Louisville, Lexington); no statute elsewhere. Ending a month-to-month tenancy takes 30 days' written notice (30 days written notice in URLTA jurisdictions). No statute; 30-day month-to-month notice governs changes in URLTA areas. Planning an increase? The free Kentucky rent increase notice generator applies the notice period automatically.

Required disclosures in a Kentucky lease

Lead-based paint (federal). EPA/HUD pamphlet and disclosure required (Required when: pre-1978 housing.)
Owner/agent identity. Written name and address of manager and owner or agent (Required when: URLTA jurisdictions.)
Deposit account and damage lists. Disclose bank/account holding deposit; itemized move-in and move-out damage lists (Required when: URLTA jurisdictions, if deposit taken.)

Clauses you can’t put in a Kentucky lease

Waiver of URLTA rights or confession of judgment
Retaliation (URLTA areas)
Self-help eviction or utility shutoff (URLTA areas)

Utilities and pets

Utilities: URLTA bars landlord interruption of essential services; non-URLTA areas: lease governs. Pets: No statutory pet deposit/rent rules.

Frequently asked questions

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

Kentucky has no statutory limit on security deposits — one to two months' rent is customary. No statutory limit

How long does a Kentucky landlord have to return the deposit?

60 days after the tenancy ends. URLTA areas: 30-60 day framework after notice; deposit forfeited if tenant unresponsive 60 days

Are late fees limited in Kentucky?

There's no statutory dollar cap, but fees must be reasonable and stated in the lease. No statutory cap or grace period; must be in lease and reasonable

How much notice before a landlord can enter the unit in Kentucky?

At least 48 hours, except in emergencies. At least 2 days' notice in URLTA jurisdictions (e.g. Louisville, Lexington); no statute elsewhere

Does Kentucky have rent control?

No statewide rent control. Local rent control preempted (KRS 65.875)

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Key statutes: KRS 383.580 · 383.585 · 383.615 · 383.695 · KRS 65.875. Last reviewed 2026-07. This guide summarizes state law for convenience and is not legal advice; cities and counties may add their own rules.