Kentucky Landlord-Tenant Law Overviews
In Kentucky, the state’s landlord-tenant laws dictate the terms of a lease agreement. Following these regulations ensures protection for both the landlord and tenants. View the table below for an overview of relevant Kentucky landlord-tenant laws.
| Topic | Rule | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Rent Control | No limits | N/A |
| Late Fees | No legal limits, but must be reasonable (about $20 or 20% of rent) | N/A |
| Grace Periods | No requirements, but should be included in the lease | N/A |
| Security Deposits | No limits, but must be returned in 30 to 60 days | KY Rev Stat § 383.580 |
| Rent Withholding | Tenants can withhold rent if the landlord fails to provide essential services | KY Rev Stat § 383.640 |
| Landlord Entry | Requires two-days' notice except for emergencies | KY Rev Stat § 383.615 |
Kentucky Lease Agreements- By Type
The language, format, and conditions of a Kentucky lease agreement depend on the property and term length. Consider the various Kentucky lease agreements to find the one that suits your needs.
Kentucky Standard Lease Agreement
Facilitates a rental agreement between a landlord and a tenant for residential property.
Kentucky Month-to-Month Rental Agreement
Offers residents the choice of flexible, month-to-month occupancy of a property, without the requirement of a long-term commitment.
Kentucky Commercial Lease Agreement
Meant for businesses leasing commercial properties.
Kentucky Room Rental Agreement
Used to formalize a living arrangement, by creating a binding contract among a primary tenant and other occupants.
Kentucky Sublease Agreement
Grants the subtenant the permission to rent either the entire property or a portion of it for a specified period.
Kentucky Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement
Lets a tenant have the option to buy the property they're renting at a later date.
Security Deposit Rules in Kentucky
Kentucky lease laws don’t limit security deposits, but landlords should charge a reasonable amount to avoid disputes. Additionally, the deposit must be held in a separate bank account used for deposits.
At the end of the lease period, the landlord must return the deposit within 30 to 60 days of termination. Record the exact return period and processes in the lease agreement. If the landlord uses the deposit to recover damages beyond normal wear and tear, they must provide an itemized list of damages and costs.
Provide a security deposit receipt to record the amount and proof of payment.
Kentucky Rent Payment Regulations
Your lease agreement also includes information for rent payments. In Kentucky, landlords have the freedom to set rates, late fees, and due dates. Late fees of $20 or 20% of the rent, whichever is greater, have been deemed reasonable. State laws don’t include any rent control laws or required grace periods. Any of these charges and policies should be defined in the lease at the time of creation.
Kentucky Right of Entry and Repairs
A Kentucky lease agreement also outlines the landlord’s entry rights and the responsibilities of both the tenant and the landlord. A two-day notice is required from the landlord before entering the property for inspections or repairs. In emergencies, the landlord can enter without notice. The tenant should not unreasonably withhold consent for entry.
The landlord must also make repairs and efforts to provide essential services, such as hot water, heating, air conditioning, gas, and electricity. Under Kentucky law, landlords are required to maintain habitable conditions. Tenants have the right to withhold rent or deduct the cost of repairs from the rent for unaddressed issues.
Required Lease Disclosures In Kentucky
Lease disclosures promote transparency and create a record of the property’s conditions and the lease terms. Kentucky lease agreements require the inclusion of the following disclosure forms:
- Move-in Inspection Form
- Security Deposit Notice stating the account location and relevant account numbers.
- Identification of Landlord and Authorized Agents
- Lead-Based Paint Disclosure if the rental property was built before 1978.
Terminating a Kentucky Lease
Terminating a Kentucky lease agreement requires both parties to follow the procedures outlined in the contract. The termination period and considerations vary depending on the type of lease and terms. A month-to-month lease requires a 30-day written notice of termination.
After termination, Kentucky has no laws governing the handling of abandoned personal property. If the tenant abandons the rental early, the landlord must make a reasonable effort to re-rent and has the right to collect damages.
Kentucky Lease Agreement Sample
Legal Templates’s Free Kentucky lease agreement sample displays the state-compliant terms and formats necessary. Create your own lease contract using our template, available in both PDF and Word formats.
