Landlords looking to lease their residential rental property in Kentucky can use our Lease Agreement to create a customized and legally binding rental contract.
What is a Residential Lease Agreement?
A residential lease agreement is a legally binding document between a landlord and tenant that outlines and confirms rental terms and conditions, such as an apartment, condominium, or house.
All states, including Kentucky, are required by Federal and their respective state law to include certain requirements for lease agreements for residential property. Such requirements include:
- The identifying information of both the landlord and tenant (you should have the tenant’s information from your Rental Application)
- The address of the property being rented
- Whether pets are allowed or prohibited
- Information about any safety, health, and other hazards
- Security deposit details
- Lease term (i.e., 6 months or one year)
- Rent payment specifics, such as the amount, when to pay, and payment methods
- Late fees and grace periods
Keep in mind states don’t always have identical rental and leasing requirements and will likely differ on some key issues.
You must acquaint yourself with Kentucky’s specific differences and requirements for lease agreements to best protect your financial and legal renting future.
Kentucky Residential Lease Agreement Example
The sample lease agreement below describes a contract between “Landlord” Jon West and “Tenant” George Abrams.
The tenant agrees to rent a house in Louisville for $5,000 per month for a fixed term beginning on December 26, 2017 and ending on December 31, 2018. The tenant agrees to pay for all utilities and services for the premises.
This is a good example of a simple lease agreement’s provisions and how one should look in its final form.
Kentucky Landlord-Tenant Laws
Kentucky rental laws impose specific and distinct requirements for landlords and tenants when entering lease agreements. For example, Chapter 383 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes provide for the following:
Security Deposit
- No statute governs how much landlords may request from tenants as a security deposit.
- The landlord must place all security deposits in a bank account used only for this purpose and must inform the tenant of the bank name, location and account number where the security deposit is being held. (KRS § 383.580)
Landlord Right of Entry
- Kentucky landlords must provide tenants with two (2) days’ notice before entering the premises. (KRS § 383.615)
- Landlords can enter the premises without giving notice in emergencies. (KRS § 383.615)
Additionally, Kentucky law requires:
Landlord Obligations
- A landlord is required to comply with applicable building and housing codes regarding health and safety, make repairs to keep premises habitable, keep common areas clean and safe, supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times and heat (between October 1 and May 21), and maintain in good and safe working condition all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and other facilities and appliances. (KRS § 383.595)
Disclosures
- Lead-Based Paint Disclosure – Landlords must provide tenants with a lead-based paint disclosure if the rental property was built before 1978 (documenting the possibility of lead paint on the rental property including in common areas). (Title 42 U.S. Code § 4852(d))
- Kentucky landlords must provide tenants in writing before the lease begins, the names and addresses of the person authorized to manage the property and the owner or a person authorized to act for and on behalf of the property owner. (KRS § 383.585)
How to Write Lease Agreements in Kentucky
Follow the steps below to write residential lease agreements in Kentucky.
Step 1 – Fill Out the Date of Agreement
Write the date of the lease agreement.
Step 2 – Enter Parties’ Information
Provide the name and address of the parties that are signing the agreement. First is the landlord or management company and their current address. Then write in all tenants and their current address.
Step 3 – Describe Property
Describe the type of rental property such as an apartment or house and provide the full street address of the rental property.
Step 4 – Enter Term of Lease
Write the term (length) of the lease in months and enter the beginning and end dates of the lease. If the lease is month-to-month, provide the start date of the lease.
Step 5 – Enter Rent Details
Provide the monthly rental amount, the date the rent is due each month and the acceptable payment method(s). Any late fees or grace periods for late payment of rent can be added.
Step 6 – Enter Security Deposit Amount
Write the amount of the security deposit the landlord will collect from the tenant, typically done at the beginning of the lease.
Step 7 – Additional Provisions
Provide for additional and optional provisions such as regarding the use of a guarantor, payment of utilities, maintenance and repairs, alterations, or allowance or prohibition of pets, smoking, or sublease.
Step 8 – Signatures
The landlord and tenant(s) will sign and date the lease agreement.
Kentucky Lease Agreement Sample
Below is a free form for your lease agreements in Kentucky. Alternatively, use our document builder to create customized rental contracts for your state.