Kentucky Tenant Rights Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed December 29, 2017
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
Although renters are relieved of major responsibilities like property taxes and extensive renovations, there are still plenty of vexing issues that can come up throughout the landlord-tenant relationship. To govern many of these issues, Kentucky has a number of laws regarding renters' rights and responsibilities, in addition to federal and local laws. Read on to learn more about Kentucky tenant rights laws.
Tenant Rights: Repairs, Security Deposits, and More
First, Kentucky law protects you against discrimination based on protected characteristics such as race, disability, and familial status. In the housing context, acts of discrimination include refusing to rent to someone, applying different terms or conditions, and lying about the availability of a unit based on a protected trait.
During your tenancy, your landlord is also required to maintain the premises in a habitable condition. This means the landlord must, among other things, comply with housing codes materially affecting health and safety, make necessary repairs, and supply heat from October 1st to May 1st. However, you and your landlord can agree that you will take on specified responsibilities under certain conditions.
At the end of your tenancy, you may have questions about the rules regarding your security deposit. Kentucky's laws in this area are somewhat different from those of other states. Here, your landlord must notify you of any amount due to you, and you then have 60 days to claim that refund or forfeit it to your landlord. If you leave owing rent, you only have 30 days to make a demand for your security deposit.
Even though Kentucky law includes these protections and guidelines for the rental process, tenants are sometimes hesitant to assert their rights. Therefore, it's also important to note that your landlord may not retaliate against you by raising the rent or evicting you simply because you requested repairs or complained about certain code violations.
Kentucky Tenant Rights Laws at a Glance
The chart below provides a summary of Kentucky state laws governing the landlord-tenant relationship, including links to important statutes.
Statutes |
|
Security Deposits |
|
Paying Rent |
|
Living Conditions |
|
Discrimination |
|
Ending or Renewing a Tenancy |
|
Retaliation |
|
Note: State regulations are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Kentucky Tenant Rights Laws: Related Resources
- Kentucky Lease and Rental Agreement Laws
- Kentucky Rental Guidelines
- Tenant Lease Agreement FAQs
- Tenants' Rights Basics
- U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development in Kentucky
- Kentucky Fair Housing
Receive a Free Review of Your Tenancy Problem
Every tenant hopes their rental experience is hassle-free. Unfortunately, the odds of facing some kind of landlord-tenant issue are fairly high, and it can be difficult to know which laws apply to your situation. Whether you're dealing with a minor issue or facing eviction, receive a free case review to get help asserting your rights under Kentucky's tenant rights laws.
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.