Nicholasville, KY Rental Inspections: Tenant Complaint Process (2026)

Section 6-104(b)(2) of the Nicholasville Code of Ordinances turns a complaint into a required inspection. The text says structures and premises shall be inspected by the Administrative Official upon receiving complaints originating from tenants, neighbors and/or other concerned parties. The verb is mandatory, and tenants are named first among the complainants. Under Section 6-103(a), the Administrative Official is designated by the Planning Commission and administers and enforces the Property Maintenance Regulations, and Section 6-103(b) lets that official designate other officers, inspectors and employees to assist. The section prints no complaint form, fee or deadline for the inspection itself.

Entry rules are in Section 6-104(b)(3) and (4). The official can enter the structure or premises at reasonable times, subject to constitutional restrictions on unreasonable searches and seizures. If entry is refused or not obtained, the official can pursue recourse as provided by law. The official must carry proper identification. Section 6-104(b)(7) requires officials of different departments to coordinate their inspections so owners and occupants are not subjected to visits by numerous inspectors or multiple or conflicting orders.

After an inspection, Section 6-107 controls the notice to the owner. The notice must be in writing, describe the real estate, state the violation and why the notice is being issued, include a correction order allowing a reasonable time to make the repairs, and inform the owner of the right to appeal. Service is by personal delivery, certified or first-class mail to the last known address, or posting in a conspicuous place if mail comes back undelivered. Section 6-107(e) bars an owner with an outstanding compliance order from leasing or otherwise disposing of the structure until the order is met or the lessee signs a notarized acknowledgment.

The owner can appeal to the Code Enforcement Board within twenty (20) days after service under Section 6-111(a).