Nicholasville, KY Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Existing residential and nonresidential structures and premises
- Window glazing
- 8% of floor area for each habitable space
- Ceiling height
- Not less than 7 feet clear
- Bedroom space
- 70 square feet for one person; 50 per occupant if more
- Hot water
- Not less than 120°F at required fixtures
- Appeal
- To the Code Enforcement Board within 20 days of service
Summary
Nicholasville's Property Maintenance Regulations set minimum standards for light, ventilation, space, heating, sanitation, protection from the elements and fire safety in every existing residential and nonresidential structure. Owners, operators and occupants share responsibility, and structures that fall short must be altered or repaired to a minimum level of health and safety.
(a) Scope. The provisions of these regulations shall apply to existing residential and nonresidential structures and all existing premises and constitute minimum requirements and standards for premises, structures, equipment, and faculties for light, ventilation, space, heating, sanitation, protection from the elements, life safety, safety from fire and other hazards, and for safe and sanitary maintenance; the responsibility of owners, operators and occupants; the occupancy of existing structures and premises, and for administration, enforcement and penalties. (b) Intent. These regulations shall be construed to secure its expressed intent, which is to ensure public health, safety and welfare insofar as they are affected by the continued occupancy and maintenance of structures and premises. Existing structures and premises that do not comply with these provisions shall be altered or repaired to provide a minimum level of health and safety as required herein.
Official source re-checked November 3, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Local legislation current through Ord. No. 175-2024, dated 1-13-25 | State legislation current through 2024 Acts).
Full Breakdown
Article VI of Chapter 6 (Sections 6-101 to 6-801) is the city's habitability code. It is not written for rentals alone, since Section 6-101(a) applies it to existing residential and nonresidential structures and all existing premises, but it governs every rental dwelling in the city. Section 6-102(a) says that where sections specify different requirements, the most restrictive governs, and Section 6-102(b) puts responsibility for maintenance on the owner or the owner's designated agent.
The numbers are specific. Under Section 6-402(a), every habitable space needs at least one window facing the outdoors or a court, with total glazed area of eight percent (8%) of the floor area. Section 6-403(a) requires an openable window whose area equals at least forty-five percent (45%) of the required glazed area. Section 6-404 sets a minimum seven (7) feet plan dimension for habitable rooms other than kitchens and a clear ceiling height of not less than seven (7) feet. Every bedroom occupied by one person needs seventy (70) square feet, and a bedroom with more than one occupant needs fifty (50) square feet per occupant. Kitchens and nonhabitable spaces cannot be used for sleeping.
Section 6-502(a) requires every dwelling unit to contain its own bathtub or shower, lavatory, water closet and kitchen sink, and Section 6-505(d) requires hot water at not less than 120°F. Section 6-501(b) bars an owner from permitting another person to occupy a structure that does not comply.
The worst failures trigger condemnation. Under Section 6-108(a)(3), a structure is unfit for human occupancy when the Administrative Official finds it unsafe, unlawful, unsanitary, vermin or rat infested, or lacking ventilation, illumination, sanitary or heating facilities. Section 6-107(e) bars an owner who has received a compliance order from selling, leasing or otherwise disposing of the structure until the order is complied with or the grantee or lessee acknowledges it in a signed and notarized statement.
Violations & Fines
Section 6-106(c) makes failure to comply with a notice of violation or order a misdemeanor and a strict liability offense. Under Section 6-106(d), each day a violation continues after due notice has been served is a separate offense. The Administrative Official can also institute proceedings to restrain, correct or abate the violation or end unlawful occupancy, and Section 6-108 allows condemnation with a placard, with the cost of closing a vacant structure charged as a lien against the real estate.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
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