Kentucky Statewide Rule
Kentucky Eviction Notice Requirements
Key Facts
- Nonpayment notice
- 7 days to pay
- Lease-violation notice
- 14-day termination
- Cure period (violation)
- 15 days
- Applies where
- URLTA-adopting cities/counties
- Statute
- KRS 383.660
Summary
In URLTA-adopting Kentucky jurisdictions, KRS 383.660 requires a 7-day written notice to pay or quit for nonpayment of rent. For other material lease violations, the landlord gives a 14-day termination notice with a 15-day window to cure. Outside URLTA areas, common-law forcible-detainer practice applies.
383.660 Tenant's noncompliance with rental agreement - Failure to pay rent. (1) Except as provided in KRS 383.505 to 383.715, if there is a material noncompliance by the tenant with the rental agreement or a material noncompliance with KRS 383.605 or 383.610, the landlord may deliver a written notice to the tenant specifying the acts and omissions constituting the breach and that the rental agreement will terminate upon a date not less than fourteen (14) days after receipt of the notice.
Full Breakdown
Kentucky's URLTA (KRS 383.500-.715) applies only in cities and counties that adopted it, such as Louisville and Lexington. Under KRS 383.660(2), if rent is unpaid the landlord may terminate only after written notice that the tenant has "seven (7) days" to pay before termination. For other material noncompliance, KRS 383.660(1) requires written notice stating the agreement "will terminate upon a date not less than fourteen (14) days after receipt of the notice," and the tenant avoids termination by remedying the breach within 15 days; a repeat of substantially the same violation within six months can be terminated on 14 days' notice without a further cure. Actual eviction is then pursued through the court forcible-detainer process; self-help lockouts are prohibited.
Violations & Penalties
No specific statutory penalty for the notice itself. The landlord must use the court forcible-detainer process; self-help lockouts or utility shutoffs are unlawful and expose the landlord to tenant claims for damages and injunctive relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a Kentucky notice for unpaid rent?
How much notice for a lease violation in Kentucky?
Can a Kentucky landlord lock out a tenant without court?
Sources
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