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Kentucky Statewide Rule

Kentucky Landlord Entry Rules

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Kentucky (2026)

Key Facts

Notice required (URLTA areas)
2 days
Permitted hours
Reasonable times
Emergency entry
Allowed without notice
Applies where
URLTA-adopting cities/counties
Statute
KRS 383.615
Last verified: September 5, 2026

Summary

In Kentucky cities and counties that adopted URLTA, KRS 383.615 requires a landlord to give at least two days' notice before entering and to enter only at reasonable times, except in emergencies. The landlord may not abuse access or use it to harass the tenant. Outside URLTA areas, no statute sets a notice period.

383.615 Access. (1) A tenant shall not unreasonably withhold consent to the landlord to enter into the dwelling unit in order to inspect the premises, make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements, supply necessary or agreed services, or exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workmen, or contractors. (2) A landlord may enter the dwelling unit without consent of the tenant in case of emergency. (3) A landlord shall not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant. Except in case of emergency or unless it is impracticable to do so, the landlord shall give the tenant at least two (2) days' notice of his intent to enter and may enter only at reasonable times.

Full Breakdown

Kentucky's URLTA (KRS 383.500-.715) applies only where a city or county adopted it (for example, Louisville and Lexington). In those areas, KRS 383.615(3) states that "except in case of emergency or unless it is impracticable to do so, the landlord shall give the tenant at least two (2) days' notice of his intent to enter and may enter only at reasonable times," and that a landlord "shall not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant." A landlord may enter without consent in an emergency. The tenant must not unreasonably withhold consent for repairs, inspections, or showings. Outside URLTA jurisdictions, no Kentucky statute prescribes an entry-notice period.

Violations & Penalties

No specific statutory penalty. In URLTA areas, a tenant facing unlawful entry or harassment may recover damages and obtain injunctive relief and may have grounds to terminate the rental agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much notice must a Kentucky landlord give before entering?
In URLTA jurisdictions, at least two days' notice and entry only at reasonable times, under KRS 383.615(3), except in emergencies.
Can a Kentucky landlord enter without notice?
Only in an emergency, or where giving notice is impracticable. Otherwise the two-day notice applies in URLTA areas.
Does the entry rule apply across all of Kentucky?
No. KRS 383.615 only applies in cities and counties that adopted URLTA, such as Louisville and Lexington.

Sources

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