Kentucky Law: Plain-English Guides

Key Kentucky facts

Security deposit deadline

Non-URLTA areas: no statute. URLTA areas: no fixed refund deadline; if the tenant leaves owing no rent with a refund due, the landlord must send notice of the refund amount to the tenant's last known address and may… KRS 383.580(6)-(7)

Eviction notice for unpaid rent

URLTA areas: 7 days' written notice to pay or the lease terminates. Non-URLTA areas: no statutory pre-filing notice period for nonpayment was found; KRS 383.660(2)

Small claims limit

$2,500, exclusive of interest and costs, for money, damages or the value of personal property. The division can also hear suits to cancel (disaffirm, avoid or rescind) a contract for goods or services of $2,500 or less. KRS 24A.230

Small estate affidavit

Kentucky has no small estate affidavit. Instead, the surviving spouse (or, if there is none, the surviving children) may ask the District Court to set apart up to $30,000 of personal property or money as exempt. KRS 391.030, 395.455

Cost of a protective order

Free. No costs, fees or bond may be charged to the petitioner for filing, hearing, service, or the order. KRS 403.745(2)

Minimum wage

$7.25 per hour (in effect since July 1, 2009). If the federal minimum wage is raised above this amount, the Kentucky rate rises to match it on the same date. KRS 337.275(1)

Final paycheck if fired

All wages earned must be paid by the next regular payday or 14 days after the separation, whichever comes later. KRS 337.055

Time limit to sue on a debt

10 years to sue on a written contract signed after July 15, 2014. 15 years for written contracts signed on or before that date. KRS 413.160; KRS 413.090(2)