Question 1

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

No statutory cap (statewide or under URLTA). (KRS 383.580)

Question 2

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

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 keep the deposit if the tenant does not respond within 60 days. If the tenant leaves without paying the last month's rent and does not demand the deposit, the landlord may apply it after 30 days.
KRS 383.580(6)-(7)

Question 3

Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

No statute requires interest on deposits. (KRS 383.580)

Question 4

Does a landlord in Kentucky have to give an itemized list of deposit deductions?

Accepted Answer

URLTA areas: before taking a deposit, the landlord must give a signed move-in list of existing damage with estimated repair costs; at move-out the landlord must inspect and compile a signed list of damages with estimated costs, which the tenant may inspect and dispute in writing. Deposits must be kept in a separate account at a regulated institution and the tenant told the bank and account number. Non-URLTA areas: no statute. (KRS 383.580(1)-(3), (5))

Question 5

What happens if a landlord in Kentucky wrongfully keeps a security deposit?

Accepted Answer

URLTA areas: a landlord who did not keep the deposit in a separate account and provide both move-in and move-out damage lists may not retain any portion of the deposit. No multiple-damages penalty. Non-URLTA areas: no statute. (KRS 383.580(4))

Question 6

How much notice does a landlord have to give before evicting for unpaid rent in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

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; terms are governed by the lease. (KRS 383.660(2))

Question 7

How much notice is required to evict for a lease violation in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

URLTA areas: written notice specifying the breach; lease terminates on a date at least 14 days after receipt if not remedied (statute says 'remedied in fifteen (15) days'). A repeat within 6 months allows termination on 14 days' notice without cure. Non-URLTA areas: no statute. (KRS 383.660(1))

Question 8

How much notice is needed to end a month-to-month lease in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

Non-URLTA areas: landlord may end a tenancy at will or by sufferance with one month's written notice. URLTA areas: either party may end a month-to-month tenancy with written notice at least 30 days before the periodic rental date; week-to-week, 7 days. (KRS 383.195; KRS 383.695)

Question 9

Can a landlord enter without notice in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

URLTA areas: at least 2 days' notice and entry only at reasonable times, except in emergencies or where impracticable; no abuse of access. Non-URLTA areas: no statute. (KRS 383.615)

Question 10

Is there a limit on late fees in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

No statutory cap or grace period. (KRS Chapter 383 (no late-fee provision))

Question 11

Can a tenant repair and deduct from rent in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

URLTA areas: if the landlord willfully fails to fix a health/safety violation costing less than the greater of $100 or one-half month's rent within 14 days after written notice (sooner in emergencies), the tenant may have the work done and deduct the paid, itemized cost from rent. For willful failure to supply heat, water, hot water, electric, gas or other essential services, the tenant may buy them and deduct the cost. Non-URLTA areas: no statute. (KRS 383.635; KRS 383.640)

Question 12

Can a tenant withhold rent for repairs in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

No general withholding right. URLTA areas: in a nonpayment possession action the tenant may counterclaim and the court may order rent paid into court; a tenant who obtains substitute housing during an essential-services failure is excused from rent for that period. Non-URLTA areas: no statute. (KRS 383.645; KRS 383.640(1)(c))

Question 13

Can a landlord retaliate against a tenant for complaining in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

URLTA areas: landlord may not raise rent, decrease services, or bring or threaten eviction after a tenant complains to a code agency, complains to the landlord about KRS 383.595 maintenance duties, or joins/organizes a tenants' union. A complaint within one year before the act creates a presumption of retaliation. Remedies: those in KRS 383.655 (up to 3 months' rent plus attorney fees) and a defense to eviction. Non-URLTA areas: no statute. (KRS 383.705)

Question 14

Is there rent control or a limit on rent increases in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

Preempted: only the General Assembly may enact rent control on private property; local governments may not. No statewide cap. (KRS 65.875)

Question 15

Can a landlord change the locks or shut off utilities in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

URLTA areas: if the landlord unlawfully removes or excludes the tenant or willfully interrupts heat, water, hot water, electric, gas or other essential service, the tenant may recover possession or terminate and recover up to 3 months' rent plus reasonable attorney fees. Statewide: a landlord's entry on the possession of a tenant at will or by sufferance is a forcible entry, remediable through a forcible entry and detainer action in District Court. (KRS 383.655; KRS 383.200(2)(b), 383.210)

Question 16

What is the small claims court limit in Kentucky for a deposit dispute?

Accepted Answer

$2,500 (exclusive of interest and costs). (KRS 24A.230(1))

Question 17

How do you remove a squatter in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

Police removal by petition (since June 27, 2025). An owner or authorized agent may ask a law enforcement officer to immediately remove people unlawfully occupying real property if: the occupant is not and never was a tenant and never had a written or oral agreement with the owner to occupy; the property was not open to the public when they entered; the owner told them to leave; they are not the owner's immediate family; and no litigation about the property is pending between them. The owner presents a sworn 'Petition to Remove Persons Unlawfully Occupying Real Property' (statutory form, initialed statements, with government ID or proof of agency). After verifying the petitioner's identity, the officer must without unnecessary delay serve a notice to immediately vacate (hand delivery or posting) and put the owner in possession; the officer may arrest for trespass or other cause. Sheriff/constable fee: $20. The officer may stay to keep the peace while the owner changes locks and moves the occupants' belongings to or near the property line. A wrongfully removed person may sue within 60 days for restored possession, costs, and attorney's fees. The procedure cannot be used against current or former tenants. (KRS 383.290 (2025 Ky. Acts ch. 63, eff. 6-27-25))

Question 18

What can a landlord do with a tenant's abandoned property in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

No statute — no Kentucky statute sets a notice/storage/sale procedure for a residential tenant's belongings left after move-out or eviction. KRS 383.670 (URLTA, only where locally adopted) covers re-renting an abandoned unit but not personal property; the forcible detainer sections (KRS 383.200-.285) are silent on belongings. (KRS 383.670; KRS Chapter 383 (section list checked))

Question 19

Is there a limit on rental application fees in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

No statute — no cap, refund rule, or reusable-screening-report rule was found in KRS Chapter 383. (KRS Chapter 383 (section list checked))

Question 20

What rental fees are banned or limited in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

No statute — no general limit or disclosure rule for other rental fees was found in KRS Chapter 383. A lease may not authorize penalties or termination because a tenant called police or sought emergency help (punitive damages up to 2 months' rent). (KRS Chapter 383 (checked); KRS 383.302)

Question 21

Can a domestic violence survivor break a lease in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

Statewide (leases created or renewed on/after June 29, 2017). A tenant protected by a domestic violence order (KRS 403.740) or interpersonal protective order (KRS 456.060) may terminate by giving the landlord written notice of termination effective on a stated date at least 30 days after the landlord receives it, with a copy of the order. If the order was obtained before signing the lease, the tenant must also show a safety concern arising after the lease was signed. The tenant owes rent prorated to the termination date, is not liable for other rent or fees due solely to early termination, may not receive a negative credit entry or reference for it, and owes no damages if terminating 14+ days before occupancy. The restrained person is liable to the landlord for the landlord's economic losses. Protected tenants may also rekey or replace locks at their own expense after informing the landlord. (KRS 383.300)

Question 22

When can a tenant break a lease without penalty in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

No Kentucky statute was found in KRS Chapter 383 giving early-termination rights for medical reasons, seniors moving to care, military service (beyond federal SCRA), or tenant death. (KRS Chapter 383 (section list checked))

Question 23

Can a landlord refuse Section 8 vouchers in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

No. There is no statewide protection, and since 2024 local governments may not adopt or enforce ordinances that bar landlords from refusing to rent to someone whose rent is paid in part with a federal housing assistance program (e.g., Section 8 vouchers). This overrides the Louisville and Lexington source-of-income ordinances to the extent they cover federal housing assistance. (KRS 65.874 (2024 Ky. Acts ch. 3, sec. 1, HB 18; emergency, veto overridden))

Question 24

Do tenants have a right to a free lawyer in eviction cases in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

No statewide right to counsel in eviction cases was found in KRS Chapter 383. (KRS Chapter 383 (checked))

Question 25

What does a Kentucky notice to pay rent or quit have to include?

Accepted Answer

In localities that have adopted the URLTA: written notice of nonpayment and the landlord's intention to terminate the rental agreement if rent is not paid within 7 days after the notice. A notice to a tenant is received when delivered in hand or mailed by registered or certified mail to the place the tenant designated, or otherwise to the tenant's last known residence. Outside URLTA localities no state statute prescribes a pay-or-quit notice; a tenancy at will can be ended by one month's written notice to remove. (KRS 383.660(2); KRS 383.560(3)(c); KRS 383.195)

Question 26

What does a Kentucky notice to end a month-to-month tenancy have to include?

Accepted Answer

URLTA localities: written notice at least 30 days before the periodic rental date specified in the notice (month-to-month); 7 days for week-to-week; 10 days for a tenancy continuing after a written lease ends (none if that tenant is 10+ days late on rent). Delivery to the tenant: in hand, or registered/certified mail to the designated address or last known residence. Non-URLTA areas: one month's written notice requiring the tenant to remove. (KRS 383.695(1)-(3); KRS 383.560(3)(c); KRS 383.195)

Question 27

What must a Kentucky security deposit itemization include?

Accepted Answer

At move-out the landlord must inspect and compile a comprehensive listing of any damage that is the basis for a charge against the deposit, with the estimated dollar cost of repairing it. The tenant may inspect to check accuracy; both sign it (signatures are conclusive), or the tenant signs a written statement specifically listing items disputed. A matching move-in damage list is required before the deposit is paid. Without the separate deposit account and both lists, the landlord may keep no part of the deposit. If the tenant leaves owing no rent with a refund due, the landlord must send notice of the refund amount to the last known or reasonably determinable address; if no response within 60 days, the landlord may keep it. A tenant who leaves without paying last month's rent and does not demand the deposit: landlord may apply it after 30 days. (KRS 383.580(2)-(7))

Question 28

How long does a landlord have to sue for unpaid rent in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

10 years for an action on a written contract (such as a written lease) signed after July 15, 2014 (KRS 413.160). 15 years for written contracts signed on or before that date (KRS 413.090(2)). 5 years for a contract not in writing, such as an oral lease, and for profits of or damages for withholding real property (KRS 413.120(1), (5)). (KRS 413.160; KRS 413.090(2); KRS 413.120)

Question 29

Can a landlord accept rent during an eviction in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

Where Kentucky's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) applies (only in cities or counties that have adopted it): if the landlord accepts rent knowing the tenant is in default, or accepts non-conforming performance, the landlord waives the right to terminate for that breach, unless the parties agree otherwise after the breach. Outside URLTA areas, no statute addresses this; case law governs. (KRS 383.675; KRS 383.500)

Question 30

Can you be evicted in the winter in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

No statute — Kentucky's landlord-tenant statutes (KRS ch. 383, including URLTA and forcible entry and detainer) have no cold-weather or winter limit on evictions. (KRS Chapter 383)

Question 31

Can a landlord give notice by text or email in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

In URLTA areas, a notice reaches the tenant when it is handed to the tenant, or mailed by registered or certified mail to the address the tenant designated for notices (or, if none, the tenant's last known residence). It also counts once it actually comes to the tenant's attention. Notices to the landlord may be delivered in writing to the landlord's place of business or designated address, or sent there by certified mail. Outside URLTA areas, no statute specifies how a termination notice must be delivered; KRS 383.195 requires only a written 1-month notice to end a tenancy at will. No statute authorizes e-mail or text notice. (KRS 383.560(3); KRS 383.195)

Question 32

How much notice is required for a rent increase in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

No statute — Kentucky sets no specific advance notice for rent increases. In URLTA areas, a month-to-month tenancy may be ended with written notice at least 30 days before the periodic rental date (7 days for week-to-week), so a landlord changing terms generally gives at least that much notice (KRS 383.695). Outside URLTA areas, a tenancy at will ends on 1 month's written notice (KRS 383.195). Since 2024, local ordinances may not conflict with state landlord-tenant law (KRS 383.198). (KRS 383.695; KRS 383.195; KRS 383.198)

Question 33

Does a landlord have to give a copy of the lease in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

No statute found requiring the landlord to give the tenant a signed copy of the lease. In URLTA areas, the landlord must disclose in writing, at or before the start of the tenancy, the name and address of the property manager and of an owner or the owner's agent for legal papers, notices and demands, kept current and binding on successors (KRS 383.585). Outside URLTA areas, no such disclosure statute was found in KRS ch. 383. (KRS 383.585)

Question 34

Does a landlord have to fix mold in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

No statute — Kentucky has no mold-specific landlord-tenant law. Where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) has been locally adopted, mold falls under the landlord's duties to comply with building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety and to do whatever is necessary to keep the premises fit and habitable. Outside URLTA areas, no statewide habitability statute applies; the lease and local codes govern. (KRS 383.595(1)(a), (b); KRS 383.500)

Question 35

Who pays for pest control and bed bugs in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

No statute — Kentucky does not specifically assign pest or bed-bug treatment and has no bed-bug disclosure rule. In URLTA areas, infestations fall under the landlord's code-compliance and fit-and-habitable duties and the tenant's duty to keep the unit clean and dispose of garbage properly. Elsewhere, the lease and local codes govern. (KRS 383.595(1)(a), (b); KRS 383.605(2), (3))

Question 36

Does a landlord have to provide heat in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

In URLTA areas, yes: the landlord must supply running water, reasonable amounts of hot water at all times, and reasonable heat between October 1 and May 1 — unless the building is not required by law to be so equipped or heat/hot water is produced by equipment under the tenant's exclusive control with a direct utility connection. Heating facilities the landlord supplies must be kept in good and safe working order. No numeric minimum temperature is set. Outside URLTA areas, there is no statewide heat statute. (KRS 383.595(1)(d), (e))

Question 37

Does a landlord have to provide air conditioning in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

No duty to install air conditioning and no maximum indoor temperature. In URLTA areas, air-conditioning facilities supplied or required to be supplied by the landlord must be kept in good and safe working order. (KRS 383.595(1)(d))

Question 38

What can a landlord deduct from a deposit for cleaning or damage in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

Not defined by statute. Kentucky's deposit statute (in URLTA areas) does not use the term 'wear and tear'; instead it requires a signed move-in list of existing damage before the deposit is paid and a signed move-out list of damage that is the basis for any charge, with estimated repair costs. A tenant who disagrees must dissent in writing to specific items; tenants who neither sign nor dissent cannot later recover. A landlord who fails to keep deposits in a separate account or to provide both damage lists may not keep any part of the deposit. (KRS 383.580(2)–(5))

Question 39

Can a landlord put cameras in or around a rental in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

No landlord-specific statute. Using a camera or other recording device (or entering or remaining unlawfully on another's premises) to view or record another person's sexual conduct, genitals, undergarments not publicly visible, or female nipple without consent, where the person reasonably expects not to be observed, is voyeurism (Class A misdemeanor). Using a device to overhear or record others' oral or wire communications without the consent of at least one party is eavesdropping (Class D felony). In URLTA areas, landlords must give at least two days' notice before entry (except emergencies or impracticability), enter at reasonable times, and not use access to harass. (KRS 531.090; KRS 526.010, 526.020; KRS 383.615)

Question 40

Can a landlord limit guests or roommates in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

No statute — the lease and reasonable landlord rules govern guests, occupancy, and roommates. In URLTA areas, tenants must require people on the premises with their consent to not disturb neighbors, and landlord rules on use and occupancy are enforceable only if they meet the statute's conditions (for example, a purpose of promoting tenants' convenience, safety, or welfare or protecting the property). (KRS 383.605(7); KRS 383.610)

Question 41

Can a landlord deny a service or emotional support animal in Kentucky?

Accepted Answer

Kentucky's assistance-animal law (statewide) covers service animals and emotional support animals. Unless the disability or need is readily apparent, a housing provider may ask for reliable documentation, including from a provider with whom the person has a therapeutic relationship — a Kentucky-licensed clinical social worker, professional counselor, APRN, psychologist, or physician with an active in-state practice (or an out-of-state provider for people moving in with an ongoing relationship); providers whose primary service is selling accommodation letters do not qualify. The provider may independently verify documents. No pet fee, pet deposit, or extra rent may be charged, but the tenant is responsible for physical damage if pet owners would be, and must follow rules that apply to all residents. Landlords are not liable for injuries caused by a permitted assistance animal. Knowingly misrepresenting a disability or need, providing false documents, or fitting a pet with an assistance-animal vest for housing is a violation with a fine up to $1,000. (KRS 383.085)

Security deposit limit	No statutory cap (statewide or under URLTA). The URLTA deposit section sets procedures but no maximum; no statewide deposit statute was found outside URLTA. Source: KRS 383.580
Deposit return 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 keep the deposit if the tenant does not respond within 60 days. If the tenant leaves without paying the last month's rent and does not demand the deposit, the landlord may apply it after 30 days. URLTA (KRS 383.505-383.705) applies only where locally adopted (KRS 383.500). Source: KRS 383.580(6)-(7)
Itemized deductions	URLTA areas: before taking a deposit, the landlord must give a signed move-in list of existing damage with estimated repair costs; at move-out the landlord must inspect and compile a signed list of damages with estimated costs, which the tenant may inspect and dispute in writing. Deposits must be kept in a separate account at a regulated institution and the tenant told the bank and account number. Non-URLTA areas: no statute. A tenant who neither signs nor specifically dissents from the final list cannot recover under this section (383.580(5)). Source: KRS 383.580(1)-(3), (5)
Interest on deposits	No statute requires interest on deposits. Source: KRS 383.580
Penalty for withholding	URLTA areas: a landlord who did not keep the deposit in a separate account and provide both move-in and move-out damage lists may not retain any portion of the deposit. No multiple-damages penalty. Non-URLTA areas: no statute. Source: KRS 383.580(4)

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; terms are governed by the lease. Statewide FED statutes (KRS 383.200-.285) do not set a nonpayment notice period. Source: KRS 383.660(2)
Notice for lease violations	URLTA areas: written notice specifying the breach; lease terminates on a date at least 14 days after receipt if not remedied (statute says 'remedied in fifteen (15) days'). A repeat within 6 months allows termination on 14 days' notice without cure. Non-URLTA areas: no statute. The statute internally refers to both 14 and 15 days; quoted as written. Source: KRS 383.660(1)
Lockouts & utility shutoffs	URLTA areas: if the landlord unlawfully removes or excludes the tenant or willfully interrupts heat, water, hot water, electric, gas or other essential service, the tenant may recover possession or terminate and recover up to 3 months' rent plus reasonable attorney fees. Statewide: a landlord's entry on the possession of a tenant at will or by sufferance is a forcible entry, remediable through a forcible entry and detainer action in District Court. No explicit statewide utility-shutoff statute found outside URLTA. Source: KRS 383.655; KRS 383.200(2)(b), 383.210

Repair and deduct	URLTA areas: if the landlord willfully fails to fix a health/safety violation costing less than the greater of $100 or one-half month's rent within 14 days after written notice (sooner in emergencies), the tenant may have the work done and deduct the paid, itemized cost from rent. For willful failure to supply heat, water, hot water, electric, gas or other essential services, the tenant may buy them and deduct the cost. Non-URLTA areas: no statute. Essential services: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=35745 Source: KRS 383.635; KRS 383.640
Withholding rent	No general withholding right. URLTA areas: in a nonpayment possession action the tenant may counterclaim and the court may order rent paid into court; a tenant who obtains substitute housing during an essential-services failure is excused from rent for that period. Non-URLTA areas: no statute. Source: KRS 383.645; KRS 383.640(1)(c)
Retaliation protection	URLTA areas: landlord may not raise rent, decrease services, or bring or threaten eviction after a tenant complains to a code agency, complains to the landlord about KRS 383.595 maintenance duties, or joins/organizes a tenants' union. A complaint within one year before the act creates a presumption of retaliation. Remedies: those in KRS 383.655 (up to 3 months' rent plus attorney fees) and a defense to eviction. Non-URLTA areas: no statute. Source: KRS 383.705

Rent control / increase limits	Preempted: only the General Assembly may enact rent control on private property; local governments may not. No statewide cap. Since March 6, 2024, local governments also may not adopt landlord-tenant ordinances that conflict with state law (KRS 383.198) or ban refusing tenants who pay with federal housing assistance (KRS 65.874). Source: KRS 65.875
Late fees	No statutory cap or grace period. KRS 383.010 provides that unpaid rent bears 6% annual interest from the due date (https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=35671). Source: KRS Chapter 383 (no late-fee provision)

Application / screening fees	No statute — no cap, refund rule, or reusable-screening-report rule was found in KRS Chapter 383. Since 2024, local governments may not adopt or enforce landlord-tenant ordinances that conflict with state law (KRS 383.198). Source: KRS Chapter 383 (section list checked)
Other rental fees	No statute — no general limit or disclosure rule for other rental fees was found in KRS Chapter 383. A lease may not authorize penalties or termination because a tenant called police or sought emergency help (punitive damages up to 2 months' rent). Source: KRS Chapter 383 (checked); KRS 383.302

Kentucky Landlord-Tenant Law

Quick answers for Kentucky

Security Deposits in Kentucky

Eviction in Kentucky

Notice to Vacate in Kentucky

Landlord Entry in Kentucky

Repairs & Habitability in Kentucky

Rent Increases & Late Fees in Kentucky

Breaking a Lease in Kentucky

Squatters & Abandoned Property in Kentucky

Rental Fees in Kentucky

Section 8, Records & Right to Counsel in Kentucky

Mold, Pests, Heat & AC in Kentucky

Privacy, Guests & Animals in Kentucky

How eviction works in Kentucky

What surprises people about Kentucky rental law

Federal law that also applies in Kentucky

City rules in Kentucky

Eviction by county in Kentucky

For landlords

Common Kentucky questions

Free calculators

How Kentucky compares to neighboring states

Kentucky landlord-tenant FAQ

Official resources for Kentucky

Mold	No statute — Kentucky has no mold-specific landlord-tenant law. Where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) has been locally adopted, mold falls under the landlord's duties to comply with building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety and to do whatever is necessary to keep the premises fit and habitable. Outside URLTA areas, no statewide habitability statute applies; the lease and local codes govern. URLTA (KRS 383.505–383.705) applies only in cities and counties that have adopted it. Tenants under URLTA must keep their part of the premises clean and safe (KRS 383.605(2)). Source: KRS 383.595(1)(a), (b); KRS 383.500
Pests & bed bugs	No statute — Kentucky does not specifically assign pest or bed-bug treatment and has no bed-bug disclosure rule. In URLTA areas, infestations fall under the landlord's code-compliance and fit-and-habitable duties and the tenant's duty to keep the unit clean and dispose of garbage properly. Elsewhere, the lease and local codes govern. Check whether your city or county has adopted URLTA and any local property-maintenance code. Source: KRS 383.595(1)(a), (b); KRS 383.605(2), (3)
Heat	In URLTA areas, yes: the landlord must supply running water, reasonable amounts of hot water at all times, and reasonable heat between October 1 and May 1 — unless the building is not required by law to be so equipped or heat/hot water is produced by equipment under the tenant's exclusive control with a direct utility connection. Heating facilities the landlord supplies must be kept in good and safe working order. No numeric minimum temperature is set. Outside URLTA areas, there is no statewide heat statute. For a single-family residence, the parties may agree in writing, in good faith, that the tenant supplies heat and hot water (KRS 383.595(3)). Local codes may set temperatures. Source: KRS 383.595(1)(d), (e)
Air conditioning	No duty to install air conditioning and no maximum indoor temperature. In URLTA areas, air-conditioning facilities supplied or required to be supplied by the landlord must be kept in good and safe working order. Outside URLTA areas, A/C repair depends on the lease and local codes. Source: KRS 383.595(1)(d)

Cameras & privacy	No landlord-specific statute. Using a camera or other recording device (or entering or remaining unlawfully on another's premises) to view or record another person's sexual conduct, genitals, undergarments not publicly visible, or female nipple without consent, where the person reasonably expects not to be observed, is voyeurism (Class A misdemeanor). Using a device to overhear or record others' oral or wire communications without the consent of at least one party is eavesdropping (Class D felony). In URLTA areas, landlords must give at least two days' notice before entry (except emergencies or impracticability), enter at reasonable times, and not use access to harass. Audio-recording devices inside a tenant's unit capture conversations to which the landlord is not a party and are likely unlawful eavesdropping. Eavesdropping statute: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=19949 Source: KRS 531.090; KRS 526.010, 526.020; KRS 383.615
Guests & occupants	No statute — the lease and reasonable landlord rules govern guests, occupancy, and roommates. In URLTA areas, tenants must require people on the premises with their consent to not disturb neighbors, and landlord rules on use and occupancy are enforceable only if they meet the statute's conditions (for example, a purpose of promoting tenants' convenience, safety, or welfare or protecting the property). A separate procedure lets owners remove unauthorized occupants who are not tenants (KRS 383.290, effective June 27, 2025). Occupancy limits come from local codes and fair-housing standards. Source: KRS 383.605(7); KRS 383.610
Service & support animals (state law)	Kentucky's assistance-animal law (statewide) covers service animals and emotional support animals. Unless the disability or need is readily apparent, a housing provider may ask for reliable documentation, including from a provider with whom the person has a therapeutic relationship — a Kentucky-licensed clinical social worker, professional counselor, APRN, psychologist, or physician with an active in-state practice (or an out-of-state provider for people moving in with an ongoing relationship); providers whose primary service is selling accommodation letters do not qualify. The provider may independently verify documents. No pet fee, pet deposit, or extra rent may be charged, but the tenant is responsible for physical damage if pet owners would be, and must follow rules that apply to all residents. Landlords are not liable for injuries caused by a permitted assistance animal. Knowingly misrepresenting a disability or need, providing false documents, or fitting a pet with an assistance-animal vest for housing is a violation with a fine up to $1,000. Created in 2018 and amended in 2019 (2019 Ky. Acts ch. 145). Applies statewide, not only in URLTA areas. Source: KRS 383.085

State	Security deposit limit	Deposit return deadline	Notice for unpaid rent
Kentucky	No statutory cap (statewide or under URLTA). KRS 383.580	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 keep the deposit if the tenant does not respond within 60 days. If the tenant leaves without paying the last month's rent and does not demand the deposit, the landlord may apply it after 30 days. KRS 383.580(6)-(7)	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; terms are governed by the lease. KRS 383.660(2)
Illinois	No statewide legal limit on the amount of a security deposit. Illinois AG fact sheet 'Landlord and Tenant Rights and Laws' (01/24)	If the landlord withholds anything for damage, an itemized statement with estimated or actual repair costs and paid receipts is due within 30 days after the tenant vacates (or possession ends, whichever is later); if no statement is given, the full deposit must be returned within 45 days after the tenant vacates. 765 ILCS 710/1	Written demand giving not less than 5 days after service to pay; if unpaid, landlord may end the lease and file for eviction. To keep partial payments from invalidating the notice, it must state that only FULL PAYMENT waives the right to terminate. 735 ILCS 5/9-209
Indiana	No statutory cap on security deposits. IC 32-31-3	Within 45 days after termination of the rental agreement and delivery of possession, the landlord must return the deposit minus itemized deductions. The landlord is not liable until the tenant provides a written forwarding mailing address. IC 32-31-3-12, 32-31-3-14	Not less than 10 days' notice to pay or vacate, unless the parties agreed otherwise or the tenant pays in full within the notice period. IC 32-31-1-6, 32-31-1-7
Missouri	Landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit of more than two months' rent. RSMo 535.300.1	Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the full deposit or send an itemized list of damages along with any remaining balance. Mailing to the tenant's last known address satisfies the duty. RSMo 535.300.3	No fixed pay-or-quit notice period. Landlord must demand the rent; if it is unpaid, landlord may file a rent-and-possession statement. The one-month termination notice of 441.060 is not required before filing. RSMo 535.020
Ohio	No statutory cap Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16	Within 30 days after the rental agreement ends and possession is delivered, the landlord must send the itemized written notice of deductions together with the amount due. Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(B)	3-day written notice to leave the premises before filing an eviction (forcible entry and detainer) action. The residential notice must conspicuously state: "You are being asked to leave the premises. If you do not leave, an eviction action may be initiated against you. If you are in doubt regarding your legal rights and obligations as a tenant, it is recommended that you seek legal assistance." Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.04
Tennessee	No statutory cap on the amount of a security deposit. T.C.A. 66-28-301	No fixed number of days for returning the deposit. In URLTA counties, if the tenant leaves owing no rent and is due a refund, the landlord must send notice of the refund amount to the tenant's last known or reasonably determinable address. If the tenant does not respond within 60 days of that notice, the landlord may keep the deposit. Move-out inspection: on the move-out day or within 4 calendar days after it. T.C.A. 66-28-301(b)(1)(A), (f)	14 days. URLTA counties: written notice that the lease will end unless the rent is paid within 14 days after the tenant receives the notice. The tenant can cure by paying. Notice may be waived only by a waiver in 12-point or larger bold type in the lease, and the 5-day late-fee grace period still applies. Non-URLTA counties: 14 days' notice for rent that is due and in arrears, upon demand. The lease does not end if the tenant pays before the date in the notice. T.C.A. 66-28-505(a)(2), (b); 66-28-201(c); 66-7-109(a)
Virginia	Two months' periodic rent. Va. Code 55.1-1226(A)	45 days after termination of the tenancy or the date the tenant vacates, whichever is later. Va. Code 55.1-1226(A)	14-day written pay-or-quit notice. Va. Code 55.1-1245(F)
West Virginia	No statutory cap on the amount of a security deposit. W. Va. Code §§ 37-6A-1, 37-6A-2	Within the 'notice period': 60 days after the tenancy ends, or 45 days after a new tenant occupies the unit, whichever is shorter. W. Va. Code § 37-6A-2(a); § 37-6A-1 (definition of 'notice period')	No pre-filing notice required by statute. Landlord may file a verified petition for summary relief for rent arrears directly in magistrate or circuit court. W. Va. Code § 55-3A-1(a)