Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in Kentucky

Record the condition of each room on move-in and again on move-out, with photos. It is the best evidence in a security deposit dispute. Some states require a move-in condition form.

What Kentucky law says

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)
Wear and tear / move-out charges	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. Cleaning, painting, and carpet are not specifically addressed. Outside URLTA areas there is no statewide deposit statute; the lease governs. Source: KRS 383.580(2)–(5)

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)

Wear and tear / move-out charges

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.

Cleaning, painting, and carpet are not specifically addressed. Outside URLTA areas there is no statewide deposit statute; the lease governs.

Source: KRS 383.580(2)–(5)

Fill it in

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MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT CONDITION CHECKLIST — [rental address]

Tenant: [tenant name] Landlord: [landlord name]

Move-in date: [move-in date] Move-out date: [move-out date]

Living room — walls, floors, windows, lights: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Kitchen — appliances, cabinets, sink, counters: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bathroom(s) — toilet, tub/shower, sink, fan: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bedroom(s) — walls, floors, closets, windows: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested: move-in ______ / move-out ______ Keys given: [number of keys]

Photos taken on: [photo dates]. Signed by tenant ____________ and landlord ____________

Move-In / Move-Out Checklist for other states · Kentucky tenant rights

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.