Kentucky Security Deposit Demand Letter
A free Kentucky security deposit demand letter that follows Kentucky law. Fill in the boxes, check the rules below, then print or copy it. Keep a copy and proof of how you sent it.
What Kentucky law says
| 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. 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. Source: KRS 383.580(1)-(3), (5) |
| 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) |
| 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. Source: KRS 383.580(2)–(5) |
Fill in your letter
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To: [landlord or manager name], [landlord address]
From: [your name], former tenant at [rental address]
I moved out and returned the keys on [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount]. I gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date you gave your address].
Under KRS 383.580(6)-(7), a landlord must return the deposit, or send an itemized list of lawful deductions, by the deadline set in that law. I have not received [the deposit / an itemized list].
Please send $[amount owed] to [forwarding address] within [number] days of this letter.
If I do not receive it, I plan to file a claim in small claims court and ask for any additional amount allowed by KRS 383.580(4).
Date: [today's date]
Tenant: [your name]
Signature: ____________________
How to send it: use a method you can prove — certified mail with return receipt, or email/text if your lease allows notices that way. Write down the date.
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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.