Kentucky's eviction rules vary by county — only some have adopted URLTA. Know which apply to your property.
Kentucky's eviction process is called Forcible Detainer and is governed by Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 383. Cases are filed in district court at the county level. Kentucky has adopted the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) only in certain jurisdictions — primarily Lexington-Fayette and Louisville-Jefferson counties — meaning the rules vary depending on where the property is located. Uncontested cases typically conclude within four to seven weeks.
Forcible detainer cases are filed in the district court of the county where the property is located. In counties that have adopted URLTA (Fayette, Jefferson, and a few others), the URLTA provisions provide additional structure to the process. In non-URLTA counties, the older common-law rules and lease terms control.
In URLTA counties, for non-payment of rent, Kentucky requires a 7-day written notice to pay or vacate (KRS 383.660). The notice must state the amount owed and inform the tenant of the right to cure within seven days. In non-URLTA counties, the notice required depends on the lease terms or applicable common law — often as short as the lease specifies.
For material lease violations in URLTA counties, Kentucky requires a 14-day notice to cure or quit. For repeat violations within six months, the cure opportunity is not required.
For month-to-month tenancies without cause, Kentucky generally requires 30 days notice. Deliver notices by personal service, posting and mailing, or certified mail.
After the notice period expires, file a forcible detainer complaint in the district court of the property's county. Filing fees in Kentucky are typically $80 to $130 depending on the county. Service is performed by the sheriff.
The hearing is scheduled within seven days of service in most Kentucky district courts — one of the faster scheduling timelines. Failure to appear can result in default judgment.
Kentucky district court hearings in forcible detainer cases are short and procedural. Bring your lease, the notice you served, proof of service, your rent ledger, and documentation of any violations. The judge will hear both sides and typically issue a ruling at the hearing.
If you prevail, the writ of possession is issued. Tenants can appeal to circuit court but appeals require posting bond.
Jefferson County, anchored by Louisville, is Kentucky's most populous county and the state's primary rental market. Jefferson County is one of Kentucky's URLTA counties, meaning standard Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act provisions apply. Eviction filings go to the Jefferson County Courthouse in Louisville. The Louisville rental market includes both downtown apartments and the broader suburban areas.
Fayette County, anchored by Lexington, is Kentucky's second-largest county and also a URLTA county. Eviction filings go to the Fayette County Courthouse in Lexington. The University of Kentucky's presence creates a substantial student rental market alongside general residential rentals. For detailed landlord-tenant law specific to each county — including URLTA application, court contacts, and local procedures — see Jefferson County landlord-tenant law and Fayette County landlord-tenant law.
Kentucky's split adoption of URLTA means the same situation can have different notice requirements depending on which county the property is in. Knowing whether your county has adopted URLTA is essential before serving any notice. See the full Kentucky landlord-tenant law guide for URLTA county lists, notice templates, and county-specific information across all 120 Kentucky counties.
Once the writ of possession is issued, the sheriff executes the writ. Execution typically occurs within 7 to 14 days. Be present with a locksmith and document the unit's condition.
Kentucky law provides specific procedures for handling tenant property left behind. Requirements vary between URLTA and non-URLTA counties. Provide notice and reasonable opportunity for retrieval before disposal.