Kentucky Eviction Notice Overview
Kentucky's eviction law operates under the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (KRS 383.500-383.705). The state uses a 7-day notice for non-payment of rent and a 14-day notice for material lease violations. There is no statutory 10-day notice period in Kentucky law.
Kentucky is a commonwealth (one of four in the US), which affects some legal terminology but not the substantive eviction process. Jefferson County (Louisville), Fayette County (Lexington), and the Northern Kentucky counties (Kenton, Boone, Campbell) handle the highest volumes. Louisville's Jefferson District Court has dedicated housing dockets for eviction cases.
7 Days
Non-payment
14 Days
Lease violations
$45-$80
Filing fee
3-5 Wks
Non-payment timeline
Kentucky's 7-Day and 14-Day Notice System
Kentucky Uses 7-Day and 14-Day Notices, Not 10-Day
KRS §383.660 establishes 7-day (non-payment) and 14-day (violations) notice periods. No 10-day notice exists in Kentucky statute. Use the correct period to avoid having your case dismissed in District Court.
| Situation | Notice Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Non-payment of rent | 7 days to pay or vacate | KRS §383.660(2) |
| Material lease violation (first) | 14 days to cure | KRS §383.660(1) |
| Repeat violation (within 6 months) | 14 days unconditional quit | KRS §383.660(1) |
| Drug-related activity | Immediate termination | KRS §383.660(3) |
| Month-to-month termination | 30 days | KRS §383.695 |
KRS Chapter 383 Requirements
- Written Notice: Must be in writing per KRS §383.660
- Amount or Violation: For non-payment, state the exact rent owed. For violations, describe the specific breach and lease provision
- Cure Period: 7 days for non-payment, 14 days for violations (first offense)
- Service: Personal delivery, leaving at dwelling, or mailing per KRS §383.570
- Repeat Warning: For violations, note that a repeat within 6 months results in unconditional termination
- Property Address: Full address of the rental unit including county
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Kentucky
KRS §383.570 governs notice delivery methods in Kentucky.
Personal Delivery
Hand-deliver to the tenant directly. Use a witness for documentation
Leave at Dwelling or Mail
Leave with someone of suitable age or post on the door. Also mail a copy for additional proof
Wait the Notice Period
7 days for non-payment or 14 days for violations. File only after the period expires
File Forcible Detainer
File in District Court for the county where the property is located ($45-$80 filing fee)
Hearing and Enforcement
Expedited hearing within 3-7 days under KRS 383.210. If landlord wins, sheriff enforces judgment within 5-14 days
Kentucky District Court Process
Kentucky's forcible detainer actions are heard in District Court on an expedited basis. After filing, a hearing is typically scheduled within 3 to 7 days. Jefferson County (Louisville) has dedicated housing dockets. Fayette County (Lexington) also processes evictions quickly.
If the landlord prevails, the court enters judgment for possession. The sheriff enforces within 5 to 14 days. Total uncontested non-payment: 3 to 5 weeks. Violation cases: 5 to 7 weeks. Contested: 5 to 8 weeks. Appeals go to Circuit Court.
Kentucky Filing Fees & Costs
| Fee / Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Forcible Detainer Filing Fee | $45 - $80 |
| Service of Process (Sheriff) | $25 - $50 |
| Writ of Possession | $20 - $40 |
| Attorney Fees (if hired) | $500 - $1,800 |
Sample Kentucky Eviction Notice
Below is a preview. Use 7 days for non-payment or 14 days for lease violations per KRS §383.660.
SEVEN-DAY NOTICE TO PAY OR VACATE
COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY
Pursuant to KRS §383.660(2)
TO TENANT(S):
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Property: [Kentucky Property Address]
DEMAND:
You owe $[amount] in rent. Pay in full or vacate within SEVEN (7) DAYS.
NOTICE
Failure to comply will result in a forcible detainer action being filed in the Kentucky District Court for [County] County.