Kentucky Eviction Notice Overview
Kentucky is a true 14-day cure state under KRS §383.660(1). The Kentucky Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) requires landlords to give tenants 14 days to cure a material noncompliance with the rental agreement. This provision applies to all residential tenancies governed by URLTA. Evictions (forcible detainer actions) are filed in the District Court of the county where the property is located.
Kentucky adopted the URLTA (KRS Chapter 383, Subchapter 3), which governs most residential landlord-tenant relationships in the state. Fayette County (Lexington), Jefferson County (Louisville), Kenton County (Covington), and Warren County (Bowling Green) handle the highest eviction volumes. Louisville Metro has been exploring additional tenant protections beyond state law. For non-payment of rent, Kentucky uses a separate 7-day notice under KRS §383.660(2).
14 Days
Cure period
$60–$150
District Court filing
Written
Notice required
4–7 Wks
Total process
Kentucky Is a True 14-Day Cure State
Under KRS §383.660(1), if a tenant commits a material noncompliance with the rental agreement or a violation materially affecting health and safety, the landlord must deliver a written notice specifying the noncompliance and providing 14 days for the tenant to remedy the breach. If the tenant cures within 14 days, the rental agreement continues. If the same violation recurs within 6 months, the landlord may terminate with 14 days’ notice without opportunity to cure.
Kentucky Notice Periods
14-day cure notice: Material noncompliance with rental agreement (KRS §383.660(1))
14-day unconditional quit: Repeat violation within 6 months
7-day notice: Non-payment of rent (KRS §383.660(2))
30-day termination: Month-to-month without cause (KRS §383.695)
Immediate action: Willful destruction or drug manufacturing on premises
Common Violations Addressed by This Notice in Kentucky
- Unauthorized pets or animals
- Unauthorized occupants or guests exceeding lease limits
- Excessive noise disturbing other tenants
- Failure to maintain the dwelling in a clean and sanitary condition
- Operating a home business without landlord permission
- Parking violations or storing prohibited items on the property
Kentucky Legal Requirements
Kentucky courts require strict compliance with notice requirements. A deficient notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case, wasting time and filing fees. Here are the mandatory elements:
- Written Format: Kentucky requires all notices in writing under the URLTA (KRS §383.660)
- Specific Noncompliance: Describe the acts constituting the breach with enough detail for the tenant to understand what must be corrected
- 14-Day Cure Period: State that the tenant has 14 days to cure. Include the exact calendar date by which the cure must be complete
- Termination Statement: State that failure to cure within 14 days will result in termination of the rental agreement
- Landlord Information: Name, address, and phone number of the landlord or authorized agent (KRS §383.585)
Serving the Notice in Kentucky
Proper service is critical in Kentucky. The method of delivery determines when the notice period starts running and must be documented for court proceedings.
Personal Delivery
Hand the notice directly to the tenant. The 14-day period starts the next day. Use a witness or professional process server.
Certified or Registered Mail
Send via USPS certified or registered mail with return receipt. Kentucky courts accept this as valid service under the URLTA.
Post and Mail
If personal service fails, post on the main entrance and mail via first-class mail. The notice is deemed received when both steps are complete.
Kentucky Eviction Timeline
The complete eviction process in Kentucky, from notice to physical removal, follows this general timeline for uncontested cases:
Kentucky Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs associated with the eviction process in Kentucky. Fees may vary by county or court location.
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| District Court Filing Fee | $60 – $150 |
| Sheriff Service of Process | $25 – $50 |
| Writ of Possession | $25 – $50 |
| Sheriff Execution | $50 – $100 |
| Attorney Fees (if retained) | $500 – $1,500 |
Sample Kentucky Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Kentucky-compliant eviction notice. The generated document includes all elements required under KY law.
14-DAY NOTICE TO CURE OR QUIT
STATE OF KENTUCKY
Pursuant to KRS §383.660(1)
TO (TENANT):
Name: [Tenant Full Legal Name]
Address: [Kentucky Property Address]
VIOLATION / GROUNDS:
[Detailed description of violation with dates]
DEMAND
You have fourteen (14) days from delivery of this notice to cure the above violation of your rental agreement. If you fail to remedy the noncompliance within 14 days, your rental agreement will terminate and you must surrender possession of the premises.