Kentucky 3-Day Eviction Notice Overview
Kentucky Does Not Use 3-Day Notices
Kentucky requires a 7 Days notice under KRS 383.660. A 3-day notice is not valid in Kentucky.
Kentucky's landlord-tenant law is based on the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, codified at KRS 383.500 through 383.715. The 7-day notice for non-payment under KRS 383.660(2) gives tenants a full week to pay. For lease violations, Kentucky requires a 14-day notice with a right to cure under KRS 383.660(1). Kentucky District Courts handle eviction cases across its 120 counties.
7 Days
Notice period
$60-$133
Filing fee
KRS
Governing law
3-5 Wks
Court process
Kentucky's Actual Notice Period
Kentucky requires a 7 days notice under KRS 383.660. Using the wrong notice period is one of the most common grounds for dismissal in District Court.
7 Days Notice (KRS 383.660)
The landlord must deliver a written notice giving the tenant the required time to pay rent or vacate. The notice must state the exact amount of past-due rent. If the tenant pays in full within the notice period, the notice is void and the tenancy continues.
Kentucky Legal Requirements
- Written Notice: Must be in writing under Kentucky law
- Rent Amount: State the exact dollar amount of past-due rent owed
- Notice Period: Allow 7 days for the tenant to pay or vacate
- Property Address: Include the complete rental property address
- Tenant Names: Include all tenants named on the lease agreement
- Proper Service: Use an approved service method under Kentucky law
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Kentucky
Personal Delivery
Hand the notice directly to the tenant. Use a witness or process server to document delivery
Posting and Mailing
If personal delivery fails, post the notice on the door and mail a copy by certified or first-class mail
Wait the Full Notice Period
Allow the full 7 days to pass. The day of service does not count as day one
File in District Court
After the notice period expires without payment, file the eviction complaint with proof of service
Kentucky Eviction Timeline
After the notice period expires, the landlord files in District Court. The court issues a summons and schedules a hearing, typically within 7 to 21 days. If the landlord prevails, the court enters a judgment for possession, and the sheriff or constable executes the writ.
Total timeline from initial notice to physical removal is typically 3-5 wks for uncontested cases. Contested cases with defenses, counterclaims, or appeals can add several weeks to the process.
Kentucky Court Fees & Costs
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $60-$133 |
| Service of Process | $25 - $75 |
| Writ of Possession | $30 - $75 |
| Attorney Fees (if hired) | $500 - $2,500 |
Sample Kentucky Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Kentucky-compliant notice under KRS 383.660.
7 DAYS NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR VACATE
STATE OF KENTUCKY
Pursuant to KRS 383.660
TO TENANT(S):
Name: [Tenant Full Name]
PREMISES:
Address: [Address, City, KY ZIP]
RENT DUE:
$[Amount] for [Period]
KENTUCKY COMPLIANCE
This notice complies with KRS 383.660 requiring a 7 Days notice period.