Kentucky 60-Day Notice Overview
Kentucky does not require a 60-day notice for standard residential tenancy terminations. Under the Kentucky Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (KRS 383.505 et seq.), month-to-month tenancies can be terminated with 30 days written notice under KRS 383.695. However, this Act only applies in counties that have adopted it by local ordinance. Kentucky\'s unique adoption system means notice requirements may vary by county.
Kentucky has a split system: urban counties (Jefferson/Louisville, Fayette/Lexington, Kenton, Boone, Campbell) have generally adopted the URLTA, while many rural counties still follow common law landlord-tenant rules. In non-adopting counties, the notice period may differ. Kentucky has no statewide rent control and no just-cause eviction requirements. Security deposits are capped at one month\'s rent in URLTA counties under KRS 383.580.
30 Days
Statutory default
$40-$60
Court filing fees
Written
Notice required
2-3 wks
Court process
When a 60-Day Notice Applies in Kentucky
Since Kentucky's statutory default for month-to-month termination is 30 days, understanding when a 60-day notice is actually required or advisable is essential for landlords.
Lease-Required Extended Notice
Many property management companies in Louisville and Lexington include 60-day non-renewal clauses in their leases. When the lease specifies 60 days notice, the contractual obligation overrides the 30-day statutory minimum under KRS 383.695 in counties that have adopted the URLTA.
Kentucky Housing Corporation Programs
Federal Section 8 programs administered through the Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) and local PHAs like the Louisville Metro Housing Authority frequently require 60-90 days notice before termination of subsidized tenancies.
Counties Without URLTA Adoption
In Kentucky counties that have not adopted the URLTA, common law may not specify a fixed notice period. In these rural counties, providing 60 days notice is prudent practice to ensure compliance and avoid disputes over what constitutes reasonable notice under common law principles.
Kentucky Legal Requirements
Kentucky's landlord-tenant statutes establish specific requirements for termination notices that must be followed precisely.
Kentucky URLTA Adoption Varies by County
The Kentucky URLTA (KRS 383.505-383.715) only applies in counties that have adopted it by local ordinance. Landlords must verify whether their county has adopted the Act before relying on the 30-day notice provision. In non-adopting counties, common law rules apply and notice requirements may differ. Contact the county clerk\'s office to confirm your county\'s adoption status before serving notice.
Notice Content Requirements
- Written Notice: KRS 383.695 (in adopting counties) requires written notice. Oral notice is insufficient for residential tenancy terminations in Kentucky
- Tenant and Property ID: Include all tenant names from the lease and the complete property address including county — critical since URLTA adoption varies by county in Kentucky
- Termination Date: State the exact date at least 60 days from service, aligned with the end of the monthly rental period
- Landlord Contact: Include the landlord or property manager name, Kentucky mailing address, and telephone number
- Security Deposit Reference: KRS 383.580 requires return of the deposit within 30-60 days of termination with an itemized list of deductions
How to Serve a 60-Day Eviction Notice in Kentucky
Proper service is critical in Kentucky. If the landlord cannot prove the notice was properly delivered, the court will dismiss the eviction action.
Prepare the Notice
Draft using a Kentucky-specific template referencing KRS 383.695. Include all tenant names, property address, and the 60-day termination date
Personal Delivery (Preferred)
Hand-deliver to the tenant at the rental premises. Kentucky courts prefer personal service. Use a process server or bring a witness for documentation
Certified Mail Alternative
Send via certified mail with return receipt. Kentucky accepts mailed service for landlord-tenant notices in URLTA counties
Complete Proof of Service
Document date, time, method, and location of service. Keep certified mail receipts and return cards for court proceedings
File Forcible Detainer Action
After 60 days expire without the tenant vacating, file an eviction action in District Court where the property is located
Kentucky Eviction Timeline
Kentucky\'s eviction process uses the Forcible Detainer action filed in District Court under KRS 383.210. After filing, the court issues a summons and a hearing is scheduled, typically within 7-14 days. Kentucky District Courts handle these cases efficiently.
At the hearing, both parties present evidence. Kentucky District Court proceedings allow self-representation. If the landlord prevails, the court issues a judgment for possession. The tenant has 7 days to vacate before the sheriff enforces the writ of possession.
Total court timeline: 2-3 weeks uncontested, 3-6 weeks contested. Jefferson County (Louisville) and Fayette County (Lexington) have the heaviest caseloads in the state. Combined with the 60-day notice period, the full process spans 10-14 weeks.
Kentucky Filing Fees & Costs
Eviction costs in Kentucky vary by county and court type. Below are typical expenses.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| District Court Filing Fee | $40 - $60 |
| Service of Process | $20 - $50 |
| Attorney Fees | $400 - $1,500 |
| Writ of Possession | $15 - $30 |
| Sheriff Enforcement | $50 - $150 |
Sample Kentucky 60-Day Notice
Below is a preview of our Kentucky-specific 60-day termination notice template.
60-DAY NOTICE OF TERMINATION
STATE OF KENTUCKY
Pursuant to KRS 383.695
LANDLORD / PROPERTY OWNER:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Kentucky Mailing Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE OF TERMINATION:
You are hereby notified that your tenancy at the above premises will terminate on[Date — 60 days from service]. You must vacate and surrender possession by that date.
KENTUCKY COMPLIANCE NOTE
Your security deposit will be returned within 30-60 days of vacating per KRS 383.580, with an itemized list of any deductions. Please provide a forwarding address upon vacating.