Kentucky Non-Payment of Rent Notice Overview
Kentucky requires a 7-day written notice to pay rent or vacate under KRS 383.660(2) in counties that have adopted the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA). This notice gives tenants a full week to arrange payment before eviction proceedings can begin. Kentucky's URLTA is modeled on the national Uniform Act and provides a balanced framework for both landlords and tenants.
In Kentucky, eviction cases (called forcible detainer actions) are filed in the District Court of the county where the property is located. Jefferson County (Louisville) and Fayette County (Lexington) process the highest volume of eviction cases. A critical distinction in Kentucky is whether the property is in a URLTA county or not—this determines which notice period, service requirements, and procedures apply.
7 Days
Notice period
$75
Avg. filing fee
Yes
Right to cure
3-5 wks
Court process
Kentucky's 7-Day Notice Requirement
Under KRS 383.660(2), when a tenant fails to pay rent when due, the landlord must deliver a written notice giving the tenant 7 days to either pay the full amount of rent owed or vacate the premises. The notice must clearly state the amount of rent due, the deadline for payment, and that the landlord will terminate the rental agreement if the tenant does not comply.
Kentucky's URLTA (KRS 383.505-715) applies only in counties that have adopted it—primarily urban counties like Jefferson (Louisville) and Fayette (Lexington). In non-URLTA counties, older common law applies with potentially different notice periods and procedures. The 7-day notice period applies under the URLTA. On a second non-payment within 6 months, the landlord can serve a 14-day unconditional notice.
Kentucky URLTA vs. Non-URLTA Counties
Kentucky's URLTA does not apply statewide. It applies only in counties and cities that have adopted it, primarily urban areas like Louisville (Jefferson County), Lexington (Fayette County), and others. In non-URLTA areas, older common law applies, which may require different notice periods and procedures. Always verify whether your county has adopted the URLTA before serving notice. Using the wrong form or notice period for your jurisdiction will result in dismissal.
Kentucky Legal Requirements (KRS 383.660)
For the notice to be valid under Kentucky law, it must meet specific requirements established by statute and interpreted by Kentucky courts. A defective notice will result in dismissal of the eviction action, requiring the landlord to start the process over.
Required Notice Elements
- Written Format: The notice must be in writing. Verbal demands are not legally sufficient under Kentucky law
- Exact Rent Amount: State the precise dollar amount of rent owed, broken down by period if applicable
- Cure Period: Clearly state the tenant has 7 days to pay the full amount or vacate
- Property Address: Include the full street address and unit number of the rental premises
- Tenant Names: List all tenants named on the lease who must be served with the notice
- Termination Warning: State that the rental agreement will terminate if rent is not paid within the notice period
- Landlord Information: Include the landlord's name, address, and contact information
Kentucky Grace Period & Late Fee Rules
No statutory grace period. Lease terms control. Understanding Kentucky's specific rules about when rent becomes late and what fees can be charged is essential for properly timing and drafting the non-payment notice.
No statutory cap. Must be reasonable and in lease. Landlords should ensure all fee provisions are clearly documented in the lease agreement and comply with Kentucky law.
Kentucky Late Fee Quick Reference
Grace Period
No statutory grace period.
Late Fee Rule
No statutory cap.
Partial Payment
Does not cure. Landlord can refuse partial payments.
Right to Cure
Yes.
How to Serve a Non-Payment Notice in Kentucky
Kentucky law specifies acceptable methods for delivering the notice. Improper service will invalidate the notice and require the landlord to start the process over, losing valuable time. Kentucky courts require proof of proper service before proceeding with an eviction action.
Personal Delivery (Preferred)
Hand the notice directly to the tenant. This is the most reliable method and preferred by Kentucky courts. Use a witness or process server to establish proof of service.
Substitute Service
If the tenant is not available, leave the notice with a person of suitable age and discretion residing at the premises. Document the name and relationship of the person who accepted it.
Post and Mail
Post the notice conspicuously on the main entrance of the unit and mail a copy via first-class mail. Both steps must be completed for valid service under this method.
Certified Mail
Send via certified mail with return receipt requested. Keep the return receipt as proof of delivery. The notice period begins when the tenant receives or signs for the mail.
File After Notice Expires
After the notice period passes without payment, file an eviction complaint in Kentucky District Court. Include the original notice and proof of service with your filing.
Kentucky Non-Payment Eviction Timeline
The Kentucky eviction process for non-payment follows a structured timeline. Understanding this timeline helps landlords plan appropriately and set realistic expectations for regaining possession.
| Step | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Serve 7-Day Notice to Pay or Vacate | Day 1 |
| Notice period expires | Day 8 |
| File forcible detainer in District Court | Day 8-10 |
| Summons served (7+ days before hearing) | Day 10-17 |
| Court hearing | Day 17-24 |
| Judgment entered | Day 17-24 |
| Writ of possession executed | Day 24-34 |
Total estimated time: 3-5 weeks for URLTA counties. Non-URLTA counties may have different timelines. Contested cases take 5-8 weeks.
Kentucky Eviction Filing Fees & Costs
Filing fees for eviction actions in Kentucky vary by court. Below are typical costs landlords should expect.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| District Court Filing Fee | $60 - $110 |
| Service of Process | $20 - $60 |
| Writ of Possession/Restitution | $25 - $50 |
| Attorney Fees (if hired) | $500 - $2,000 |
| Appeal (if needed) | $100 - $200 |
Sample Kentucky 7-Day Non-Payment Notice
Below is a preview of our Kentucky-specific non-payment notice. The final document includes all statutory language required under KRS 383.660(2) and is formatted for Kentucky court proceedings.
SEVEN (7) DAY NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR VACATE
STATE OF KENTUCKY
Pursuant to KRS 383.660(2)
TO TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenants on Lease]
Property: [Full Kentucky Property Address]
RENT DUE:
Total rent owed: $[Amount]for the period of [Month/Year].
KENTUCKY STATUTORY NOTICE:
You have SEVEN (7) DAYS from service to pay the full amount of rent due or vacate the premises. If you fail to comply within 7 days, your rental agreement will be terminated and the landlord will file a forcible detainer action in Kentucky District Court to recover possession, rent owed, and costs as permitted by law.