Kentucky Eviction notice (nonpayment)

Related Kentucky rules

Eviction court process & timeline

The landlord files a forcible detainer complaint in district court, and the warrant gives the tenant at least 3 days' notice of the trial. The court tries the case unless a jury is demanded. To appeal, a tenant must file within 7 days and deposit the rent owed plus future rent with the circuit clerk.

Verified Source: KRS 383.210, 383.255 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full Kentucky eviction court process & timeline page

Eviction filing fees

$50 District Court filing fee for forcible detainer (eviction) actions, effective July 1, 2026. A $20 court technology fee and other required fees are added.

Verified Source: Ky. CR 3.03(1)(i), (m), as amended by Ky. Sup. Ct. Order 2026-15 (official court fee rule) · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full Kentucky eviction filing fees page

Lockouts and utility shutoffs

If a landlord unlawfully removes or excludes the tenant, or willfully interrupts heat, water, electricity, gas or other essential service, the tenant may recover possession or end the lease, plus up to three months' rent and attorney's fees. (URLTA provisions, KRS 383.505–.705, apply only where a city or county has adopted the Act; KRS 383.500.)

Verified Source: KRS 383.655 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full Kentucky lockouts and utility shutoffs page

Retaliation protections

A landlord may not raise rent, cut services, or bring or threaten an eviction after a code complaint, a habitability complaint to the landlord, or joining a tenants' union. A complaint within one year before the action creates a presumption of retaliation. (URLTA provisions, KRS 383.505–.705, apply only where a city or county has adopted the Act; KRS 383.500.)

Verified Source: KRS 383.705 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full Kentucky retaliation protections page

Holdover tenants

If a term of a year or more ends on a set day and the tenant holds over without a contract, the tenant gains no right to stay. The landlord can recover possession without demand or notice by filing within 90 days.

Verified Source: KRS 383.160(2) · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full Kentucky holdover tenants page

Rent withholding / escrow

A party appealing an eviction judgment has 7 days to file. To stay the eviction, they must deposit with the circuit clerk the rent owed since the case began and each month's rent during the appeal.

Verified Source: KRS 383.255 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full Kentucky rent withholding / escrow page