Kentucky · Security deposits · Updated Oct 2026

Kentucky security deposit law

In Kentucky, your landlord has no fixed deadline to return your deposit.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026

Short answer

In Kentucky, the deposit limit is: no statewide limit. The landlord must return it as follows: Kentucky sets no fixed number of days to return the deposit, and the deposit rules below apply only in cities and counties that adopted URLTA. When you move out, the landlord must inspect and make a written list of damage with estimated repair costs.

deposit limit: No statewide limit
to return a deposit: No fixed deadline
deposit penalty: See below

Get your letter ↓ Check the deadline ↓

Get your deposit back, step by step

Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
Give your landlord your new address in writing. In Kentucky: If you owe no rent and are due a refund, the landlord must send a notice of the refund amount to your last known address.
Wait for the deadline: Kentucky sets no fixed number of days to return the deposit, and the deposit rules below apply only in cities and counties that adopted URLTA. When you move out, the landlord must inspect and make a written list of damage with estimated repair costs.
If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $2,500. Small claims court in Kentucky on RobinClaim

Deposit return calculator for Kentucky

Find your state's deadline for returning a security deposit, whether your landlord is late and what you may be owed.

Security deposit demand letter for Kentucky

A short, firm and polite letter asking your landlord to return your deposit by a date. It cites your state's deposit law. Many landlords pay at this step, and the letter is proof that you asked. Fill this in, download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it), sign it, keep a copy and send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt.

Your full name (required)

Where should they send your money? (your mailing address) (required)

Phone

Landlord or property manager (required)

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

Landlord's address (required to mail it)

Address of the rental (required)

I will hand it to the landlord or email it (no mailing address needed)

Date of the letter

Usually today. The deadline in the letter counts from this date.

Date you moved in

Date you moved out (required)

Deposit you paid ($) (required)

Amount the landlord returned ($)

Did you get an itemized list of deductions?

Days the landlord has to pay

We suggest 14 days.

Why the deductions are wrong (optional, in English)

One or two sentences. This text goes into the letter as written.

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Other formats

Sign it, keep a copy, and send it by certified mail with a return receipt. The receipt is your proof that the landlord got it.

Security deposit in Kentucky

Limit: no statewide limit
Deadline to return it: Kentucky sets no fixed number of days to return the deposit, and the deposit rules below apply only in cities and counties that adopted URLTA. When you move out, the landlord must inspect and make a written list of damage with estimated repair costs. You have the right to inspect and sign it or write down what you disagree with. If you owe no rent and are due a refund, the landlord must send a notice of the refund amount to your last known address. If you do not respond within 60 days of that notice, the landlord may keep the money. If you left without paying the last month's rent and did not ask for the deposit, the landlord may apply it to the debt after 30 days. Outside URLTA areas there is no deposit statute; your lease controls.
Itemized list: URLTA areas: yes. Before you pay the deposit, the landlord must give you a written list of existing damage with estimated repair costs, and at move-out a written list of damage with estimated repair costs. Both must be signed by both sides; if you disagree, write down which items you dispute and sign it. Receipts are not required by the statute.
What may be deducted: Unpaid rent and the cost of repairing damage beyond normal wear and tear that is on the move-out damage list. Other charges only if your lease allows them.
Interest: no
Separate account: URLTA areas: yes. The deposit must be kept in a bank account used only for deposits, at a regulated bank, and you must be told the bank and account number.
Move-in checklist: URLTA areas: yes. A signed move-in list of existing damage with estimated repair costs is required before you pay the deposit.
If the landlord keeps it wrongly: URLTA areas: if the landlord did not keep the deposit in a separate account and did not give you the move-in and move-out damage lists, the landlord may not keep any part of the deposit. You can sue in District Court (small claims) over items on the move-out list you disputed in writing. If you did not sign the list or write down what you disputed, you cannot recover under this law. No multiple damages.
Law: KRS 383.580

Small claims court in Kentucky

Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer. Limit: $2,500.

How to file in Kentucky

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Sources

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026