Last updated: April 2026
Bowling Green renters should know whether Kentucky's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act applies to their tenancy — it determines your key rights on deposits, repairs, and retaliation. Here is what every Bowling Green tenant needs to know.
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Bowling Green is Warren County's seat and home to Western Kentucky University, making it one of Kentucky's most active rental markets. Renters in Kentucky are governed by the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), but whether that act applies depends on the jurisdiction. Louisville and Lexington have formally adopted the URLTA; Bowling Green and Warren County have not formally adopted the full URLTA, meaning some provisions may not apply. In non-URLTA jurisdictions, your rights depend primarily on your lease terms and local housing codes. Regardless, Kentucky law requires landlords to follow the court eviction process, and self-help eviction is prohibited statewide. Consult Legal Aid of the Bluegrass if you are uncertain which rules govern your tenancy.
Bowling Green has no rent control, and Kentucky has no statewide rent control law. Landlords may raise rent by any amount. In jurisdictions that have adopted the URLTA, at least 30 days' written notice is required before a month-to-month tenancy can be terminated (KRS § 383.695). In non-URLTA jurisdictions, notice requirements may differ. Review your lease carefully and consult legal aid if you have questions about applicable rules.
Kentucky law provides the following key protections for Bowling Green tenants:
Under KRS § 383.580 (URLTA), landlords in covered jurisdictions must return your security deposit within 30 days of move-out along with a written, itemized list of any deductions. Wrongful withholding can result in double damages. In non-URLTA jurisdictions, the rules may be less protective and your lease terms are paramount. Regardless of jurisdiction, document the condition of the unit at move-in and move-out with dated photos and a written record to protect yourself from unjust deductions.
To evict a tenant in Bowling Green, a landlord must first provide written notice. For nonpayment of rent, that is typically 7 days' notice to pay or vacate (under URLTA, KRS § 383.660). For a month-to-month tenancy termination, 30 days' written notice is required in URLTA jurisdictions (KRS § 383.695). If you do not comply, the landlord must file for eviction in Warren District Court. You have the right to appear and contest the eviction. Only after a court judgment and a writ of possession may the constable remove you. Self-help eviction is illegal — changing locks, shutting off utilities, or removing belongings without a court order can expose the landlord to civil liability.
No. Bowling Green has no rent control ordinance, and Kentucky has no statewide rent control law. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper written notice.
There is no limit on rent increases in Bowling Green or anywhere in Kentucky. In URLTA jurisdictions, the landlord must provide at least 30 days' written notice before terminating a month-to-month tenancy (KRS § 383.695). Check your lease for specific notice requirements.
Under the URLTA (KRS § 383.580), landlords must return deposits within 30 days of move-out with a written itemized statement, and wrongful withholding can result in double damages. If the URLTA does not apply to your tenancy, your lease terms govern. Document the unit's condition at move-in and move-out with photos.
For nonpayment of rent in URLTA jurisdictions, landlords must give 7 days' written notice to pay or vacate (KRS § 383.660). For a month-to-month tenancy termination, at least 30 days' written notice is required (KRS § 383.695). The landlord must then file in Warren District Court if you do not vacate.
No. Self-help eviction is illegal throughout Kentucky. A landlord cannot change your locks, remove your property, or shut off utilities to force you out without a court order. If this occurs, contact Legal Aid of the Bluegrass immediately.
Put your repair request in writing and keep a copy. In URLTA jurisdictions, landlords must maintain habitable conditions (KRS § 383.595). In non-URLTA areas, you can contact Bowling Green's code enforcement to report housing violations. Contact Legal Aid of the Bluegrass (lawhelp.org/ky) for guidance on your specific options.
This article provides general information about tenant rights in Bowling Green, KY and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or legal aid organization.
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