Last updated: April 2026
Lexington has adopted Kentucky's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, giving renters here stronger protections than many other Kentucky cities — including clear rules on deposits, repairs, and lease termination.
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Lexington is the second-largest city in Kentucky and serves as the seat of Fayette County — though the city and county governments are merged into a single urban-county government (LFUCG). Lexington has adopted Kentucky's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), which provides meaningful protections for renters. Kentucky has no rent control anywhere in the state and does not authorize localities to enact it. The URLTA governs security deposits, habitability, retaliation, and eviction procedures for Lexington renters.
Lexington has no rent control, and Kentucky state law does not authorize any local government to enact rent control ordinances. Landlords in Lexington may raise rent by any amount. For month-to-month tenancies, at least 30 days' written notice is required before the landlord can terminate the tenancy under the URLTA (KRS § 383.695). Review your lease for additional notice requirements.
Because Lexington has adopted the URLTA, renters here have the following key protections:
Under KRS § 383.580, Lexington landlords must return your security deposit within 30 days after you vacate, along with a written itemized statement of any deductions. If the landlord wrongfully withholds the deposit without a legitimate reason, you may be entitled to double the wrongfully withheld amount. Kentucky's URLTA does not cap the amount that can be charged as a security deposit. Keep a copy of your move-in and move-out documentation to avoid improper deductions.
To evict a tenant in Lexington, a landlord must provide written notice — 7 days for nonpayment of rent under the URLTA — and file an eviction action in Fayette District Court if the tenant does not comply. The tenant has the right to appear and contest the eviction. Only after a court judgment may a tenant be removed. Self-help eviction — locking out a tenant or removing their belongings without a court order — is illegal throughout Kentucky.
No. Lexington has no rent control, and Kentucky does not authorize any locality to enact rent control ordinances. Landlords may increase rent by any amount with proper notice.
There is no limit on rent increases in Lexington. Under the URLTA, month-to-month tenants must receive at least 30 days' written notice before a rent increase or termination takes effect (KRS § 383.695). Review your lease for any specific notice requirements.
Your landlord must return your deposit within 30 days after you vacate, along with a written itemized statement of deductions (KRS § 383.580). Wrongful withholding can result in double the withheld amount as damages.
Under the URLTA, landlords must give 7 days' written notice for nonpayment of rent before filing in Fayette District Court. For ending a month-to-month tenancy, at least 30 days' notice is required (KRS § 383.695). A court order is required before you can be removed.
No. Self-help eviction is illegal throughout Kentucky. A landlord cannot change your locks, remove your belongings, or shut off utilities to force you out without obtaining a court order. Violations may give rise to a civil claim.
Put your repair request in writing. Under the URLTA, if the landlord fails to make repairs within a reasonable time, you may have remedies including rent escrow or lease termination. Contact Legal Aid of the Bluegrass or the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government's code enforcement for assistance.
This article provides general information about tenant rights in Lexington and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or tenant organization.
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