Last updated: April 2026
Louisville renters benefit from Kentucky's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), which the Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government has adopted — giving you stronger protections on repairs, deposits, and retaliation than many other areas of the state.
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Louisville is Kentucky's largest city and home to roughly 300,000 renter households across Jefferson County. As a major urban center with a diverse rental market — from historic Highlands apartments to newer developments in NuLu and suburban Jefferson County complexes — renters frequently search for answers on security deposit returns, landlord repair obligations, and what to do when facing eviction.
Unlike many Kentucky cities that rely on common law, Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government has adopted the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) under KRS § 383.505–383.715. This means Louisville renters have codified, enforceable rights to habitable housing, written notice before eviction, protection against landlord retaliation, and specific timelines for deposit returns. These protections apply to most standard residential rental agreements within Metro Louisville.
This page is an informational overview of tenant rights in Louisville, Kentucky, as of April 2026. It is not legal advice. Laws can change, and your specific situation may require guidance from a licensed attorney or legal aid organization.
Louisville has no rent control, and Kentucky state law does not authorize any local government to enact it. Unlike some states that permit municipalities to set their own rent stabilization ordinances, Kentucky has not granted cities or counties that authority. There is no state-level rent control statute either.
In practice, this means a Louisville landlord may raise your rent by any amount at the end of a lease term or, for month-to-month tenancies, with at least 30 days' written notice as required under KRS § 383.695. There is no cap on how large a rent increase can be, no requirement that increases be tied to inflation, and no local board or agency that reviews or approves increases.
Renters concerned about rent increases should carefully review their lease terms before signing, negotiate fixed-term agreements where possible to lock in a set rent for the lease period, and be aware that refusing a rent increase on a month-to-month tenancy can lead to a termination notice under KRS § 383.695.
Because Louisville has adopted the URLTA, the following statutory protections under KRS § 383.505–383.715 apply to most residential tenants in the city. These represent the core of Kentucky tenant rights as they operate in Louisville.
Habitability (KRS § 383.595): Landlords must maintain rental units in a fit and habitable condition. This includes keeping structural components safe, maintaining heating, plumbing, and electrical systems, and complying with applicable housing and building codes. Where a landlord fails to make required repairs, tenants may have remedies including rent escrow, repair-and-deduct, or lease termination, subject to the notice requirements in KRS § 383.635.
Repairs — Tenant Notice Requirement (KRS § 383.635): Before exercising most repair remedies, a tenant must deliver written notice to the landlord specifying the deficiency and allow a reasonable time — generally 14 days — to make repairs. Documenting this notice in writing and keeping a copy is strongly advisable.
Security Deposit (KRS § 383.580): Landlords must return the security deposit within 30 days after the tenancy ends, along with an itemized written statement of any deductions. Failure to comply can result in the tenant recovering double the amount wrongfully withheld.
Notice to Terminate (KRS § 383.695): Either party must provide at least 30 days' written notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy. Fixed-term leases expire on their end date unless renewed.
Anti-Retaliation (KRS § 383.705): A landlord may not retaliate against a tenant for reporting housing code violations to a government agency, complaining about habitability issues, or exercising any right protected under the URLTA. Retaliation can include rent increases, eviction notices, or reduction of services. If a landlord acts adversely within one year of protected activity, retaliation is presumed.
Lockout and Utility Shutoff Prohibition (KRS § 383.655): Self-help eviction is illegal in Kentucky. A landlord may not remove a tenant's belongings, change locks, or deliberately shut off utilities to force a tenant out. Doing so entitles the tenant to recover possession and/or actual damages.
Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government has formally adopted the Kentucky Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) pursuant to KRS § 383.505(2), which permits cities of the first class and consolidated local governments to opt into the URLTA framework. Because Louisville is a consolidated city-county (Metro Government), the URLTA applies throughout Jefferson County under this adoption.
What URLTA Adoption Means in Practice: Renters in Louisville have enforceable statutory rights that do not exist in Kentucky counties that have not adopted the URLTA. In non-URLTA jurisdictions, tenant rights depend largely on lease terms and general common law principles. Louisville tenants, by contrast, can cite specific statutes — KRS § 383.595 on habitability, KRS § 383.635 on repair procedures, KRS § 383.580 on deposit returns, and KRS § 383.705 on retaliation — in court or in disputes with landlords.
Louisville Metro Housing Code: Separately, Louisville Metro Government enforces a local housing code through Louisville Metro Code Enforcement (311 service). Tenants who live in substandard conditions may file a complaint with Metro Code Enforcement, which can result in a landlord receiving a notice of violation and order to repair. This is an independent remedy from the URLTA repair process and does not require the tenant to go to court. Code Enforcement can be reached by calling 311 or visiting the Louisville Metro Government website.
Louisville Metro Housing Authority (LMHA): The LMHA administers federal Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) and other assisted-housing programs for Louisville. Tenants in LMHA-assisted units have additional federal protections under their Housing Assistance Payment contracts, including specific lease and termination requirements set by HUD regulations (24 C.F.R. Part 982).
Security deposit rules in Louisville are governed by KRS § 383.580, part of the URLTA framework adopted by Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government.
No Statutory Cap: Kentucky law does not limit the amount a landlord may charge as a security deposit in Louisville. The amount is set by the lease agreement. Renters should negotiate the deposit amount before signing and confirm it is clearly stated in the lease.
Holding Requirements: Landlords are required to hold security deposits in a separate account. Under KRS § 383.580(1), the landlord must disclose the location of the account to the tenant upon request.
Return Deadline — 30 Days (KRS § 383.580(2)): After the tenancy ends and the tenant vacates, the landlord has 30 days to either return the full deposit or provide the tenant with a written, itemized list of deductions along with any remaining balance. The itemized statement must describe each deduction and the dollar amount withheld.
Penalty for Wrongful Withholding (KRS § 383.580(3)): If a landlord wrongfully withholds a security deposit — meaning they fail to return it within 30 days without a proper itemized statement, or make deductions that are not legally justified — the tenant may sue for double the amount wrongfully withheld. Allowable deductions are limited to unpaid rent and damages beyond normal wear and tear; landlords may not deduct for ordinary wear resulting from normal use of the unit.
Practical Tips: Document the condition of the unit at move-in and move-out with dated photographs. Provide your forwarding address in writing so the landlord can return the deposit. If the landlord misses the 30-day deadline, send a written demand for return before filing in small claims court.
Eviction in Louisville is governed by the Kentucky URLTA (KRS § 383.505–383.715) and the Kentucky Rules of Civil Procedure. Self-help eviction — changing locks, removing a tenant's belongings, or shutting off utilities — is illegal under KRS § 383.655 and may entitle the tenant to damages.
Step 1 — Written Notice: Before filing for eviction, the landlord must serve the tenant with a written notice. The type and length of notice depends on the reason for eviction:
Step 2 — Filing an Eviction Complaint: If the tenant does not pay, cure the violation, or vacate after proper notice, the landlord may file an eviction complaint (forcible detainer action) in Jefferson District Court. The court will schedule a hearing, typically within a few days to a week of filing.
Step 3 — Court Hearing: Both parties appear at the hearing. Tenants have the right to present defenses, including improper notice, retaliation (KRS § 383.705), habitability counterclaims, or payment of rent. If the court rules for the landlord, it issues a judgment for possession.
Step 4 — Writ of Possession: If the tenant does not vacate after a judgment, the landlord may request a writ of possession from the court. A Jefferson County constable or sheriff will then enforce the writ, giving the tenant a final opportunity to remove belongings before physical removal occurs.
Self-Help Eviction Is Illegal (KRS § 383.655): A landlord who locks a tenant out, shuts off utilities, or removes belongings without a court order has committed a wrongful act. A tenant in this situation may apply to Jefferson District Court for an order restoring possession and may recover actual damages.
No, Louisville does not have rent control, and Kentucky state law does not authorize any local government to enact rent control or rent stabilization ordinances. Landlords in Louisville may raise rent by any amount at the end of a lease term or, for month-to-month tenancies, with at least 30 days' written notice as required by KRS § 383.695. There is no cap on rent increases anywhere in Kentucky.
There is no limit on how much a landlord can raise rent in Louisville. Because Kentucky has no rent control law and does not permit local rent control ordinances, your landlord can increase rent by any amount. For month-to-month tenants, the landlord must provide at least 30 days' written notice before the new rent takes effect, per KRS § 383.695. During a fixed-term lease, your rent cannot be raised until the lease expires unless the lease itself allows for increases.
Under KRS § 383.580, your landlord has 30 days after you vacate to return your security deposit or provide you with a written, itemized statement of deductions along with any remaining balance. If your landlord fails to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement within 30 days, you may be entitled to recover double the amount wrongfully withheld. Make sure to provide your forwarding address in writing to start the 30-day clock.
The required notice depends on the reason for eviction. For nonpayment of rent, your landlord must give you at least 7 days' written notice to pay or vacate under KRS § 383.660. For other lease violations, the landlord must provide 14 days' written notice to remedy the issue. To terminate a month-to-month tenancy without cause, at least 30 days' written notice is required under KRS § 383.695. In all cases, the landlord must obtain a court order from Jefferson District Court before you can be removed.
No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Kentucky under KRS § 383.655. A landlord may not change your locks, remove your belongings, or deliberately shut off water, heat, electricity, or other utilities to force you out — even if you owe rent. If your landlord does any of these things, you have the right to seek a court order restoring your possession and may recover actual damages. Contact the Legal Aid Society of Louisville at (502) 584-1254 if this happens to you.
Louisville has adopted the URLTA, so KRS § 383.595 requires your landlord to maintain habitable conditions. Before pursuing legal remedies, you must give written notice specifying the needed repair and allow a reasonable time — typically 14 days — to fix it under KRS § 383.635. If the landlord still fails to act, you may have options including rent escrow with the court, repair-and-deduct (for smaller repairs), or lease termination for substantial violations. You can also file a complaint with Louisville Metro Code Enforcement by calling 311, which can trigger an official inspection and violation notice.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws, local ordinances, and court procedures can change, and the application of any law depends on the specific facts of your situation. Renters with legal questions or disputes should consult a licensed Kentucky attorney or contact a legal aid organization such as the Legal Aid Society of Louisville. RentCheckMe makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of this information, and is not responsible for any actions taken in reliance on it.
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