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Shively is an independent city located within Jefferson County, Kentucky, bordering Louisville to the west. Although Shively has its own city government, it is part of the broader Louisville metropolitan area and many of its renters interact with the same housing market as Louisville proper. A significant portion of Shively's residents are renters, and questions about rent increases, security deposits, repairs, and eviction notices are among the most common concerns tenants face.
Because Shively is situated in Jefferson County and within the Louisville Metro area, the Kentucky Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), codified at KRS § 383.500 through § 383.715, applies to residential tenancies in the area. This law sets out specific rights and responsibilities for both landlords and tenants — covering everything from habitability obligations to security deposit rules and eviction procedures. Shively has not enacted any local tenant-protection ordinances beyond what state law provides.
This page summarizes the tenant rights that apply to Shively renters under Kentucky law. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have a specific legal problem, consult a licensed attorney or contact a local legal aid organization.
There is no rent control in Shively or anywhere in Kentucky. Kentucky state law does not authorize municipalities to enact rent control or rent stabilization ordinances. While there is no single explicit preemption statute that bans local rent control by name, the General Assembly has never granted local governments authority to regulate residential rents, effectively leaving such regulation outside the scope of local power under Kentucky's home-rule framework (KRS § 82.082).
In practice, this means a landlord in Shively can raise your rent by any amount, at any time, as long as they provide proper advance notice. For month-to-month tenants, that means at least 30 days' written notice before the new rent takes effect (KRS § 383.695). For tenants with a fixed-term lease, the rent is locked in for the lease term, but the landlord may propose any new rent amount at renewal. There is no cap, no required justification, and no city agency to appeal a rent increase to.
Kentucky's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), KRS § 383.500–§ 383.715, governs most residential tenancies in the Louisville/Jefferson County area, including Shively. Key protections include:
Habitability (KRS § 383.595): Landlords must maintain rental units in a safe, clean, and habitable condition. This includes keeping all structural components (roof, floors, walls), plumbing, heating, electrical systems, and appliances provided with the unit in good working order. If your landlord fails to make required repairs, you may have remedies including rent escrow or lease termination, following specific notice procedures under KRS § 383.635.
Security Deposit Rules (KRS § 383.580): Landlords must hold security deposits in a separate account and return them — along with an itemized written statement of any deductions — within 30 days of the tenant vacating. If a landlord wrongfully withholds a deposit, the tenant may be entitled to double the amount wrongfully withheld, plus court costs and attorney's fees.
Notice to Terminate (KRS § 383.695): To end a month-to-month tenancy, either the landlord or tenant must provide at least 30 days' written notice before the next rent due date. Fixed-term leases end on their stated date without additional notice unless renewed.
Anti-Retaliation (KRS § 383.705): Landlords may not retaliate against tenants who report housing code violations, contact a government agency, or exercise any right granted under the URLTA. Prohibited retaliatory acts include raising rent, reducing services, or attempting to evict. A tenant who proves retaliation may recover damages equal to one month's rent plus attorney's fees.
Lockout and Utility Shutoff Prohibition (KRS § 383.655): A landlord may not remove a tenant by changing locks, removing doors or windows, cutting off utilities, or removing the tenant's belongings. These self-help eviction tactics are illegal regardless of whether the tenant owes rent. Only a court order can authorize the physical removal of a tenant.
Under KRS § 383.580, Kentucky's URLTA — which applies in the Jefferson County/Louisville area including Shively — sets the following rules for security deposits:
No statutory cap: Kentucky law does not limit how much a landlord can charge as a security deposit. Landlords may charge any amount they choose.
Separate account requirement: The landlord must hold your security deposit in a federally insured interest-bearing account, separate from personal and business funds. The landlord is not required to pay the tenant the interest earned, but must disclose the account information.
30-day return deadline: After you vacate, the landlord has 30 days to return your deposit, along with a written, itemized list of any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, or other costs permitted under the lease.
Penalty for wrongful withholding: If your landlord fails to return your deposit or provide the itemized statement within 30 days without justification, you may sue in small claims or district court and recover up to double the amount wrongfully withheld (KRS § 383.580(6)), plus court costs. To protect your rights, document the condition of the unit at move-in and move-out with photos and written records, and always provide a forwarding address in writing.
Eviction in Shively is governed by the Kentucky URLTA (KRS § 383.500–§ 383.715) and Kentucky Rules of Civil Procedure. A landlord must follow a specific legal process — there are no shortcuts.
Step 1 — Written Notice: The type of notice required depends on the reason for eviction. For nonpayment of rent, the landlord must give a 7-day written notice to pay or vacate (KRS § 383.660). For material lease violations, a 14-day notice to remedy or vacate is required (KRS § 383.660(2)). For terminating a month-to-month tenancy without cause, a 30-day written notice is required (KRS § 383.695).
Step 2 — Filing in Court: If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord may file a forcible detainer (eviction) complaint in Jefferson District Court. The tenant will be served with a court summons and scheduled for a hearing, typically within 7–14 days of filing.
Step 3 — Court Hearing: Both parties appear before a judge. The tenant has the right to present a defense, including payment receipts, evidence of habitability issues, or proof of retaliation. If the court rules for the landlord, a judgment for possession is entered.
Step 4 — Writ of Possession: After judgment, the landlord must wait the appeal period and then request a writ of possession from the court clerk. A Jefferson County sheriff or constable — not the landlord — carries out the physical eviction.
Self-Help Eviction Is Illegal: Under KRS § 383.655, a landlord who changes locks, removes doors, shuts off utilities, or removes a tenant's belongings without a court order commits an unlawful act. Tenants subjected to self-help eviction can seek immediate restoration of possession and damages in court.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws — including statutes, local ordinances, and court interpretations — can change, and the specific facts of your situation may affect your legal rights and options. Always verify current laws with a licensed Kentucky attorney or a qualified legal aid organization before taking action. RentCheckMe is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation.
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