Kentucky Rent Increase Laws: Notice Requirements and No Rent Control
Understand Kentucky's rent increase rules, notice periods, lack of rent control, and URLTA applicability across different jurisdictions.
Legal Disclaimer
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws change frequently — always verify current regulations and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation. Landager is a property management platform, not a law firm.Information last verified: May 2026.
Official Law Citation: KRS 65.875 / KRS 383.695
Since its admission to the Union on June 1, 1792, Kentucky has maintained a legal framework centered on private property autonomy. Residential rent increases are primarily governed by KRS 65.875 (effective July 14, 1992), which prohibits any local government from enacting rent control, and KRS 383.695, which establishes notice requirements for periodic tenancies in jurisdictions that have adopted the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA). Disputes regarding rent increases or improper notice are typically resolved within the Kentucky District Court system.
No Rent Control
Under KRS 65.875, to ensure uniformity and statewide application, only the General Assembly shall enact legislation which would control rents on private property. No city, county, or urban-county government in Kentucky has the authority to enact or enforce any ordinance that controls the amount of rent charged for private residential property. Consequently, landlords may increase rent by any amount they deem appropriate, provided they follow proper notice procedures.
Notice Requirements
While there is no cap on the increase amount, Kentucky law in URLTA-adopted jurisdictions (under KRS 383.695) mandates specific notice periods. Although KRS 383.695 technically governs the termination of periodic tenancies, it serves as the legal mechanism for implementing rent increases in these areas.
For month-to-month tenancies in URLTA areas, the landlord must provide at least 30 days' written notice before the next rental period begins. For fixed-term leases, the rent is locked for the duration of the term unless the lease agreement explicitly contains a clause allowing for adjustments.
URLTA vs. Non-URLTA Jurisdictions
Kentucky is a "local option" state for the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA).
- URLTA Jurisdictions: In jurisdictions that have adopted the Act (such as Louisville-Jefferson County, Lexington-Fayette County, Covington, Newport, Georgetown, and Shelbyville), the notice requirement is strictly codified in KRS 383.695.
- Non-URLTA Jurisdictions: Bowling Green and other non-URLTA areas follow common law and the specific terms of the written lease agreement. In these jurisdictions, there is no state statute mandating a specific notice period, and notice is governed by the lease or "reasonable notice" (typically 30 days) under common law.
Restrictions on Rent Increases
Despite the lack of a statutory cap, landlords are prohibited from raising rent in the following circumstances:
- Retaliation: Under KRS 383.705 (applicable only in URLTA jurisdictions), landlords may not increase rent in retaliation for a tenant complaining to a government agency about code violations, complaining to the landlord about habitability, or joining a tenant union.
- Discrimination: Rent increases must comply with the Kentucky Civil Rights Act (KRS Chapter 344) and the federal Fair Housing Act, which prohibit increases based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or familial status.
How Landager Helps
Landager tracks lease terms and notice deadlines—ensuring Kentucky landlords stay compliant with KRS 383.695 and avoid the risks of retaliatory claims.
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