State Law Guide · Updated January 2026
Kentucky Security Deposit Laws
Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 383.580, Kentucky landlords must return security deposits within 30 days (60 if damage claim requires repair receipts) of a tenant moving out. Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face penalties of up to Actual damages plus potential attorney fees.
Quick Answer
In Kentucky, landlords have 30 days (60 if damage claim requires repair receipts) to return your security deposit after you move out and provide a forwarding address. The maximum deposit is No statutory limit. If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, you can sue in Small Claims Court (up to $2,500) and may recover Actual damages plus potential attorney fees under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 383.580. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of deductions.
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What Kentucky Law Requires
Return Deadline
Landlords have exactly 30 days (60 if damage claim requires repair receipts) to return your deposit after you move out. If they make deductions, they must provide an itemized statement explaining each charge with documentation.
Penalties for Violations
Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face Actual damages plus potential attorney fees. You can file in small claims court for amounts up to $2,500without needing an attorney.
Interest Requirements
No interest requirement
Common Deductions Landlords Make
Federal guidelines from HUD and the IRS establish "useful life" standards that limit what landlords can charge. Many common deductions are partially or fully invalid under these guidelines.
Carpet Replacement
Typical: $400-1,4005-year useful life per HUD MAP Guide Appendix 5C. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
Interior Paint
Typical: $200-7003-year useful life per HUD Handbook 4350.1. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
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HUD/IRS Citations
Useful life depreciation built in
$19 · Avg Kentucky deposit: $1,000 · Potential 52x return
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Kentucky landlord have to return my deposit?
Kentucky default is 30 days. If the landlord needs repair receipts to support deductions, they have up to 60 days but must notify you within 30.
Is there a deposit limit in Kentucky?
No. Kentucky has no statutory limit on security deposits. Most landlords charge 1-2 months' rent.
Can I sue my Kentucky landlord for my deposit?
Yes. Kentucky Small Claims Court handles disputes up to $2,500—one of the lower limits nationally. Larger claims require District Court.
City-Specific Rules
Some Kentucky cities have additional tenant protections:
- Louisville: Jefferson County has additional tenant protections and mediation services.
Official Resources
- Kentucky Attorney General(Government)
- Kentucky Legal Aid(Legal Aid)
Compare Other States
See how Kentucky's security deposit laws compare to nearby states:
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Based on Kentucky Revised Statutes § 383.580 · HUD Handbook 4350.1 · IRS Publication 527