Kentucky Eviction Notice Templates

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Eviction Laws

Kentucky law sets clear timelines based on the reason for eviction.

• Rent Grace Period: None. Rent is payable at the time and place agreed upon by the parties.^[1]
  
• Non-Payment of Rent: 7-day notice.^[2]
  
• Lease Non-Compliance: 14-day notice.^[3]
  
• Materially Affecting Health and Safety: 14-day notice.^[4]
  
• Termination of Month-to-Month Tenancy: 30-day notice.^[5]
  
• Eviction Lawsuit Type: Forcible Entry and Detainer.^[6]
  

Notices must state the violation and the deadline to cure or vacate.

 

Prohibited Landlord Actions

Utility Shutoff – Landlords must provide essential services that meet building and housing codes, including heat, running water, hot water, electricity, and gas.^[7] If these services are not provided, tenants may arrange for the services themselves and deduct the cost from rent, in addition to seeking damages.^[8]

Changing the Locks – A landlord may not change the locks unless expressly authorized by a local court.^[9]

 

How to Evict a Tenant in Kentucky (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Deliver the Required Notice

The landlord must choose the correct notice and deliver it in hand or by registered or certified mail to the tenant’s residence.^[10] A tenant is considered to have received notice when they have actual knowledge, receive notification, or have reason to know it exists.^[11]

Step 2: File the Court Case

If the tenant does not comply, the landlord may file a small-claims eviction case. Required filings include:

• A copy of the eviction notice
  
• Notice of Hearing Trial by the Court (Form AOC-215)
• Forcible Detainer Complaint (Form AOC-216)
• Forcible Detainer Judgment (Form AOC-217)
  

The statutory filing fee is $40, though county fees may vary.^[12]

Step 3: Serve the Summons

After filing, the county sheriff serves the tenant with the Notice of Hearing. The sheriff’s fee is $60.^[13] Payment methods vary by office; credit cards may incur additional fees.^[14]

Step 4: Attend the Hearing

Hearings may be held in person or by video conference.^[15] If the landlord prevails, the tenant has seven days to appeal or vacate.^[16]

Step 5: Request a Warrant for Possession

If the tenant remains after the appeal period, the landlord may request a Warrant for Possession (Form AOC-220). The court may issue a “set-out” warrant scheduling the removal of the tenant’s belongings.^[17]

Step 6: Coordinate the Set-Out With the Sheriff

When executing the set-out, Kentucky requires:

• At least three movers (five for single-family homes)
  
• One hour to move belongings (add helpers if needed)
  
• Items placed one foot from the curb, not blocking sidewalks
  
• Property left outside for 48 hours before removal
• Locks changed in the presence of the sheriff.^[18]

 

Court Forms & Resources

• Notice of Hearing Trial by the Court (Form AOC-215): Serves as the summons and sets the trial date.
• Forcible Detainer Complaint (Form AOC-216): Filed by the landlord to start the case.
• Forcible Detainer Judgment (Form AOC-217): Issued when the court rules for the landlord.
• Forcible Detainer Settlement Agreement (Form AOC-218): Used if the parties resolve the case outside of court.
• Warrant for Possession (Form AOC-220): Issued when a tenant is found guilty and refuses to vacate.

Sources

1. KRS § 383.565(1)
2. KRS § 383.660(2)
3. KRS § 383.660(1)
4. KRS § 383.665
5. KRS § 383.695(2)
6. KRS § 383.200 to § 383.285
7. KRS § 383.595(1)
8. KRS § 383.640
9. Kentucky Legal Aid – Evictions (Housing Topics)
10. KRS § 383.560(3)(c)
11. KRS § 383.560(1)
12. Ky. R. Civ. P. 3.03(1)(i)
13. KRS § 64.090(2)
14. Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office – Frequently Asked Questions
15. Jefferson District Court – Court Appearance Information
16. KRS § 383.255(1)
17. Ohio County Sheriff’s Office – How the Eviction Process Works
18. Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office – Evictions