Security deposit law · Kentucky

Kentucky Security Deposit Law: How to Get Your Deposit Back

If you rent in Kentucky, the law gives you specific rights when you move out — a deadline for your landlord to return your deposit, rules on deductions, and a path to push back if they don't. Here's exactly how it works, and how to protect yourself.

Return deadline30 days
Governing statuteKy. Rev. Stat. § 383.580
Deposit limitNo statutory limit
Itemized deductionsRequired
Interest on depositNot required by statute
Last reviewedMay 2026

Kentucky-specific rules to know

No statutory deposit cap. Return within 30 days with itemised written statement. URLTA applies in jurisdictions that have adopted it.

What Kentucky law requires your landlord to do

Under Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580, a Kentucky landlord generally must return your deposit within 30 days and provide a written, itemized list of any amounts withheld. They may not deduct for ordinary wear and tear — only for damage beyond normal use, unpaid rent, or other charges the lease and statute allow.

What to do if your landlord won't return your deposit in Kentucky

  1. 1. Know your deadline

    In Kentucky, the return window is 30 days (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580). Mark the date you moved out and count forward.

  2. 2. Send a written demand

    Email and mail a dated letter requesting your full deposit, referencing the 30-day deadline under Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580. Keep proof of delivery. Renter's Vault generates a Kentucky-specific letter with the right statute citation filled in.

  3. 3. Gather your evidence

    Move-in and move-out photos with timestamps and location are the difference between your word and theirs. Attach your photo record and any move-in checklist.

  4. 4. Escalate to small claims

    If the landlord misses the deadline or won't respond, you can file in small claims court. Bring your dated demand letter and photo evidence.

Free Kentucky dispute-letter guide

A clear, statute-cited demand letter resolves most deposit disputes without ever going to court. Renter's Vault builds a Kentucky letter for you — pre-filled with Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580, your deadline, and your deductions — in three escalating versions (first request, formal demand, and notice of intent to file).

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Kentucky security deposit FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Kentucky?

Under Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580, a Kentucky landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days after you move out, along with an itemized statement of any deductions.

What can I do if my landlord won't return my deposit in Kentucky?

Send a written demand letter that cites Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580 and the deadline, keep copies of all communication and your move-in/move-out photos, and if that fails you can file in small claims court. Many states allow extra damages when a landlord withholds a deposit in bad faith.

Is there a limit on how much a landlord can charge for a deposit in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, the statutory deposit limit is: No statutory limit. Always confirm against the current statute, since limits and exceptions change.

Are there any special deposit rules in Kentucky?

Yes. Notable Kentucky rules: No statutory deposit cap. Return within 30 days with itemised written statement. URLTA applies in jurisdictions that have adopted it.

This page is general information for tenants, not legal advice, and laws change. Always confirm the current text of Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580 or consult a local attorney or tenants' rights organization for your situation. Last reviewed May 2026.