Kentucky Security Deposit Law
Return deadline, statute, and penalties for Kentucky renters.
Return deadline
30 days
30 to 60 days depending on whether the tenant owes rent or is due a refund.
Penalty for late or wrongful withholding
Return of amount withheld; no fixed statutory multiplier
Governing statute
Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580
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Check my Kentucky deadlineKentucky security deposit questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Kentucky?
Under Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580, a Kentucky landlord generally has 30 days to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions. 30 to 60 days depending on whether the tenant owes rent or is due a refund.
What happens if a Kentucky landlord returns the deposit late?
Return of amount withheld; no fixed statutory multiplier. Courts usually decide whether a penalty applies, and many states require showing the landlord acted in bad faith.
Can a Kentucky landlord deduct from my deposit?
Landlords can generally deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, and must explain deductions in writing.
How do I demand my security deposit back in Kentucky?
Send your landlord a written demand letter that cites Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580, states the amount owed, and sets a deadline to pay. Send it by certified mail and keep a copy. If the landlord doesn't pay, the letter is useful evidence in small claims court.
Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Read the official text of Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580. This page is general information, not legal advice. See our terms of use.