Kentucky Landlord Tenant Rights

Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Kentucky?

This question is about Kentucky Landlord Tenant Rights

In Kentucky, landlord entry is primarily governed by the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), specifically KRS § 383.615. Note that URLTA only applies in Kentucky cities and counties that have formally adopted it (such as Louisville and Lexington).

Legal Entry Without Prior Permission

As of 2026, a landlord may bypass the standard notice requirement only in the following scenarios:

  • Emergencies: Immediate entry is permitted for crises like fire, gas leaks, or flooding ( KRS § 383.615(2)).

  • Abandonment or Surrender: If the tenant has permanently moved out, no notice is required ( KRS § 383.615(4)).

  • Extended Absence: If a tenant is gone for more than seven days, the landlord may enter at times “reasonably necessary” for maintenance ( KRS § 383.670).

Requirements for Standard Entry

For routine repairs, inspections, or showing the unit to prospective tenants/buyers:

  • Two-Day Notice: The landlord must provide at least two days’ notice of their intent to enter ( KRS § 383.615(3)).

  • Reasonable Times: Entry must occur at “reasonable times.”

  • Tenant Obligations: A tenant cannot unreasonably withhold consent for a landlord to enter for these lawful purposes.

Protections Against Abuse

  • Harassment: Landlords are legally prohibited from abusing the right of access or using it to harass a tenant ( KRS § 383.700).

  • Legal Remedies: If a landlord enters illegally or repeatedly without notice, the tenant may seek an injunction, terminate the lease, and recover at least one month’s rent plus attorney’s fees.

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The information for this answer was found on our Kentucky Landlord Tenant Rights answers.

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