How to Serve Eviction & Lease Termination Notices in Kentucky

Last Updated: November 21, 2022 by Marnie Snyder

In Kentucky, in order for the delivery of a lease termination or eviction notice to be legal, certain rules and procedures must be followed. If they are not and the case proceeds to court, the case may be postponed or dismissed by a judge.

Who Can Serve Notices in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, landlords can serve eviction notices and lease termination notices themselves. Landlords may choose to hire a sheriff, process server or independent party over eighteen (18) years old to serve an official notice, but they are not required to do so by law.

When Can Notices Be Served in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, lease termination and eviction notices can be served immediately on any day of the week and at any time of day.

For a 7 Day Notice to Quit, the eviction notice for tenants that do not pay rent in full and on time, a landlord can serve notice the day after rent is due. There is no grace period in Kentucky, rent is late starting the day after it’s due.

Acceptable Forms of Service in Kentucky

A landlord can deliver notices in Kentucky using either of the below acceptable methods:
[1]

1. Handing the notice to the tenant in person;
2. Mailing the notice by registered or certified mail with a return receipt.

When sending the notice by registered or certified mail, add three (3) calendar days
[2]
to the notice period to account for variability in post office delivery times.

Obtaining Proof of Service in Kentucky

A landlord can demonstrate proof that a notice was delivered through the following methods:

• Hand Delivery – by completing a Declaration of Service at the time of delivery.
• Registered or Certified Mail – via a return receipt and by completing a Declaration of Service at the time of mailing.

Kentucky Eviction & Lease Termination Notice Forms