| Quick Facts | Answer |
| Reason Needed | No |
| Max / Limit | None |
| Notice Requirement | No Statute |
Does Kentucky Have Rent Control?
No, Kentucky does not have rent control laws limiting the amount that landlords may ask for rent and state law prohibits local governments from establishing their own rent control laws.
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent By in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, landlords can raise the rent by any amount that they wish. There is no legal limit or cap on the amount of a rent increase.
When Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, landlords can raise the rent for any reason as long as they give proper notice, don’t do so during the fixed term of a lease (unless the lease allows for it), and aren’t doing so for certain discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
When Can’t a Landlord Raise Rent in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, landlords cannot raise the rent during the middle of a lease’s fixed term (unless stated otherwise in the lease agreement), for certain discriminatory reasons (like race or age), or for certain retaliatory reasons (such as in response to a tenant filing a complaint).
The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination due to:
- Age
- Race
- Gender (including gender identity)
- Sexual orientation
- Religion
- Nationality or origin
- Familial status
- Disability
Kentucky law also prevents landlords from increasing rent in retaliation. An action by a landlord is considered retaliatory if it occurs within one year after something a tenant does. Rent increases are considered retaliatory if they are in response to a tenant:
- Filing a complaint with the appropriate agency regarding the health or safety of the property
- Filing a complaint with the landlord regarding essential services
- Joining or organizing a tenants’ group or union
How Much Notice is Needed to Raise Rent in Kentucky?
Unlike many other states, Kentucky law does not require a specific notice period before raising rent.
Even though state law has no minimum notice period, Kentucky law still requires that landlords act in good faith, meaning they must give the tenant reasonable notice when increasing rent. In many states, one month is considered reasonable.
How Often Can Rent Be Increased in Kentucky?
Landlords in Kentucky can increase the rent as often as they wish, as long as reasonable notice is provided each time.
Sources
- 1 KY Rev Stat § 65.875
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… only the General Assembly shall enact legislation which would control rents on private property.
Source Link - 2 KY Rev Stat § 383.705
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…a landlord may not retaliate by increasing rent…
Source Link - 3 KY Rev Stat § 383.705
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In an action by or against the tenant,
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evidence of a complaint within one (1) year before the alleged act of retaliation creates a presumption that the landlord’s conduct was in retaliation. - 4 KY Rev Stat § 383.550
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…every act which must be performed…imposes an obligation of good faith in its performance or enforcement.
Source Link