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Kentucky security deposit law: deadline, deductions and penalties

Quick answer

Kentucky law sets no fixed number of days for a landlord to return a security deposit (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580). Under Kentucky law, the tenant can recover the amount wrongfully withheld, and the court may award costs or attorney's fees.

Checked against the statute on October 29, 2026.

Kentucky sets no fixed number of days for returning a security deposit

The deadline

Kentucky's statute doesn't set a fixed number of days to return a deposit. It requires written move-in and move-out damage listings, and a landlord who owes a refund must notify the tenant, who then has 60 days to respond.

What the landlord must send you

A comprehensive listing of any damage, with estimated repair costs, compiled at move-out; the tenant may sign it or dissent in writing item by item.

If the landlord misses the deadline

A landlord who didn't keep the deposit in a separate account or didn't provide the move-in and move-out listings may not keep any part of it (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580(4)).

Penalty for wrongful withholding

A tenant who disputed the damage listing in writing may sue in district court for the amount wrongfully withheld (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580(5)).

Read the law

Summary checked against the statute on October 29, 2026. Not legal advice; laws change, so confirm with the source before relying on it.

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Kentucky security deposit FAQ

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

Kentucky's statute doesn't set a fixed number of days to return a deposit. It requires written move-in and move-out damage listings, and a landlord who owes a refund must notify the tenant, who then has 60 days to respond.

What must a Kentucky landlord send when keeping part of the deposit?

A comprehensive listing of any damage, with estimated repair costs, compiled at move-out; the tenant may sign it or dissent in writing item by item.

What happens if a Kentucky landlord misses the deadline?

A landlord who didn't keep the deposit in a separate account or didn't provide the move-in and move-out listings may not keep any part of it (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580(4)).

What is the penalty for wrongfully keeping a security deposit in Kentucky?

A tenant who disputed the damage listing in writing may sue in district court for the amount wrongfully withheld (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580(5)).

How do I get my security deposit back in Kentucky?

Give your landlord a forwarding address in writing, keep records of the move-out inspection and any damage listing, then send a demand letter by certified mail that cites Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580 and sets a payment date. If the landlord still doesn't pay, you can file in small claims court in the county where the rental is located.

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