Security Deposit Not Returned in Kentucky: What Can I Do?
Kentucky law sets rules for your security deposit when you move out. Your landlord must give you a written list of any damage before keeping money from your deposit. It explains that list, when you can sue, and how to get your deposit back.
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When you move out, Kentucky law requires your landlord to inspect the home. Your landlord must make a written list of any damage that will be the basis for taking money from your deposit. The list must cover every item of damage, and give the cost to fix each one.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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You have the right to inspect the home yourself to check if your landlord's move-out damage list is correct. When you and your landlord both sign the list, Kentucky law says your signatures count as final proof that the list is correct.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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If you do not sign your landlord's move-out damage list, Kentucky law says you must write down exactly which items you disagree with. Sign that written statement instead of the list.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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If you do not sign the move-out list and do not say what you disagree with, Kentucky law says you get no money back. Sign the list, or write down and sign what you disagree with, when your landlord gives it to you at move-out.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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If you disagree with your landlord's move-out list, you can sue in Kentucky District Court (the state court for cases like this). Your case is limited to only the items you wrote down that you disagreed with, unless another law allows more. You get this money only if you win your case and your landlord pays.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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Kentucky law says your landlord cannot keep any part of your deposit if two things are both true. Your landlord did not put your deposit in a separate account. Your landlord also did not give you written damage lists when you moved in and when you moved out. If both are true, ask for your full deposit back.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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If you move out owing last month's rent, and do not ask for the deposit, Kentucky law allows your landlord to wait 30 days. After that, your landlord can take the deposit from the account to pay the rent you owe.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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If you move out owing no rent, and your landlord owes you money back, Kentucky law requires your landlord to mail you a notice. The notice must go to your last known address, or another address where your landlord can reasonably find you. It must say how much money you are owed.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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Your landlord must send you a notice saying how much money you are owed. If you do not respond within 60 days, Kentucky law lets your landlord keep the money for good. Your landlord can take it from the account, free of any claim from you.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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Take photos of the home when you move out, before your landlord's inspection if you can. Keep a copy of the signed move-out damage list and any written statement of what you disagreed with. Records like this can help you if you end up in court over your deposit.
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