Kentucky Repair & Habitability Laws
In URLTA counties, Kentucky landlords must maintain rental units in compliance with housing codes and keep essential systems operational.
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Key Rules
- Repair And Deduct
- Yes — up to one month's rent after 14 days written notice (URLTA counties)
- Rent Withholding
- Tenant may terminate agreement for material habitability failure (URLTA counties)
- Habitability Standard
- Housing code compliance; working plumbing, heating, electrical, and HVAC
- Notice Required
- 14 days written notice to landlord before invoking repair-and-deduct (URLTA counties)
Applicable Statutes
Landlord's duties (URLTA counties): landlord must comply with applicable housing codes, maintain structural components, and keep plumbing, heating, electrical, and air-conditioning systems in working condition.
Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.635
Tenant remedies for failure to maintain: in URLTA counties, if landlord fails to repair after 14 days written notice, tenant may repair and deduct up to one month's rent or terminate the agreement.
Legal Aid Resources
Appalachian Research and Defense Fund of Kentucky (AppalReD)
Eastern and rural Kentucky
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Not Legal Advice. This site provides general educational information only — not legal counsel. Laws vary by location. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.