Chapter 1
Kentucky Real Estate Law & Regulations
Course: Kentucky Real Estate Exams Prep
Subject: Kentucky State Sales Associate Exam Prep
Chapter: Eviction Process (KRS Chapter 383)
Critical Legal Principle: In Kentucky, a landlord cannot evict a tenant on their own. Only a court can order an eviction, and only the sheriff can enforce it. Any "self-help" action (changing locks, shutting off utilities, removing belongings) is illegal and can subject the landlord to significant damages.
The Notice to Quit (Required First Step):
- This is a formal, written notice served to the tenant, specifying the violation and the time to either cure it or vacate. The type of notice is determined by the violation:7-Day Notice for Non-Payment of Rent: The most common notice. The tenant has 7 days to pay the full past-due rent (including any late fees if specified in the lease). If they pay in full, the lease continues. If not, they must vacate by the 7th day.14-Day Notice for Lease Violations: For non-monetary breaches like an unauthorized pet, excessive noise, or unauthorized occupants. The tenant has 14 days to "cure" or remedy the violation (e.g., remove the pet). If cured, the lease continues. If not cured, they must vacate.Unconditional Notice to Quit (Immediate): For severe, non-curable violations. No opportunity to fix the problem is given. This applies to situations like illegal drug activity, substantial property damage, or actions that pose a direct threat to health and safety. The tenant is ordered to vacate immediately, and the landlord can file for eviction right away.
- 7-Day Notice for Non-Payment of Rent: The most common notice. The tenant has 7 days to pay the full past-due rent (including any late fees if specified in the lease). If they pay in full, the lease continues. If not, they must vacate by the 7th day.
- 14-Day Notice for Lease Violations: For non-monetary breaches like an unauthorized pet, excessive noise, or unauthorized occupants. The tenant has 14 days to "cure" or remedy the violation (e.g., remove the pet). If cured, the lease continues. If not cured, they must vacate.
- Unconditional Notice to Quit (Immediate): For severe, non-curable violations. No opportunity to fix the problem is given. This applies to situations like illegal drug activity, substantial property damage, or actions that pose a direct threat to health and safety. The tenant is ordered to vacate immediately, and the landlord can file for eviction right away.