Kentucky Security Deposit Limit
no statutory limitKentucky has no statewide statutory cap on residential security deposits — the amount is a matter of contract between you and the landlord. That makes reviewing the deposit clause in your lease especially important.
Educational information: generated from our Kentucky law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
How Kentucky compares
30 of 51 US jurisdictions cap security deposits by statute; the other 21 set no statewide cap (local caps can still apply in some cities). Here is how Kentucky compares with other states in our database.
| State | Security Deposit Limit |
|---|---|
| Kentucky | no statutory limit |
| Louisiana | no statutory limit |
| Maine | 2 months' rent (most tenancies) |
| Maryland | 1 month's rent |
| Massachusetts | 1 month's rent |
Frequently asked questions
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Kentucky?
- Kentucky sets no statewide statutory maximum on security deposits, so the amount is negotiated in the lease. Kentucky is one of 21 US jurisdictions without a statewide deposit cap. No statutory limit (typically 1-2 months rent collected). Must be held in separate escrow account and tenant notified of location. Return within 30 days with itemized statement. Penalty: up to 2x amount wrongfully withheld. Must provide pre-existing damage list.
- Does Kentucky require landlords to pay interest on security deposits?
- No. Kentucky does not have a statewide requirement that landlords pay interest on security deposits.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Kentucky?
- Kentucky landlords generally must return the deposit within 30 days after move-out.
Check Your Lease Against Kentucky Law
Not sure whether your lease complies with Kentucky law? Upload it and our analyzer flags problem clauses — deposit terms, entry rights, fees and prohibited provisions — using the same statute-backed database this page is generated from.
Analyze My Lease FreeEducational tool — not legal advice. First analysis is free, no signup required.
More Kentucky lease law guides
Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in Kentucky for your specific situation.