Getting the Deposit Back
KRS 383.580 — a separate account, a damage list signed at move in and move out
- A landlord keeps deposits in a separate account used only for that purpose, and tells the tenant where it is and the account number.
- Before taking a deposit, the landlord gives a list of existing damage with estimated repair costs; the tenant may inspect, and both sign or the tenant writes down what is disputed.
- At move out, the landlord inspects and lists any damage charged against the deposit, and the tenant may inspect and sign or dissent in writing.
- A landlord who kept no separate account and gave no move in and move out lists is not entitled to keep any of the deposit.
No set number of days. The act sets no deadline for the landlord to return a deposit. When the tenant leaves owing no rent with a refund due, the landlord sends notice of the amount to the last known address, and may keep the deposit if no response comes within 60 days. A tenant who leaves without paying the last month's rent and does not ask for the deposit can have it applied to that rent after 30 days.
A tenant who disputes the final list may sue in District Court, but only over items the tenant dissented from in writing.
This section is part of the landlord tenant act, which applies where the city or county has adopted it.
Sources for this section (2)
- KRS 383.580 — Security deposits
- KRS 383.500 — Local governments authorized to adopt provisions of the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act in their entirety and without amendment
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Kentucky attorney.