Reference: the security deposit rule in each state and covered city. To settle a deposit, use the free Deposit settlement tool.

Reference

Security deposit rules in Kentucky

Kentucky: no statutory deadline to return the deposit. Interest: no. Penalty if the rule is not followed (no bad faith needed): forfeiture of the right to withhold. (KRS 383.580 (URLTA; applies only where a city or county adopted KRS 383.505-383.705))

The rule in plain words

Return by: No statutory deadline.
Deductions allowed: unpaid rent, damage beyond wear. Normal wear and tear never. Depreciation: none.
Interest: No.
Penalty: forfeiture of the right to withhold if the rule is not followed (no bad faith needed).
Who it covers: The statute applies only in localities that adopted the URLTA (KRS 383.500); per secondary sources these include Louisville/Jefferson County and Lexington-Fayette. Elsewhere common law governs,.

The rule text

In the event the tenant leaves not owing rent and having any refund due, the landlord shall send notification to the last known or reasonably determinable address, of the amount of any refund due the tenant. In the event the landlord shall not have received a response from the tenant within sixty (60) days from the sending of such notification, the landlord may ... retain it

KRS 383.580(7). Source: KRS 383.580 Security deposits, read 2026-10-09.

Notes on this rule (3)

No deposit cap in the statute.
Not a landlord deadline: KRS 383.580(6): landlord may apply the deposit to the debt after 30 days.
Not a landlord deadline: KRS 383.580(7): 60 days run from the landlord's refund notice; this is the tenant's response window, not a landlord deadline.

Research notes (2)

How we sourced this rule: where the text was read and what we could not check.

normal_wear_excluded is set true by inference: 383.580 only allows charges for listed damage, and the section does not use the phrase 'normal wear'.
Official text is a PDF from apps.legislature.ky.gov (statute.aspx?id=35733), effective 1984-07-13.

Worked example

A $2,000.00 deposit; the tenant moved in on June 1, 2023 and out on September 30, 2026. Intended deductions: $300.00 unpaid rent, $150.00 cleaning and a $1,200.00 carpet that was 5 years old.

Return by: No deadline
The statute sets none.
Allowed deductions: $1,500.00
Of $1,650.00 claimed.
Refund due: $500.00
Interest $0.00.

The draft statement for this example

DRAFT ITEMIZED STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT
Rule: KRS 383.580 (URLTA; applies only where a city or county adopted KRS 383.505-383.705) (Kentucky)
Move-out date: September 30, 2026

Security deposit held                            $2,000.00
Deduction: Unpaid rent                            -$300.00
Deduction: Carpet                               -$1,200.00
Total deductions                                -$1,500.00
Refund due to tenant                               $500.00
Return by                                   No statutory deadline: return it promptly.

Notes:
- Itemized under KRS 383.580 (URLTA; applies only where a city or county adopted KRS 383.505-383.705).

Settle a deposit in Kentucky

required

Where and how much

The state sets the rules; a covered city adds its own.

StateCityAdds the city's ordinance where we cover one.Deposit heldMonthly rentChecks the deposit cap.Units in the buildingInterest depends on it in IL, NY.

Dates

The dates start the clock.

Tenant moved outTenancy startedFor interest and item ages.Lease endedIf not the move-out day.Forwarding address receivedStarts or holds the clock in CT, IA, MN, RI, SD, TX, WY.Tenant's written demand receivedStarts the clock in AZ, KS, MD, MS, OK, SC, UT.New tenant moved inCan start the clock in WI, WV.Notice of claim sentFlorida: the day you sent the notice of your claimReturn period in the lease (days)The lease may set it in CO, ID, ME.

The tenant gave the notice the statute requiresChanges the deadline in AK.Repairs exceed the deposit and need a contractorCan extend the deadline in VA, WV.

Check as of another date

Check as ofDefaults to today. Use it to see where a past or future date stands.

Deductions

What you intend to keep; leave it empty to return everything. An item's age depreciates carpet, paint, blinds and appliances.

Deduction 1

CategoryAmountItem age or install dateNormal wear and tearOrdinary aging: never deductible.

Up to 9 lines.

Documentation

Some states require receipts or dated photos before a deduction stands.

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Computes and cites the published rule; it is not legal advice. You sign the statement: check the statute, your lease and any local ordinance first. Read the disclaimer.

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