Challenging Illegal Rental Fees in Kentucky: A Renter’s Guide

If you’re renting a home or apartment in Kentucky, it’s important to understand what fees your landlord can and cannot charge. Sometimes, renters in Kentucky find unexpected or questionable charges added to their rent bill. Knowing how to challenge illegal fees can protect your rights and your budget.

What Counts as an Illegal Fee on Your Rent Bill?

In Kentucky, rental agreements are primarily governed by the Kentucky Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), adopted in some cities and counties^[1]. If you live in a city or county that has enacted URLTA—such as Lexington-Fayette, Louisville-Jefferson, and a handful of others—your landlord cannot charge fees not listed in your lease agreement or permitted by law.

• Illegal fees may include charges for normal wear and tear, arbitrary "administrative fees," or penalties not specified in your lease.
• Security deposit deductions must also follow specific rules under Kentucky law.

Common Examples of Illegal or Questionable Fees

• Charging for repairs due to ordinary wear and tear.
• “Move-in” or “move-out” fees not stated in the lease.
• Late fees that exceed reasonable or state/local limits.
• Non-refundable deposits labeled as “fees” when deposits must be refundable.

Each rental agreement is unique, so always check your signed lease and compare listed fees to what is being charged.

Your Rights as a Kentucky Renter

The local housing authority or court in your city or county will handle disputes if your area has adopted URLTA. Even if your community hasn’t adopted URLTA, state law prevents certain unfair or excessive charges. For more information, visit the Kentucky Housing Corporation website or consult your city/county government’s housing department.

How to Challenge Illegal Rental Fees in Kentucky

Challenging an illegal fee starts with reviewing your lease and communicating clearly with your landlord. Follow these steps:

• Read your lease carefully: Make sure the fee is not described anywhere in your signed rental agreement.
• Gather documentation: Collect copies of your lease, rent bills, and any communication with your landlord about the fee.
• Contact your landlord in writing: Clearly state why you believe the fee is not allowed and request its removal. Keep copies.
• Submit a formal complaint if unresolved: If the landlord refuses to correct the charge, you can file a complaint with your local housing authority or pursue action in small claims court in Kentucky.

Official Forms to Use

• Tenant’s Complaint Form
  Used to report and document disputes about unlawful charges or landlord actions under URLTA in participating counties/cities.
  Example: If your landlord refuses to remove an unlisted administrative fee, you complete the form and submit it to the local Housing Department.
  Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Landlord/Tenant Complaint Form
  (No statewide number; use the one for your city/county, such as Lexington or Louisville)
• Small Claims Complaint Form (AOC-175)
  Used to file a claim for unlawful charges or improper withholding of deposits when local administrative remedies are unavailable.
  Example: Your landlord charges a late fee not in your lease and refuses to remove it—after trying direct communication, you file this form in your county district court.
  Download Kentucky Small Claims Complaint Form (AOC-175)

Where to File Rental Disputes

The Kentucky District Court handles small claims and rental disputes if your city/county lacks a rental housing board.
If you live in Lexington-Fayette, file through the Lexington Department of Housing, Advocacy & Community Development or your local authority.

What You Need to File a Complaint

Before submitting a formal complaint, make sure you:

• Have a current copy of your lease agreement.
• Can show proof of the contested fee (a bill, statement, or email).
• Can communicate clearly, in writing, with your landlord about the issue before escalating.

This preparation increases your chances of fixing the issue without court involvement, but supports your case if needed.

FAQ: Challenging Rental Fees in Kentucky

1. Can my landlord charge any fee they want in Kentucky?
   No. Fees must be disclosed in your rental agreement and cannot violate local or state laws. Arbitrary or excessive charges are often illegal, especially in URLTA cities.
2. I already paid an illegal fee—can I get it back?
   Yes. Document your payment and request a refund in writing. If the landlord refuses, you may file a complaint with your city/county or use the Small Claims Complaint Form in district court.
3. What do I do if my landlord threatens eviction after I dispute a fee?
   Kentucky law prohibits retaliatory eviction in response to a valid complaint. Keep all communication records and consult legal aid if you suspect retaliation.
4. How do I know if my county follows the Kentucky URLTA?
   Check with your local government or the Kentucky Housing Corporation for a current list of participating communities or search "[your city/county] landlord tenant ordinance."
5. Where can I get legal help to challenge illegal fees?
   Contact Kentucky Legal Aid or your city/county housing department for free or low-cost assistance.

Key Takeaways for Kentucky Renters

• Illegal fees are those not disclosed in your lease or prohibited by Kentucky law.
• Always communicate with your landlord in writing and keep records.
• Use official complaint forms or small claims court if the issue isn’t resolved.

Understanding and asserting your rights, and using official channels, empowers you to handle rental fee disputes more confidently.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Kentucky Housing Corporation – State housing information and referrals
• Lexington Department of Housing, Advocacy & Community Development – Handles landlord/tenant complaints in Lexington
• Louisville Metro Office of Housing and Community Development
• Kentucky District Court – For filing small claims statewide
• Kentucky Legal Aid – Free legal help for low-income renters

---

1. Kentucky Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (KRS Chapter 383)
2. Kentucky Small Claims Complaint Form (AOC-175)
3. Lexington Landlord/Tenant Complaint Form
4. Kentucky Housing Corporation – Tenant Resources

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations