Kentucky Emergency Exit Lighting Requirements for Renters

Renters in Kentucky have the right to a safe living environment, which includes properly illuminated emergency exits in apartment buildings and multi-unit rentals. Emergency exit lighting helps ensure everyone can quickly leave the building during a fire, power outage, or other emergencies. This article explains Kentucky's rules on emergency exit lighting in rental properties, your rights, landlord responsibilities, and what to do if you notice problems.

What Are Emergency Exit Lighting Standards?

Emergency exit lighting refers to lights that remain on or automatically turn on if the power fails, so hallways, exits, and stairways are visible. In Kentucky, the standards for these lights are mainly set by building and fire codes enforced by state and local governments.

• Visibility: Exit signs must be clearly visible and illuminated at all times.
• Power Backup: Signs and lights must work for at least 90 minutes during a power outage, using batteries or an emergency generator.
• Location: Emergency lighting is usually required in shared areas: corridors, stairwells, exit passageways, and over exit doors in multi-unit dwellings.
• Inspections: Landlords/property managers are responsible for regular testing and maintenance.

These requirements help ensure renters can safely exit the building when needed.

What Does the Law Say in Kentucky?

Kentucky uses the Kentucky Building Code (KBC) and the Kentucky Fire Prevention Code, which both adopt standards from national codes. For renters, this means landlords must provide and maintain working emergency exit signage and lighting in all buildings where codes apply.^[1]

While the Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 383 - Landlord and Tenant Act does not specifically mention emergency lighting, it does require landlords to comply with applicable building and housing codes affecting health and safety.^[2] This makes emergency lighting a legal safety requirement when the property falls under these codes.

Landlord Responsibilities for Emergency Exit Lighting

Landlords must ensure:

• All required emergency exits and common areas have proper lighting.
• Exit signs and emergency lights are functional and maintained regularly.
• Compliance with annual or periodic safety inspections, when mandated by local fire officials.

If a landlord fails to fix a non-working exit sign or emergency light, it could be a violation of the Kentucky landlord-tenant act and building codes. This could impact the habitability of your unit.

What Should Renters Do If Exit Lights Are Out?

If you notice an emergency exit light is broken or missing:

• Notify your landlord or property manager in writing as soon as possible. Describe the issue clearly and request prompt repair.
• Keep a copy or photo of your written request for your records.
• If the landlord does not respond within a "reasonable time" (often 14 days), consider filing a formal complaint with your local codes enforcement office or fire marshal.
• If the problem continues, and you believe it affects your health or safety, you may have the right to take further steps as outlined in Kentucky's Landlord and Tenant Act.

Tip: Always document your communications regarding safety concerns with your landlord. This protects your rights and helps in case you need to escalate your complaint.

Relevant Complaint Forms

• Kentucky Housing Code Complaint Form
  When to use: If your landlord doesn't fix emergency exit lighting after written notice, you can submit this form to your city or county codes enforcement department. For example, Lexington renters can use the Lexington Code Enforcement Complaint Form to report unaddressed safety violations.
• Tenant Complaint Form (Local Fire Marshall or Codes Department)
  When to use: If you’re unable to resolve the issue with your landlord, you may report violations directly to your local codes office using their complaint process. Search for your city or county’s “code enforcement complaint” or visit your local government website for the appropriate form.

Which Tribunal Handles Kentucky Renters’ Disputes?

The local District Court generally handles landlord-tenant disputes in Kentucky. Some cities or counties may have rental housing complaint boards or codes enforcement offices that address safety and habitability violations before going to court.

If you believe the lack of working emergency lighting poses a serious threat to your safety and your landlord does not resolve it, you may file a complaint or, if needed, start a court case following the process in the Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 383.^[2]

FAQ: Kentucky Emergency Exit Lighting in Rentals

1. Are landlords required to have emergency exit lights in all Kentucky rentals?
   Emergency exit lights are generally required in apartment buildings and multi-unit rentals, especially in shared spaces like hallways and stairs, as outlined by the Kentucky Building Code. Single-family homes usually don’t have this requirement, but landlords must always comply with relevant safety codes.
2. What should I do if the emergency exit lighting is not working?
   Notify your landlord or property manager in writing and ask for repairs. If not fixed quickly, use your local codes enforcement or housing complaint process to report the issue.
3. Can I withhold rent if my landlord ignores safety repairs?
   It is not recommended to withhold rent without seeking legal advice. Kentucky law allows renters to request repairs and may permit certain remedies, but you should follow the process in state law and consider contacting your local court or legal assistance first.
4. How fast must landlords fix broken emergency exit lights?
   Repairs should be made within a "reasonable time" (typically 14 days after being notified), especially if the issue affects health or safety. Anytime life safety is involved, prompt action is expected by codes and fire officials.
5. What is the penalty for landlords who don’t comply with exit lighting laws?
   Landlords who ignore these requirements could face fines, orders to repair, or even court action, which may include renter remedies for unaddressed safety issues.

Key Takeaways for Kentucky Renters

• Most multi-unit rentals must have functional emergency exit lighting to meet safety codes.
• Landlords are responsible for repairs; renters should document and promptly report any issues.
• Use local government complaint forms or the district court if safety issues aren’t fixed.

Staying proactive about emergency lighting protects your safety and your legal rights as a Kentucky renter.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Kentucky District Court — Handles landlord and tenant disputes.
• Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 383 – Landlord & Tenant Act
• Lexington-Fayette Code Enforcement Complaint Form (Check for your local city or county's code enforcement webpage.)
• Kentucky Housing Corporation — Renter Information
• Full text of Kentucky Landlord and Tenant laws

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1. See Section 1004.3 of the Kentucky Building Code (incorporates 2018 International Building Code).
2. Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 383 – Landlord and Tenant Act (see section on landlord obligations).

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