What counts as abandonment under Kentucky law?

Abandonment generally means you’ve moved out and left personal belongings with no intent to return, such as after returning keys or eviction.

How long does my landlord have to keep my things?

If Kentucky’s URLTA applies, landlords must store your left-behind property for at least 30 days following written notice.

Can my landlord charge me to store my belongings?

Yes, landlords may charge reasonable storage costs and deduct them from any sale proceeds or require payment on return.

What should I do if I left something behind after moving out?

Contact your landlord immediately in writing, describe what you left, and arrange to pick it up before the notice period ends.

What if my property is thrown out unfairly?

You may file a complaint or claim in Kentucky District Court if you think your property was wrongfully disposed of.

Kentucky Rules for Left-Behind Property When Moving Out

Moving Out & Ending a Lease Kentucky published: June 21, 2025

Moving out is a busy time, and sometimes renters in Kentucky accidentally leave personal property behind. If this happens, both renters and landlords need to understand their rights and responsibilities under Kentucky law. This guide explains what happens to left-behind property when a lease ends or you move out, and the steps both sides must follow to avoid disputes.

Understanding Abandonment and Left-Behind Property

Abandonment, in rental law, means you’ve left your rental unit for good, and it looks like you don’t intend to return. If you leave things behind after your lease expires (or after an eviction), Kentucky law outlines what your landlord can and cannot do with your belongings.

When Does Property Count as Abandoned?

Usually, property is considered abandoned if all the following apply:

You have moved out or have been legally evicted.
You leave personal property in the rental unit.
Your lease is over, or there are clear signs you don’t intend to return (for example, returning keys, shutting off utilities, or written notice).

Total silence or unclear circumstances can make abandonment tricky. When in doubt, it helps to stay in communication with your landlord.

What Should Renters Know About Kentucky's Abandonment Rules?

Kentucky’s rental laws come mostly from the Kentucky Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), which applies in some—though not all—Kentucky counties and cities.^[1] If your area does not follow URLTA, local ordinances or general state law applies.

The law says landlords must take reasonable care of abandoned property. Here’s what typically happens:

Notice: The landlord should try to contact you, typically with a written notice, if they think you left things behind.
Storage: The landlord must store your belongings in a safe place (may be within the unit).
Time limit: Landlords usually must keep your property for at least 30 days after notice has been given, before disposing of it.^[2]
Disposal or Sale: If you do not claim your property in time, the landlord may sell, donate, or dispose of it. Any proceeds, minus storage/costs owed (like unpaid rent), should be returned to you if claimed.

Not all cities and counties in Kentucky use URLTA. To check if your area does, see local housing authority websites or ask your local court.

Required Form: 14-Day Abandonment Notice

Name: Abandonment of Property Notice (no statewide official form number).
How It's Used: A landlord uses this notice when property appears abandoned. It states the property will be stored for at least 30 days and how to reclaim it. If not reclaimed, it can be sold or thrown away. You might ask for a copy via your landlord or local housing office. A practical example: If you move out and forget a TV, your landlord should send this notice to your last known address and/or post it clearly in the unit.
Source: See Kentucky Revised Statutes, KRS 383.695

Tip: If you think you left property behind, contact your landlord right away in writing. This protects your claim and helps avoid disposal of your belongings.

What If You Want to Get Your Belongings Back?

If you realize something was left behind after moving out, take these steps:

Contact your landlord as soon as possible—preferably in writing—describing what you left and arrange a time to pick it up.
If you receive a 14-Day Abandonment Notice, respond before the deadline.
Be prepared to pay any reasonable storage or back rent costs if your landlord requests it (as allowed by law).

If you believe your property was wrongly discarded, you may file a claim in small claims court or contact your local District Court for guidance.

Key takeaway: Act quickly—the sooner you contact your landlord about left-behind property, the better your chances of recovering your things.

What Does the Law Say? (Legislation and Tribunal Information)

Legislation: The primary law is the Kentucky Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, mainly KRS 383.695.
Tribunal: Kentucky’s District Courts oversee residential landlord-tenant disputes, including abandoned property.

It’s essential to check if URLTA applies to your area. Your local city or county website can help, or you can consult Kentucky Legal Aid.

FAQ: Kentucky Abandonment and Left-Behind Property

What counts as "abandonment" under Kentucky law?
Abandonment generally means you’ve moved out and left personal belongings with no clear intent to return—such as after returning keys, official eviction, or written notice.
How long does my landlord have to keep my things?
If URLTA applies, landlords must store left-behind property for at least 30 days after written notice before selling or disposing of it.
What should I do if I realize I left property after moving out?
Contact your landlord right away, in writing if possible. Arrange a time to recover your property and respond promptly to any notices you receive.
Can my landlord charge me to store my things?
Yes, landlords may charge reasonable storage costs and may deduct these from any proceeds if the property is sold.
What if I think my property was wrongfully disposed of?
You may file a complaint or claim in Kentucky District Court and should gather any communications or notices as evidence.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

If you leave property behind after moving out, you have the right to reclaim it within the notice period if URLTA applies.
Contact your landlord quickly and keep copies of all communication.
Check if your city or county follows URLTA, as rules might differ.

Knowing Kentucky’s rules can help you protect your belongings and avoid misunderstandings when ending a lease.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Kentucky District Courts – File a complaint or get information on landlord-tenant cases.
Kentucky Legal Aid – Free legal advice for renters in Kentucky.
Kentucky Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) – Full text of the current statute.
Local housing authority or city website – For information about whether URLTA applies in your area.

See Kentucky Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), especially KRS 383.695 (Abandonment of Property).
Official notice periods and disposal procedures: KRS 383.695.