Pet Rent Rules for Kentucky Renters: What Landlords Can Charge

If you rent a home or apartment in Kentucky and have a pet (or are thinking of adding one), it's important to understand state laws around pet rent, deposits, and related fees. This guide explains your rights and what landlords can and cannot charge in Kentucky—including any rules or limits on pet rent—as of 2024.

Can Landlords Charge Pet Rent in Kentucky?

Yes. Under Kentucky law, landlords can generally charge pet rent—a monthly fee for having a pet in the rental property. This is separate from regular rent and any other one-time fees or deposits.

Unlike some states, Kentucky does not have a specific law that sets a dollar cap or percentage limit on how much pet rent a landlord can charge. The amount is typically set in your lease agreement and must be agreed to by both parties.

Types of Pet Fees Landlords May Charge

• Pet Rent: A recurring monthly fee for having a pet.
• Pet Deposit: A refundable deposit to cover potential pet-related damages.
• Pet Fee: A one-time, non-refundable charge.

Kentucky law allows landlords to ask for these fees as long as they are clearly listed in your lease agreement and are not used to discriminate against renters.

Are There Caps or Limits on Pet Rent?

There is no statewide cap on pet rent or pet deposits in Kentucky. However, landlords may not charge excessive fees intended to discourage pet ownership or circumvent other rental protections.

• The Kentucky Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (KRS Chapter 383) governs most rental agreements in participating cities and counties¹.
• Landlords can require a security deposit, which may include a separate amount for pets, as long as the terms are clear in the lease¹.
• There are no specific state-required forms for pet rent, but any pet fees should be documented in your lease agreement.

Some Kentucky cities have adopted the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), while others follow common law. Always check with your local city or county housing office to confirm if URLTA applies and if there are additional local rules.

Exceptions for Service and Support Animals

Landlords cannot charge extra fees, rent, or deposits for service animals or emotional support animals that assist a renter with a disability. This protection comes from the federal Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act^2,3.

What Should Be Included in Your Lease?

Your lease should spell out any pet-related rules and charges, including:

• The amount and type of each pet fee (pet rent, deposit, or fee)
• Any restrictions on types, sizes, or numbers of pets
• Conditions for refunding a pet deposit (if applicable)

Make sure you understand—and agree to—all terms before signing. Request a copy of the signed lease for your records.

Official Forms and Where to Find Them

• Lease Agreement (No State Number): This is your primary contract; it must specify pet rent and other charges. Example: Before moving in with a cat, your landlord presents a lease spelling out a $25/month pet rent. You sign and receive a copy.
• For cities/counties under URLTA, sample lease templates are sometimes available from your local county attorney's office or city housing department. Check with your city/county for official documents.

Kentucky does not provide a statewide "pet rent" form, but always use a written lease or addendum for any fees. See the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General's Landlord-Tenant Resources for guidance.

Who Handles Rental Disputes in Kentucky?

Most residential tenancy disputes in Kentucky are resolved through local courts. In areas that have adopted the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), disputes may be addressed through district court proceedings under the Act.

• Contact your local District Court for filing complaints or disputes.
• Legislation: Kentucky Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (KRS Chapter 383)

FAQ: Kentucky Pet Rent Rules

1. Can my landlord increase my rent just because I get a pet in Kentucky?
   Yes, if your lease allows for pet rent or includes a pet addendum, your landlord can charge extra as agreed. Any increase should be clear in writing, and you must accept the new terms.
2. Is there a limit to how much pet rent my landlord can charge?
   No statewide dollar limit exists in Kentucky. The amount should be reasonable and stated in your lease.
3. Are service animals or emotional support animals subject to pet rent or deposits?
   No. Both federal and Kentucky law prohibit landlords from charging any fees for service or support animals.
4. What do I do if I believe I’m being unfairly charged?
   You can contact your local District Court, local housing authority, or the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General to file a complaint or seek guidance.
5. Do I need any special form to pay pet rent in Kentucky?
   No official state form is required. All charges must appear in your written lease agreement or a written lease addendum.

Conclusion: What Kentucky Renters Should Remember

• Kentucky allows landlords to charge pet rent, but there are no state-mandated caps.
• All pet fees must be spelled out in a written lease or addendum.
• Service animals and emotional support animals are protected by law and cannot be charged additional fees.

Review your lease carefully, ask questions, and reach out to official resources if you have concerns about pet-related charges.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Kentucky Office of the Attorney General: Landlord/Tenant Resources
• Kentucky District Courts – for dispute resolution
• U.S. HUD Kentucky: Renting Information
• Find your Local County Attorney's Office – some offer rental assistance or information

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1. Kentucky Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (KRS Chapter 383)
2. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Service and Assistance Animals
3. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Service Animal guidance

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