There are no statewide rent control legislation in Kentucky in 2025, therefore landlords are free to raise rent by an unlimited amount annually.
There is no set percentage cap set by law, thus landlords are free to raise rents to market rates at any time a lease term ends or under a month-to-month agreement.
Kentucky Statute 383.595, which forbids local governments from passing rent control legislation, enforces this lack of rent control for both private residential and commercial buildings.
However, before raising rent, landlords must provide “reasonable notice.” It is customary for landlords to give 30 to 60 days’ written notice before a rent increase takes effect, especially under month-to-month leases, even though Kentucky law does not prescribe an exact notice time.
Only at lease renewal, with notice given in accordance with the conditions of the lease—which often follow the same 30- to 60-day guideline—can rent be increased for fixed-term leases.
To prevent problems, tenants should carefully read their lease agreement for any specific notice requirements and make sure landlords follow them.
Tenants may contest exorbitant or capricious rent increases during a continuous lease term, even though landlords are permitted to raise rent by any amount.
Tenants may choose to bargain with landlords for smaller increases, refuse irrational increases (risking eviction but possibly winning in court), file complaints with the Attorney General, plan collective actions like rent strikes (with legal prudence), or lobby local governments for rent stabilization ordinances, though state law currently preempts such local measures.
Other landlord-tenant laws pertaining to lease agreements, security deposits, habitability, eviction procedures, and anti-discrimination rules are also protected by Kentucky law.
Regardless of the regulations governing rent increases, these are nonetheless relevant.
In 2025, tenants in Kentucky should be aware of:
- The law permits rent increases without a cap.
- Landlords are required to give a fair amount of written notice in advance, usually 30 to 60 days.
- For fixed-term leases, rent increases only take place when the lease is renewed.
- Tenants have few but crucial rights and avenues to contest unjust rent increases.
- In order to preserve a free-market rent pricing structure, state statutes forbid local rent control schemes.
Tenants can anticipate and react to rent hikes in Kentucky’s present rental market environment more legally and efficiently if they are aware of these factors.
It is advised that you speak with a local housing attorney or tenant advocacy group if you require comprehensive advice on notice forms or bargaining tactics.
