Key answer: Kentucky has no fixed dollar cap, but a fee of $20 or 20% of the monthly rent is deemed reasonable by statute (KRS 359.215). Rent must be 5 days past due before any late fee may be charged.
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fee cap | $20 or 20% of monthly rent deemed reasonable |
| Grace period | 5 days |
| Must be in lease? | Required — no clause, no fee |
| Source | Ky. Rev. Stat. §359.215 |
There is no fixed dollar cap, but a fee of $20 or 20% of the monthly rent is deemed reasonable by statute (KRS 359.215). For $1,000 rent, 20% is $200 — many landlords charge far less. The fee cannot be charged until rent is 5 days late and must be in writing.
What is the maximum late fee a landlord can charge in Kentucky?
Kentucky has no fixed dollar cap, but a fee of $20 or 20% of the monthly rent is deemed reasonable by statute (KRS 359.215).
When can a Kentucky landlord charge a late fee?
Rent must be 5 days past due before any late fee may be charged.
Does the late fee have to be in the lease in Kentucky?
Yes. The fee must be in the written lease or rental agreement — no clause, no fee.
Can a Kentucky landlord charge a daily late fee?
Only if the lease allows it and the total charge stays within the legal cap — a daily fee cannot be used to get around the limit.
What happens if a Kentucky landlord charges an illegal late fee?
A fee above the legal limit can be challenged; courts may void the fee or the entire clause as unconscionable.
Is a $20 or 20% Kentucky late fee automatically allowed?
A fee of $20 or 20% of the monthly rent is deemed reasonable by statute, but the fee must be in writing and cannot be charged until rent is 5 days late.
We have not confirmed a statewide rent-increase cap for Kentucky. Notice requirements depend on the lease type (month-to-month vs. fixed term) — check your lease and local rules.
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Not legal advice. Verify against your lease and local rules.
Calculate your Kentucky late fee