How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, the security deposit and an itemized statement of any deductions are generally due generally 30–60 days depending on circumstances (KRS 383.580). Missing the deadline can forfeit the right to withhold and expose the landlord to added damages. Confirm the current statute for your situation.

Do deductions have to be itemized?

Yes — in nearly every state a landlord must provide an itemized statement listing each deduction, not a vague lump sum. This generator lists each deduction on its own line with an amount and does the refund math.

Is the letter generator free?

Yes — free, no signup. It itemizes deductions, does the refund math, cites the state deadline, and can email the PDF so the timestamp documents timely delivery.

Free tool · No signup · Pre-set for Kentucky

Kentucky Security Deposit Return Law & Letter

In Kentucky, the deposit and an itemized statement are generally due generally 30–60 days depending on circumstances (KRS 383.580). Build the letter below — deductions listed line by line and the refund math done.

Start your Kentucky letter →

KRS 383.580 — the deadline to return the deposit and send the itemized statement

Kentucky provides for the deposit’s return generally 30–60 days depending on circumstances (KRS 383.580). At 60 days, Kentucky is the most generous of the 26 states verified here. That is not a reason to use all of it: the clock starts at move-out, not when you get around to it.

Tenancy ends	Letter must be sent by
January 31, 2026	April 1, 2026
April 15, 2026	June 14, 2026
July 31, 2026	September 29, 2026
November 30, 2026	January 29, 2027

What the Kentucky letter has to contain

Every deduction on its own line. Kentucky requires an itemized statement rather than a lump sum (KRS 383.580).
The arithmetic, shown. Deposit held, each deduction, and the balance refunded or still owed — so nothing has to be taken on trust.
Where the refund went. The forwarding address you sent it to, and how.

Proving you sent it in time

The deadline is about when the letter left, and in a dispute that is the fact in question. Email gives you a timestamp for nothing; certified mail gives you a receipt. Either beats posting it second class and hoping. Whatever you use, keep the copy you sent — a Kentucky deadline you met but cannot evidence is not much better than one you missed.

Write the Kentucky letter →

Working out what you can defensibly deduct is a separate job from writing the letter — that lives on the Kentucky deduction page, which prorates each item by its remaining useful life.

Other states: Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · All states

Kentucky rule last checked 2026-07-23 against KRS 383.580. General information, not legal advice — verify the current statute before you rely on it.

Everything else we’ve researched about Kentucky

Same state, the problems either side of this one. Each carries its own statute and the date we last checked it.

Questions people ask

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Kentucky?: In Kentucky, the security deposit and an itemized statement of any deductions are generally due generally 30–60 days depending on circumstances (KRS 383.580). Missing the deadline can forfeit the right to withhold and expose the landlord to added damages. Confirm the current statute for your situation.
Do deductions have to be itemized?: Yes — in nearly every state a landlord must provide an itemized statement listing each deduction, not a vague lump sum. This generator lists each deduction on its own line with an amount and does the refund math.
Is the letter generator free?: Yes — free, no signup. It itemizes deductions, does the refund math, cites the state deadline, and can email the PDF so the timestamp documents timely delivery.