Housing assistance in Kentucky

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in Kentucky

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in Kentucky

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

No statutory cap on the amount. Kentucky Justice Online notes there is no set limit; check the lease.

KRS 383.580 (sets no maximum)

Deposit return deadline

URLTA areas only: deposits must be kept in a separate bank account, and the landlord must give a signed list of existing damage before move-in and a list of damage with cost estimates after move-out. A landlord who skips the separate account and these lists may not keep any of the deposit. There is no fixed refund deadline: the landlord must notify the tenant of any refund due and may keep it if the tenant does not respond within 60 days. Outside URLTA areas, no statute governs deposit return.

KRS 383.580

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

In URLTA areas: 7 days' written notice to pay the rent in full or the lease ends. Outside URLTA areas, no statute sets a pay-or-quit period; the lease controls, and if it is silent, Kentucky Justice Online says the tenant gets 30 days from the notice to move. A court eviction (forcible detainer) is required either way.

KRS 383.660(2)

Landlord entry notice

In URLTA areas: at least 2 days' notice before entry, and only at reasonable times, except in an emergency or when notice is impracticable. Outside URLTA areas, no statute sets a notice period; check the lease.

KRS 383.615

Rent increases and rent control

Kentucky's landlord-tenant statutes (KRS chapter 383) contain no rent cap. Since March 6, 2024, cities and counties may not adopt or enforce landlord-tenant ordinances that conflict with state law, and places that adopt URLTA must adopt it unchanged and cannot pass other ordinances on the same subjects.

KRS 383.198; KRS 383.500

If the landlord won’t make repairs

In URLTA areas: for problems that materially affect health and safety, the tenant may give written notice and, if the landlord does not fix the problem within 14 days (sooner in an emergency), repair-and-deduct up to $100 or half a month's rent, whichever is greater, after giving the landlord an itemized paid bill. Rent withholding and escrow are not allowed. Outside URLTA areas, the landlord generally has to make only the repairs the lease requires.

KRS 383.635

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve Kentucky

• Shelter, rent help, and local services211
• HUD-approved housing counseling800-569-4287
• Housing discrimination complaints (HUD)800-669-9777
• Energy assistance referral (LIHEAP)866-674-6327
• Veterans at risk of homelessness877-424-3838
• Domestic violence hotline800-799-7233

More local contacts: HUD’s Kentucky resource page.

Next steps

1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

1. KRS 383.580 Security depositsKentucky General Assembly
2. KRS 383.660 Tenant's noncompliance — failure to pay rentKentucky General Assembly
3. KRS 383.615 AccessKentucky General Assembly
4. KRS 383.635 Remedies for noncompliance that affects health and safetyKentucky General Assembly
5. KRS 383.198 Prohibition against landlord or tenant ordinance in conflict with state lawKentucky General Assembly
6. KRS 383.500 Local adoption of URLTAKentucky General Assembly
7. KRS Chapter 383Kentucky General Assembly
8. Security Deposits (URLTA areas)Kentucky Justice Online
9. Repair and Deduct for Rental Housing (URLTA areas)Kentucky Justice Online
10. EvictionsKentucky Justice Online
11. HousingKentucky Justice Online
12. Administering WeatherizationKentucky Housing Corporation
13. Housing Choice VouchersKentucky Housing Corporation
14. Louisville Metro Housing AuthorityLouisville Metro Housing Authority
15. Lexington Housing AuthorityLexington Housing Authority