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    Kentucky Rent Late Fee Calculator

    Calculate rent late fees and verify compliance with Kentucky state regulations. Free instant calculator with legal compliance verification.

    Late Fee Calculator
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    Enter your rental details to verify late fee compliance

    Select where the rental property is located

    Base rent only - exclude utilities, pet fees, parking, and other add-ons

    The late fee percentage specified in your lease agreement

    Kentucky Regulations
    State-specific late fee rules
    Grace Period
    5 days
    Max Percentage
    10%
    Daily Rates
    Not Allowed
    Kentucky's Balanced Framework

    Kentucky law provides a balanced framework for landlords and tenants concerning rent late fees. The state mandates that late fees should not exceed 10% of the monthly rent. Furthermore, a grace period of 5 days is required before any late fee can be imposed, ensuring tenants have a fair opportunity to make rent payments without immediate penalty.(Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.565)

    Primary Statute
    Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.565

    Regulates the imposition of late fees and other landlord-tenant interactions.

    Related Statutes

    Understanding Kentucky's Late Fee Cap

    In Kentucky, late fees are capped at 10% of the monthly rent. This percentage-based approach ensures that the fee is proportionate to the rent amount, maintaining fairness across different rental scenarios. The cap is enforced strictly, and exceeding this limit can lead to legal challenges.

    Key Factors:

    • The percentage of rent as the maximum late fee.
    • The mandatory 5-day grace period before late fees apply.
    • Prohibition of daily accumulating late fees.
    Municipal Regulations

    Louisville

    Louisville follows state law without additional restrictions on late fees.

    Learn more

    Lexington

    Lexington also adheres to state guidelines, with no unique adjustments to late fee regulations.

    Learn more
    Recent Legislative Changes
    January 2023

    Clarification on Late Fee Caps

    The Kentucky Legislature clarified the enforceability of the 10% cap, emphasizing uniform application across the state.

    Comparing Kentucky to Neighboring States
    Kentucky's late fee regulations are competitive in the region, with a clear statutory cap and grace period.

    Indiana

    No specific cap, reasonableness standard applies.

    0 day grace period

    Tennessee

    Late fees must be reasonable, typically not exceeding 10% of rent.

    5 day grace period

    Ohio

    No specific limit, but fees must be reasonable and proportionate.

    0 day grace period

    West Virginia

    Up to 5% of monthly rent.

    5 day grace period
    Best Practices for Landlords and Tenants

    Landlord Best Practices:

    • Clearly outline late fee policies in the lease agreement.
    • Ensure late fees do not exceed the 10% statutory cap.
    • Provide tenants with timely notices of late rent to avoid misunderstandings.

    Tenant Best Practices:

    • Understand the terms of your lease, especially concerning late fees and grace periods.
    • Communicate with your landlord if you anticipate difficulty in making a timely payment.
    • Keep records of all rent payments to prevent disputes.

    Frequently Asked Questions - Kentucky

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    State Regulations Reference
    Official source for Kentucky rent late fee regulations

    5-day grace period. Maximum $20 or 20% of rent, whichever is greater.

    View Official State Law →

    Updated October 2025