Ky. Rev. Stat. ch. 383 § 383.302
Prohibited inclusion in rental or lease agreement of authority to
Operative Text
383.302 Prohibited inclusion in rental or lease agreement of authority to terminate on the basis of tenant's request for assistance in emergencies. (1) A landlord shall not include in a residential rental agreement or lease for housing a provision authorizing the landlord to terminate the agreement or to impose a penalty on a tenant for requests made by the tenant for assistance from peace officers or other assistance in response to emergencies. (2) A residential rental agreement or lease provision prohibited by subsection (1) of this section is unenforceable. If a landlord enforces a rental agreement or lease containing provisions known by the landlord to be prohibited by this section, the tenant may recover actual damages sustained by the tenant, reasonable attorney's fees, and all other costs incurred in bringing the action, and punitive damages of not more than two (2) months of periodic rent. (3) This section shall apply only to leases or rental agreements created or renewed on or after June 29, 2017.
Kentucky Revised Statute § 383.302 prohibits residential rental agreements and leases from containing any clause that would allow a landlord to end a tenancy or impose a penalty on a tenant simply because the tenant called for emergency help — such as contacting police or other emergency responders. Any such clause is void and unenforceable under Kentucky law. This protection applies to leases created or renewed on or after June 29, 2017.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.302, compliant landlords review their lease templates to ensure no language — whether explicit or implied — conditions tenancy on a tenant's decision to seek emergency assistance. Operators who knowingly enforce a prohibited clause expose themselves to liability for the tenant's actual damages, reasonable attorney's fees, litigation costs, and punitive damages of up to two months' periodic rent. Lease renewals and new agreements entered into on or after June 29, 2017 are all subject to this requirement.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.302 establishes that tenants in Kentucky cannot lawfully be penalized or evicted solely for calling police or other emergency services. If a lease contains such a clause and a landlord knowingly acts on it, the tenant may be entitled to recover actual damages, attorney's fees, litigation costs, and punitive damages of up to two months' rent. Tenants who believe this provision has been violated may consider consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand the options available to them.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 19, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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