Kentucky Notice to Quit

The Kentucky Notice to Quit is a type of eviction notice form used by landlords, property managers, and property management companies to notify tenants that they must either comply with an order, or quit and give up possession of the rental property within a certain period of time. kentucky Notice to Quit forms are commonly used to inform the tenant of nonpayment of rent, lease termination, and health hazard or injury to the property.

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Kentucky Notice to Quit - Why it is important?

Landlord and tenant discussing the importance of an Kentucky Notice to Quit

You can use the notice to quit form to end your Kentucky Residential Lease if the tenant has failed to pay rent. The Kentucky Notice to Quit Form should not be confused with the "Writ of Possession" (read more about Kentucky eviction notice) which is issued by the courts. The Notice to Quit Form is the beginning of the eviction process, and it communicates the intention to initiate eviction proceedings if a tenant does not comply with an order and remains on the premises beyond the specified date. If the tenant does not comply with the notice (for example they must pay rent or quit the lease and vacate the premises), you may be forced to take legal action to have the tenant removed from the property. If the notice has been ignored by the tenant and the move out date in the notice has passed, you have grounds to bring forth a lawsuit for “unlawful detainer”, in which case the tenant has the option to fight the eviction in court.

Kentucky Notice to Quit is important in following cases:

  • Serving a Notice to Quit is one of the first steps Kentucky property management companies can take to regain possession of rental property from the tenant.
  • Kentucky Notice to Quit notifies tenants they have violated the terms of the lease agreement and must vacate the premises within a certain period of time if they cannot comply with the remedy order.

Kentucky Notice to Quit – When should it be used??

Signing an Kentucky Notice to Quit rental document

Before starting the eviction process, a landlord or property manager in Kentucky may use a Kentucky Notice to Quit to notify a tenant that they must correct a lease violation or vacate the rental property if the issue is not resolved within the required notice period.

  • First Step in Eviction: A Notice to Quit is generally the first step Kentucky landlords take to regain possession of a rental property before filing an eviction case in court.
  • Violation Notification:  The notice informs tenants that they have violated the lease terms and must either cure the violation within the allowed timeframe or vacate the premises.
  • Legal Requirement: In most situations, Kentucky law requires landlords to serve a Notice to Quit before initiating eviction proceedings. Without proper notice, an eviction filing may be dismissed.
  • Common Reasons: A Kentucky Notice to Quit is commonly issued for nonpayment of rent, material lease violations, property damage, unauthorized occupants, or other breaches of the rental agreement.
  • Notice Periods: Kentucky notice periods vary by situation, typically 7 days for nonpayment of rent or material noncompliance, and 30 days to terminate a month-to-month tenancy without cause.
  • Tenant’s Right to Cure:  In many cases, Kentucky tenants are allowed to cure the violation—such as paying past-due rent or correcting a lease breach—within the notice period to avoid eviction.


Property managers can use property management software to track each individual Kentucky rental lease and make sure their tenants are paying the correct amount of rent and on time.

Kentucky Notice to Quit – What should be included?

Landlord explaining Kentucky Notice to Quit requirements to tenant

The Kentucky Notice to Quit Form must contain the reason for serving the Notice to Quit and the amount of time the tenant has. The problem must be clearly stated on the notice, so the tenant has reasonable awareness and can either correct the issue, or vacate the rental property. Here are some of the basic details that should be included if the rental property is in Kentucky:

Name of Tenant and Other Persons who need to comply with the order or vacate the property:

  1. Address of the Rental Property: Full legal address, including unit number if applicable.
  2. Name of Tenant and Other Persons: Full legal names of all tenants and other individuals required to vacate.
  3. Date of the Notice: The date when the Notice to Quit is issued.
  4. Landlord or Property Manager's Name: The full name or legal business name of the landlord or entity issuing the notice.
  5. Notice Period: Clearly specify the notice duration (e.g., 7 days for nonpayment & and 30 days for termination of month-to-month tenancies).
  6. Move-Out Date (Vacate Date): The exact date by which the tenant must vacate the property.
  7. Reason for Lease Termination: Clearly state the reason (e.g., nonpayment, lease violation).
  8. Signature of Party Giving Notice: The signature of the landlord or tenant, depending on who is initiating the notice.
  9. Legal Disclaimer: A statement confirming compliance with Kentucky Civil Code and specifying that the notice may not be valid outside Kentucky.

Kentucky Notice to Quit – What should I do with it?

The Notice to Quit Form must be “served” to the tenant by either Personal Service or Mail Service. In some states you can leave it at the rental property right on the front door, but in most cases it is better for you to have an independent party take two copies of the Kentucky Notice to Quit to the rental property, give one to the tenant in person, and get their signature on second copy so that you can retain for your records. If you are mailing the Notice to Quit, you should send the Kentucky Notice to Quit Form using First Class Certified Mail and retain the receipt.

Kentucky Notice to Quit – What else should I know?

There are generally three types of Kentucky Notice to Quit Forms. The Kentucky Notice to Quit for Nonpayment of Rent can be used when rent is not paid, and the tenant may be given a short period to either pay up or move out. The Kentucky Notice to Quit Form for Termination of Tenancy is similar to the Kentucky Notice to Vacate Form and can be used to inform the tenant to leave after the lease is up (common with month to month leases in Kentucky), or if there is no lease and you just want the tenant to leave. It is different from the Kentucky Lease Termination Form, which terminates the Kentucky Lease Agreement when there are other breaches in contract. The Kentucky Notice to Quit Form for Health Hazard and Physical Injury should be used if the tenant creates a health hazard or physical injury to the property which is serious or continuing. These forms must be detailed and specific, because an inaccurate or incomplete statement of the problems could cause a later eviction complaint to be dismissed.

After receiving the Notice to Quit, the amount of time a tenant has until they have to comply or vacate the property will vary by state, so you should be sure to check with the laws in Kentucky. In some states, tenants are given a 30 Day Notice to Quit, while in other states, a 3 Day Notice to Quit is acceptable.

Key Terms & Provisions

A Kentucky Notice to Quit is a legal document used by either a landlord or a tenant to formally notify the other party that they intend to end the Rental Agreement. It must comply with Kentucky Civil Code and be delivered in a legally acceptable way:

  • Date of Notice – The specific calendar date when the notice is issued.
  • Names of All Parties Involved – Full legal names of the tenant(s) and landlord/property manager.
  • Rental Property Address – Full legal address and unit description.
  • Notice Period: Clearly state the notice length 
  • Move-Out Date
  • Reason for Termination
  • Signature of Party Giving Notice: Landlord’s or tenant’s signature depending on who is initiating the notice.
  • Legal Disclaimer: A statement acknowledging that the form complies with Kentucky Civil Code and may not be valid outside Kentucky.

Why Kentucky Landlords & Property Managers Choose SimplifyEm Notice to Quit Template?

Property manager recommending a Kentucky Notice to Quit template

We understand the importance of handling lease terminations legally and efficiently in Kentucky. That’s why our Kentucky Notice to Quit Template is designed to simplify the process and reduce legal risk. Here’s why landlords and property managers trust SimplifyEm’s template:

  • Legally Compliant Our Notice to Quit form is up-to-date with Kentucky Civil Code and local laws, ensuring your notices are valid and enforceable.
  • Flexible Notice Periods – The template supports legally required Kentucky notice timelines, such as 3 days for nonpayment of rent, 7 days to cure lease violations, and 30 days for termination of month-to-month tenancies, depending on the situation.
  • Simple & User-Friendly – Designed for ease of use, our template allows landlords to quickly fill in essential details and issue notices accurately.
  • Helps Prevent Disputes – Clear language and proper documentation reduce the risk of misunderstandings or legal challenges during move-out.
  • Trusted by Thousands – SimplifyEm is a top-rated provider of property management tools, trusted by property owners nationwide.

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Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

What is an Kentucky Notice to Quit?

A Kentucky Notice to Quit is a written notice from a landlord to a tenant stating that the tenant must vacate the rental property or correct a lease violation. It is a required first step before filing an eviction (Unlawful Detainer) action under KRS Chapter 383.

How much notice is required to quit a rental in Kentucky?

Under Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 383:

  • 7 days’ notice for nonpayment of rent (pay or vacate).
  • 14 days’ notice to cure a lease violation, with termination allowed 15 days after notice if the violation is not cured.
  • 7 days’ notice for week-to-week tenancies.
  • 30 days’ notice for month-to-month tenancies.
  • Fixed-term leases end automatically on the lease expiration date unless renewed.

Can a landlord give a Notice to Quit without stating a reason?

Yes. For week-to-week or month-to-month tenancies, a landlord may terminate the tenancy without stating a reason, provided the proper notice period (7 or 30 days) is given. The termination may not be retaliatory or discriminatory.

Can a landlord give a Notice to Quit before the lease ends?

Yes, but tenants may be liable for unpaid rent or early termination fees unless:

  • The landlord agrees to early termination in writing,
  • The lease has an early-termination clause,
  • The tenant has a legal justification such as unsafe living conditions (KRS Chapter 383), active military duty, or landlord harassment.

What information must be included in a Notice to Quit?

A Kentucky Notice to Quit must include:

  • Date of Notice: The specific calendar date when the notice is issued.
  • Names of All Parties Involved: Full legal names of the tenant(s) and landlord/property manager.
  • Rental Property Address: Full legal address and unit description.
  • Notice Period: Clearly state the notice length
  • Move-Out Date
  • Reason for Termination
  • Signature of Party Giving Notice: Landlord’s or tenant’s signature depending on who is initiating the notice.
  • Legal Disclaimer: A statement acknowledging that the form complies with KRS Chapter 383.

How should a Notice to Quit be delivered in Kentucky?

Legal delivery methods include:

  • Personal delivery to the tenant.
  • Leaving with someone of suitable age at the tenant's residence and mailing a copy.
  • First-class or certified mail.
  • Posting on the premises and mailing if other methods are not feasible.

What happens if a tenant doesn’t leave after receiving a Notice to Quit?

If the tenant does not vacate, the landlord may file an Unlawful Detainer action under KRS Chapter 383. If the landlord prevails, the court may issue a writ of possession authorizing law enforcement to remove the tenant.

Is a Notice to Quit the same as a Notice to Vacate?

No. A Notice to Quit is typically issued by a landlord to address a lease violation or terminate tenancy, while a Notice to Vacate is commonly used by tenants to notify the landlord of their intent to move out.

Do landlords need to give written notice if their lease is ending?

Written notice is not required when a fixed-term lease ends on its expiration date unless the lease agreement states otherwise. Providing written notice is recommended as a best practice.

Can a landlord email an Kentucky Notice to Quit?

Email delivery is not legally sufficient by default. A Notice to Quit may only be emailed if the lease agreement specifically allows electronic notices. Otherwise, statutory delivery methods must be used.

Does Kentucky Landlord and Tenant Law change notice periods in Kentucky?

No. Notice periods are set by Kentucky law and cannot be shortened. Lease agreements may require longer notice periods but cannot reduce statutory protections.

Can an Kentucky Notice to Quit be used as a lease termination notice?

Yes, a Notice to Quit can serve as a Lease Termination notice:

  • Month-to-month lease: 30-day notice.
  • Week-to-week lease: 7-day notice.
  • Fixed-term lease: Ends automatically unless renewed.

If either party wants to terminate the lease early, a mutual agreement or court order is required.

Where can I get a Kentucky Notice to Quit Form?

You can download a legally compliant, easy-to-use Kentucky Notice to Quit Form for landlords or tenants here:

https://www.simplifyem.com/forms/kentucky-notice-to-quit

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Always use a customizable Kentucky Notice to Quit template to ensure compliance with Kentucky Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and simplify modifications or renewals.

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