What is the maximum late fee in Kentucky?

There is no fixed statutory maximum in Kentucky. The fee still has to be reasonable — courts can strike down fees that operate as penalties, so document how yours relates to your actual costs.

Is there a required grace period in Kentucky?

No. Kentucky's statute doesn't mandate a grace period, so the lease determines when a fee kicks in.

Where is this in Kentucky law?

The controlling provision is Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.565. Legislatures amend these rules, so always confirm the current text via the official source linked above.

Kentucky Late Fee Laws

Last reviewed: July 10, 2026

Maximum late fee

No statutory cap

Grace period

None required

Statute

Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.565

Kentucky sets no statutory dollar cap on residential late fees — Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.565 governs the landlord–tenant relationship, and courts still expect a late fee to be a reasonable estimate of actual damages rather than a penalty.

Kentucky's statute doesn't impose a waiting period, so the lease controls when a late fee may be charged. Charging from day one is legal here only if the lease says so explicitly.

Kentucky's URLTA (KRS 383.505 to 383.715) has been adopted only by certain local jurisdictions; elsewhere general contract law governs. Neither the act's rent provision (KRS 383.565) nor any other section sets a late fee cap or a mandatory grace period, and rent is payable as the lease provides and apportionable day to day, so a clearly written, reasonable late fee clause controls.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum late fee in Kentucky?: There is no fixed statutory maximum in Kentucky. The fee still has to be reasonable — courts can strike down fees that operate as penalties, so document how yours relates to your actual costs.
Is there a required grace period in Kentucky?: No. Kentucky's statute doesn't mandate a grace period, so the lease determines when a fee kicks in.
Where is this in Kentucky law?: The controlling provision is Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.565. Legislatures amend these rules, so always confirm the current text via the official source linked above.

This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — confirm current requirements for your jurisdiction before acting.

Kentucky Late Fee Laws

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