As a landlord, you probably want to create a rental arrangement that works for you because you know the dangers of not having one. Typically, this document sets the tone and ensures that both parties understand the rules.
Therefore, the agreement should protect your interests and tell prospective tenants what they should know about living on your property.
Kentucky landlords must include the terms they want to uphold for the unit, which should consist of landlord-tenant laws and other pertinent information. Let's learn more!
Kentucky Agreement
Lease agreements are contracts signed between the tenant and landlord. It states the rules associated with living on the property.
Typically, a sublease is similar, though it uses written permission from the landlord to move in a new tenant under the old tenant's rules. The original tenant no longer lives on the premises. Then, you've got a Kentucky roommate agreement, which indicates that another tenant is moving in with the original.
What to Include
Lease agreements are legal contracts between the landlord and tenant. Here are the things you should include within them:
Rent
Kentucky doesn't support grace periods to make rental payments late, and the first of the month is when rent is due. However, state law doesn't impose regulations for late fees between the tenant and landlord. Landlords may establish late charges within the lease agreement to ensure that they're enforceable.
Security Deposit
Kentucky law doesn't have a maximum amount for security deposits, though it must be written in the lease and should be placed in a separate account.
Landlords must send notice of the security deposit amount minus deductions. The tenant then has to request their deposit be returned to them within 60 days. After 30 days, landlords can use the funds if they weren't claimed.
Lease Termination and Eviction Conditions
Tenants can end month-to-month leases after offering a 30-day notice to the landlord. Plus, fixed-term tenants may provide evidence of harassment, uninhabitability, or active military duty to get out of the lease.
Landlords have the right to terminate a lease through eviction for these reasons:
- Unpaid rent
- Violating the agreement (damages, illegal activities, smoking, etc.)
Right to Entry
The landlord must provide notice to the tenant before gaining access to the residence.
A two days notice is necessary. Giving notice can be done by phone, email, or other means.
Build Your Own
Mandatory Disclosure
The disclosures listed below are governed by URLTA (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) and are required for all or some agreements in Kentucky:
- Name and Address of Landlord - The landlord must provide tenants with contact information, including an address. If there's another authorized individual for the property, that data should be offered, too.
- Move-in Checklist - Kentucky landlords hoping to charge a security deposit must provide the unit's condition and inventory. The checklist doesn't have to be attached to the agreement, but both parties should agree to it before the tenant takes over the property.
- Security Deposit Holdings - If a Kentucky landlord chooses to charge and hold security deposits, they must disclose the information, such as the account number and location. Plus, money should be regulated solely by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
- Lead Paint - Federal law states that all US homes constructed before 1978 disclose the risks that lead-based paint offers and whether that type of paint is known to be used within the property. The landlord should offer a disclosure form and pamphlets to the tenant.
Why DoorLoop?
Even simple agreements are overwhelming to draft and print because there are so many things to put in them. They often go over 10 to 15 pages, and that's hard to organize.
Property management software like DoorLoop is the answer. With it, you don't need licensed attorneys to create a Kentucky rental application.
Just use the free form to craft the rental application or the Kentucky commercial lease agreement. You can even add information about the triple net if necessary. Plus, you may screen tenants easily to find the best ones. Request a demo of DoorLoop now to get started.
eSignature
Electronic lease agreements are more popular than ever, and signing them quickly is a must.
With DoorLoop, you can turn your lease form (or any other file) into a template that you can reuse, autofill with your tenant's information, and securely send via your tenant portal for eSignature.
DoorLoop also makes it easy to find new tenants by listing your vacant units on Zillow, Trulia, Hotpads, Apartments.com, and more. You can also find the best tenants by screening your prospects in seconds through DoorLoop. The best part is, paper applications and leases are a thing of the past! Your tenants can fill out their rental application online and be screened (and selected!) in seconds.
For more information about DoorLoop, learn more or schedule a free demo.
Conclusion
Now that you know what to put in a standard residential lease, you can draft them easily and print them for your purposes. Keep things organized with DoorLoop. It offers multiple customizable templates to make your life easier.
FAQs
How long is a lease agreement for a residential or commercial property?
A Kentucky rental agreement can only be one year in length. Plus, written leases are needed between the tenant and landlord.
Is a Kentucky lease agreement legally binding?
Yes, a Kentucky lease agreement is legally binding as long as both the landlord and tenant agree and sign the document.
Can a lease agreement automatically renew?
Yes, Kentucky rental agreements may automatically renew after the current lease term if the tenant decides to continue their tenancy.