|
|
This Guide is designed to help
Lexington, Kentucky, residents understand their legal rights and responsibilities
as tenants. You should only use this Guide as an introduction to
the law. If you are
having a serious legal problem, learn what you can from this website
and then contact someone listed in Legal
Help IMMEDIATELY.
If
you are browsing through this website for the first time, try starting
at the website's Site Map to find the
information you are looking for.
This
website provides information on renting for residency in Lexington,
Kentucky. Renting laws change from city to city, and from state to
state. You should NOT assume any of the information provided in this
website applies to an area outside of Lexington. If you are seeking
advice about tenancy outside of Lexington, KY, look in your local
phone book for a Tenant's Services or Tenant's Agency. It might be
listed in the government section of your phone book.
Here
is some important general advice for renters:
-
WRITE
DOWN EVERYTHING RELATED TO YOUR TENANCY! You should keep a file of all papers, notes, and
receipts related to your tenancy. Include your Lease,
cancelled checks, and letters to or from your landlord. You should
document any agreements you have with your landlord. NEVER RELY
ON SPOKEN AGREEMENTS OR PROMISES!
-
Anything you don’t like about your lease
should be changed. All of the changes should be written (see Lease). You should
also document any steps or actions you or your landlord take when
you are involved in a dispute or when you are seeking an agreement from your landlord.
Document all notes about telephone or in-person conversations with your
landlord when you discuss an action that one of you will take.
Write down all requests for action and agreements. Make notes of who said what,
and write the time and date of the conversation. Be very precise,
and keep notes in a file for further reference. Keep this
file in a place where you won't lose it.
-
Do
not assume that your landlord knows the law.
If you are unsure of anything your landlord says, double-check
the issue with one of the resources listed in Legal
Help. Many landlords, and even some attorneys, are
unfamiliar with landlord and tenant laws.
-
If
you are having a serious problem with your apartment and/or your
landlord, use this website as an introduction to the
rules of renting but not as your sole resource. Talk to
your friends, family, and other informed people in Lexington (listed in
Legal Help) for an extensive understanding of the law and/or of
your specific situation.
-
There
are many actions that a landlord and/or tenant canNOT take without
first Giving Notice. Even if it is not
required, it is usually a good idea to give written notice
before any major actions that occur when living in an apartment.
Make sure you use respectful language, SIGN and DATE all notices,
and make copies for your records.
If there is a problem later, documentation will help you prove
your side of the story in court.
-
The
laws governing the landlord-tenant relationship is called the “Uniform
Residency Landlord and Tenant Act” (KRS 383.505-383.705).
|
