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Kentucky eviction process and court fees

Kentucky evictions are heard in the district court in the county (forcible detainer). Before filing for unpaid rent, the landlord must give the notice required by KRS 383.660(2).

Not legal advice. This page summarizes public statutes and court fee schedules as of the date shown. Rules and fees change; confirm with the court before you file, and talk to a local attorney about your situation.

Kentucky eviction at a glance

CourtDistrict court in the county (forcible detainer)

Kentucky evictions are heard in the district court in the county (forcible detainer). Before filing for unpaid rent, the landlord must give the notice required by KRS 383.660(2).

Step by step

  1. Notice for unpaid rent. Where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act applies, a written 7-day notice of nonpayment and intent to terminate. (KRS 383.660(2))
  2. File in court. If the tenant doesn't pay or move out, file the eviction case in the district court in the county (forcible detainer). Ask the clerk for current filing and service fees. (Kentucky Court of Justice)
  3. Hearing, judgment and removal. After the tenant is served, the court sets a hearing. If the landlord wins, removal happens only through the court's order or writ, carried out by a law enforcement officer. Exact timelines are in the court's self-help materials. (Kentucky Court of Justice)

Statewide fees

Eviction filing feeNot verified
Set by each court or county; no single statewide figure published
Service of process and writ / removalNot verified
Set by the county sheriff, marshal or constable

Fees vary by court or county. For any county we haven't verified, call the clerk before filing.

About the missing details

Why it's missing: We only list eviction court fees published by an official source. Kentucky hasn't published its local filing, service and writ fees online in a form we could verify, so call the clerk of the district court to confirm before you file.

General information
Not specific to Kentucky

Across the 21 counties where we've read the official fee schedule, the eviction filing fee runs from $41 to $322. Sheriff or constable service usually adds a per-tenant charge, and a writ of possession adds another. Statewide fixed filing fees we've verified: California $240 (claims up to $10,000), Connecticut $175, Delaware $45, Florida $185, Texas $54.

Closest place with verified data

Hamilton County, OH (about 115 miles away): eviction filing (service not included) $130

Call or visit the official office

Kentucky Court of Justice · Official website

Ask for the clerk's office for the court that handles evictions in your county.

Know the current fee? Tell us. We check every tip against an official source before publishing it.

Official resources

All Kentucky counties

Counties without verified local fees show the statewide rules above.

Frequently asked

Which court handles evictions in Kentucky?

District court in the county (forcible detainer).

How much notice does a Kentucky landlord have to give?

Where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act applies, a written 7-day notice of nonpayment and intent to terminate.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Kentucky?

Fees vary by court or county. For any county we haven't verified, call the clerk before filing.