Eviction In Kentucky For Non-payment
Has anyone had any experience with evicting a tenant for non-payment in Kentucky? How much written notice is required before the occupancy agreement can be terminated? How long after termination of the agreement until forced eviction if they don't leave? Can they delay the process if the default is simply for non-payment?
Thanks
Gary
Hi buster! Its good to finally see someone else here from Kentucky. I can't speak from experience yet, but I've been told they can get it done in 3-4 weeks. I don't know if it was strictly for non-payment or something more. I'm also in Lexington. See my profile and email me. Maybe we can exchange ideas.
Hello buster,
You can have a tenant evicted for any number of reasons. Non-payment is just one of many reasons to evict. Your lease should state all the reason that you can evict the tenant.
If the tenant fail to pay your rent at the end of the grace period in the lease you can go the county clerk's office and file to have the tenant evicted. The fee is sixty five dollars. You will be given a court date. The sheriff department will take the notice to the tenant's address. They will be given the same date to appear in court as yourself.
In court the judge ask the tenant if they have anything to say, as well as the landlord. Once satisfied, the judge usually gives the tenant 10 - 21 days to get out. On the day that the tenant is to be out, if they still have not moved, then you call the sheriff (an additional fee of $25.00) to come stand by while you sit their belongs outside.
I tell you that you can not remain in this business being a nice guy. It is all about you training your tenants to be the way that you want them to be. Demand your money at the time that it is due. Let them know that you will evict for non-payment. Make all repairs in a timely manner, respond to the tenant concerns. Therefore, you are providing the tenant a quality place to live and they in turn must pay on time.
If they are late with the payment, demand the late fee. If you should start the eviction process and they come up with the money, charge $100 to stop the eviction process as well as collecting for the over-due rent fee.
I live in Lexington as well. There a meeting of the Lexington Landlord Association every month or so. It would be worth attending I think. I have not attend to date, but I am aware of the group. Happy investing