Landlord-Tenant Law
Northern Kentucky Landlord-Tenant Lawyers
When housing is rented, both the landlord and tenant hope for a productive relationship that ultimately ends well. Unfortunately, what’s hoped for is not always what happens, and legal disputes arise. Our Northern Kentucky landlord-tenant lawyers have experience working on both sides of these issues and are ready to help both landlords and tenants navigate these legal matters.
Smith Law has experienced and tough attorneys who can help both landlords and tenants if their rights are being violated. Call today at (859) 710-9001 or contact us online to set up a consultation.
When a Tenant Can Be Evicted
When a housing agreement is on a month-to-month basis, a landlord only needs to give 30 days’ notice before requiring that a tenant move out. If the tenant has a longer-term lease (one year being a common timeframe), the landlord needs to wait until the lease expires, at which point they can simply decline to renew.
But what happens when terms of a lease are violated? A prime example is the failure to pay rent. A landlord must give tenants a seven-day notice to pay rent before beginning eviction proceedings.
Other violations of a lease can involve maintenance of the property. In these circumstances, a 14-day notice calling for remedy of the issue is the first step. If it’s not resolved, then a landlord can begin eviction proceedings. Even if the situation is resolved, if the same problem occurs within a six-month period, then a 14-day unconditional quit notice is given, which ends the lease agreement on these grounds after two weeks.
How Can I Evict A Tenant In KY?
Below is some general information on how to evict a tenant in your property in Kentucky. Landlord-tenant laws may vary based on your area or your specific case. Be sure to speak with an experienced Covington landlord & tenant lawyer to ensure that you follow the correct legal procedures.
Firstly, the landlord must first have a legitimate cause (a good reason recognized by law) to evict a tenant. The most typical grounds for eviction are the tenant's failure to pay rent or a breach of the lease or rental agreement. If there is legal justification, the landlord may terminate the lease or rental agreement by providing the tenant with notice. How much notice a landlord must provide depends on the reason the tenant is being evicted.
Eviction Notice Requirements
- 7-Day Notice To Pay Rent - If a tenant fails to pay rent, the landlord can issue a seven-day notice telling the tenant that if rent isn’t paid within seven days, the lease or rental agreement will be terminated. If the renter fails to pay rent within seven days, the landlord may file an eviction action against the tenant in court.
- 14-Day Notice To Remedy - If a tenant violates the lease or rental agreement, the landlord has 14 days to repair the situation. The landlord will terminate the tenancy if the renter does not correct the lease or rental agreement violation within 14 days. If the renter does not correct the violation by the fifteenth day, the landlord may file an eviction lawsuit against the tenant.
- 14-Day Unconditional Quit Notice - When a landlord has previously given a tenant a 14-day notice to remedy during the previous 6 months and the tenant commits the same rental agreement violation, the landlord may issue a 14-day unconditional vacate notice. This notice must inform the tenant that the landlord is terminating the tenancy after 14 days because the tenant committed the same offense twice in six months. The landlord is not required to provide the tenant with an opportunity to correct the infringement. If the tenant does not vacate the rental apartment, the landlord may evict them.
Why Choose Our Northern Kentucky Landlord-Tenant Lawyers
- Specialization in Landlord-Tenant Law: Smith Law specializes in landlord-tenant law, focusing on the unique legal dynamics that govern the relationships between property owners and tenants. Our attorneys are well-versed in the laws and regulations specific to Northern Kentucky.
- Client-Centered Approach: We understand that landlord-tenant issues can be complex and sensitive. Smith Law adopts a client-centered approach, offering personalized attention and tailoring our legal strategies to meet the unique needs and goals of each client.
- Comprehensive Legal Services: Whether you are dealing with lease disputes, eviction proceedings, property maintenance issues, or other landlord-tenant matters, our firm provides comprehensive legal services to address a wide range of concerns.
- Effective Advocacy: Smith Law is committed to providing effective advocacy for both landlords and tenants. Our Northern Kentucky landlord-tenant lawyers work diligently to protect our clients' rights, resolve disputes, and achieve favorable outcomes through negotiation or litigation.
Our Landlord-Tenant Services:
- Lease Agreement Drafting and Review: Our attorneys assist landlords and tenants in drafting and reviewing lease agreements, ensuring clarity and compliance with applicable laws.
- Eviction Proceedings: If eviction becomes necessary, we guide landlords through the legal eviction process, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements. For tenants facing eviction, our landlord-tenant lawyers provide advocacy to protect your rights and explore potential defenses.
- Security Deposit Disputes: Smith Law helps resolve disputes related to security deposits, ensuring fair and lawful handling of these financial transactions.
- Property Maintenance and Habitability Issues: Whether you are a landlord facing allegations of neglect or a tenant dealing with substandard living conditions, our firm addresses property maintenance and habitability concerns.
Contact Our Landlord-Tenant Lawyers in Northern Kentucky
Smith Law is your trusted legal partner for navigating landlord-tenant matters in Northern Kentucky. Whether you are a landlord seeking to protect your property interests or a tenant facing housing-related issues, our experienced Northern Kentucky Landlord-Tenant Lawyers at Smith Law are here to provide you with expert legal support and representation.
If you are facing landlord-tenant issues in Northern Kentucky and need legal assistance, contact Smith Law today. Schedule a consultation with our experienced Landlord-Tenant Lawyers to discuss your specific situation and take the first step toward resolving your legal matters.
Smith Law has experienced and tough attorneys who can help both landlords and tenants if their rights are being violated. Call today at (859) 710-9001 or contact us online to set up a consultation.
Process For Evicting A Tenant
- Review the lease agreement: Begin by reviewing the lease agreement you have with the tenant. It should outline the terms and conditions regarding eviction, including any violations that warrant eviction.
- Provide written notice: If the tenant has violated the lease terms, you typically need to provide them with written notice stating the violation and giving them a specific amount of time to correct it or vacate the premises. The notice period required may depend on the nature of the violation and the terms of your lease.
- File an eviction lawsuit: If the tenant fails to address the violation or refuses to vacate within the specified timeframe, you can file an eviction lawsuit in the appropriate district or circuit court. It's advisable to consult with a Covington landlord tenant lawyers or your local courthouse to ensure you complete the necessary paperwork correctly.
- Attend the court hearing: Once you've filed the eviction lawsuit, a court hearing will be scheduled. Notify the tenant about the hearing date, and ensure you attend the proceedings prepared with any relevant documentation or evidence to support your case.
- Obtain a judgment: If the court rules in your favor, you will receive a judgment for possession of the property. The tenant will typically have a specific timeframe to vacate voluntarily.
- Seek law enforcement assistance: If the tenant does not leave voluntarily after the judgment, you may need to request assistance from local law enforcement to enforce the eviction order. In Kentucky, the sheriff's office or local constable can typically assist with the physical eviction process.
Call A Landlord & Tenant Lawyer Near You in Covington
At Smith Law, we take pride in offering exceptional service to our valued clients. With a focus on personalized attention and a commitment to ensuring a seamless experience, we go above and beyond to meet your needs. Our landlord tenant lawyers in Covington are readily available to assist you and our satisfied customers have consistently awarded us with 5-star reviews, a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence.
With years of experience in Kentucky landlord & tenant law, we possess the expertise and knowledge to navigate complex situations with ease. Choose Smith Law for a legal counsel that is tailored to you, backed by glowing reviews, and supported by years of proven experience.
Reach out to Smith Law at (859) 710-9001 or fill out our online contact form to set up a consultation.
Landlord Responsibilities
There are two sides to a lease agreement, and tenants have their own rights. Foremost among them is the right to have the property maintained. Tenants need plumbing and electricity that works. They need basic repairs to the property made in a timely manner. They also have basic rights to privacy — landlords cannot simply enter the property at will. When a lease is over, if the property is in good condition, then tenants have the right to get their security deposit back.
Our Northern Kentucky landlord-tenant law attorneys can review a lease agreement and determine if a tenant’s rights are being violated. We can help with cases where a security deposit is not being returned. To that end, it’s always advisable that a departing tenant take photos of the property, to serve as proof that it was left in reasonable condition.
-
“Shannon Smith and her dynamic team have repeatedly translated my work into victories.” - Paul M. | Chief Goof Officer, Bircus Brewing Company / Circus Mojo
-
“They go above and beyond by responding timely and meeting our demanding timelines.” - Robert R. | President, QC Infusion
-
“She accomplished the impossible for me and gave me my future back.” - Giovanni L.