Kentucky landlord guide — courthouse info, local rules & HB128 eviction procedures for Glasgow, Cave City & Barren County
📍 County Seat: Glasgow 👥 Pop. 44,485 (2020) ⚖️ District Court — Barren County Courthouse 🏔️ Near Mammoth Cave National Park 🏭 Kingspan $76M Plant (2026) 🏙️ Glasgow-Bowling Green Combined Statistical Area
Barren County was established on December 20, 1798, from parts of Warren and Green counties — one of Kentucky’s earliest counties. Its name comes from “the Barrens,” the open meadowlands that cover the county’s northern third, though the soil is actually fertile and productive. The county seat of Glasgow was founded in 1799 and named for Glasgow, Scotland by the county’s predominantly Scots-Irish settler population — a heritage celebrated annually at the Glasgow Highland Games, one of three Scottish highland games held in Kentucky each year. With a 2020 census population of 44,485, Barren County is a substantial south-central Kentucky county and part of the Glasgow Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is included in the broader Bowling Green–Glasgow Combined Statistical Area.
The Barren County rental market reflects a diverse and growing economy. Glasgow is the regional hub for manufacturing, healthcare (T.J. Samson Community Hospital), and retail for a multi-county area. Manufacturing employs the most workers in the county, with over 3,900 jobs, and a February 2026 announcement of a $76 million Kingspan Group facility in Glasgow — the company’s largest North American plant — is expected to add 400 new jobs. Cave City and Park City serve the tourism economy surrounding Mammoth Cave National Park. Western Kentucky University operates a Glasgow satellite campus with approximately 1,600 students. All evictions are Forcible Detainer actions filed in District Court at the Barren County Courthouse. Kentucky’s HB128 (2023) governs all residential leases made on or after its effective date.
🏔️ Gateway to Mammoth Cave — Cave City and Park City in northwest Barren County are the primary lodging corridors for visitors to Mammoth Cave National Park, one of the largest cave systems in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; this tourism economy drives strong short-term and seasonal rental demand |
🏭 Kingspan $76M Plant Announced (2026) — Kingspan Group PLC announced a $76 million investment to open its largest North American manufacturing plant in Glasgow in early 2026, expected to create 400 full-time jobs — the largest job creation announcement in Barren County in nearly two decades |
🐄 Kentucky’s #1 Cattle County — Barren County leads Kentucky in cattle inventory with 80,000 head — 9.3% of the state’s total — and holds the top rank in dairy production; agriculture remains a cornerstone alongside manufacturing |
⛏️ Floyd Collins (1887–1925) — Cave explorer Floyd Collins, a Barren County native, became the center of a nationally sensational rescue attempt in 1925 when he became trapped in Sand Cave; his story became one of the first major American media spectacles of the 20th century
📊 Quick Stats
County Seat
Glasgow (~15,072 in 2020)
Other Cities
Cave City, Park City, Horse Cave, Eighty Eight, Hiseville, Lecta
Population
44,485 (2020 census)
MSA
Glasgow Micropolitan Statistical Area; Bowling Green–Glasgow Combined Statistical Area
Major Employers
T.J. Samson Community Hospital, Kingspan (2026), manufacturing sector (~3,900 jobs), Barren County & Glasgow schools, WKU Glasgow, agriculture, tourism
Eviction Court
District Court — Barren County Courthouse
Circuit Court Clerk
Polly Claywell — (270) 651-2561
Courthouse Address
100 Courthouse Square, Glasgow, KY 42141
Rent Control
None — Kentucky preempts local rent control
Governing Law
KRS Chapter 383 / HB128 (2023) for leases on or after effective date
⚡ Eviction At-a-Glance
Nonpayment Notice
14-Day Notice to Pay or Vacate
Lease Violation
14-Day Notice to Cure; termination no sooner than 30 days
Month-to-Month Term.
1 Month’s Written Notice
Week-to-Week Term.
5-Day Written Notice
Eviction Filing
Forcible Detainer — District Court
Eviction Timeline
3–6 weeks typical after notice period
Security Deposit Cap
2× monthly rent (plus 1st month’s rent & fees)
Deposit Return
30 days with itemized deductions
Deposit Penalty
$250 or 2× amount withheld, whichever greater
Habitability Duty
Nonwaivable (KRS 383.595 / HB128)
Statute
KRS Chapter 383 — HB128 (2023 Session)
Barren County Local Rules & Landlord Procedures
Topic
Rule / Notes
Filing Evictions — Where & Who
All evictions (Forcible Detainer actions) in Barren County are filed in District Court at the Barren County Courthouse, 100 Courthouse Square, Glasgow, KY 42141 (mailing: P.O. Box 1359, Glasgow, KY 42142-1359). Circuit Court Clerk: Polly Claywell — Phone: (270) 651-2561 — Fax: (270) 651-6203. Payment accepted by cash, cashier’s check, money order, credit/debit cards (fee applies), or online via ePay. Parking is available in the lot between Commerce Plaza and the bakery; one-hour parking around the square. Note: main courthouse entrance requires steps — disability-accessible entry available.
Nonpayment of Rent — Notice
Under HB128 (KRS 383.660), serve the tenant a 14-day written notice to pay or vacate stating that if rent remains unpaid after 14 days, the lease terminates. Retain dated, verifiable proof of service. If the tenant pays in full within 14 days, the lease continues and no eviction may be filed. This doubled the prior 7-day requirement — update old notice templates immediately.
Lease Violation — Notice & Cure
For non-rent violations, serve a 14-day written notice to cure or quit specifying the exact act or omission. If remedied within 14 days, the lease continues. If not, the lease terminates on a date no sooner than 30 days from the original notice. Repeat violations of the same type within 6 months, or imminent health/safety threats, may allow accelerated termination — consult a Kentucky attorney for those situations.
Month-to-Month Termination
One full month’s written notice required to terminate a month-to-month tenancy (KRS 383.695). Week-to-week tenancies require at least 5 days’ written notice. All notices must be signed and delivered in a verifiable manner. No cause is required to terminate a periodic tenancy with proper notice.
Security Deposit
Capped at 2× monthly rent (not including first month’s rent or fees). Additional pet or alteration deposits allowed. Must be held in a dedicated, separately titled bank account — never commingled with personal or operating funds. Return within 30 days with itemized written deductions. Penalty: $250 or 2× amount withheld, whichever is greater, plus the actual amount owed (KRS Sections 56–59).
Habitability — Nonwaivable Duty
HB128 imposes a nonwaivable habitability duty across 13 categories including building code compliance, weatherproofing, plumbing, water supply, heating and ventilation, electrical systems, pest and hazardous substance control (radon, lead, asbestos, mold), clean common areas, trash receptacles, floors/walls/windows in good repair, landlord-supplied appliances, exterior door and window locks, and required safety equipment. No lease provision waives this. Tenants have repair-and-deduct rights (capped at one month’s rent per repair) after proper notice and failed cure.
Landlord Entry — Notice
Standard entry: 24 hours’ advance notice, reasonable time. Routine maintenance or pest control: 72 hours’ notice or a fixed schedule given at least 72 hours before the first entry. Emergency entry: notice reasonable under the circumstances. Leave a written notice in a conspicuous place if entering while the tenant is absent without prior notice, stating fact, date, time, and reason.
Manufacturing & Hospital Workforce
Glasgow has over 3,900 manufacturing jobs and T.J. Samson Community Hospital is a major regional employer. With the Kingspan facility (400 jobs, announced 2026) coming online, manufacturing workforce demand for housing is increasing. Verify income with recent pay stubs for hourly workers. Hospital employees and healthcare professionals typically have stable, verifiable income — excellent for long-term tenancy. Apply all criteria consistently to every applicant in accordance with Fair Housing requirements.
Cave City / Park City Tourism Rentals
Cave City and Park City are lodging hubs for Mammoth Cave National Park tourists. Short-term and vacation rental activity in this corridor is significant. HB128 expressly exempts true vacation rentals (under 30 consecutive days, vacation-purpose-only, tenant has a primary residence elsewhere) from the Act. If your Cave City or Park City property functions as a residential rental rather than a vacation rental, HB128 fully applies. If it is a genuine vacation rental, confirm the exemption with your attorney.
WKU Glasgow Campus — Student Rentals
Western Kentucky University’s Glasgow campus enrolls approximately 1,600 students. For student applicants who cannot demonstrate sufficient independent income, require a financially qualified guarantor or co-signer. Verify all income sources — financial aid disbursements and parental support are periodic transfers, not recurring wages. Screen all co-applicants and co-signers through your standard process. Apply criteria consistently to all applicants.
Rent Control
None. Kentucky does not permit local rent control. Landlords may raise rent freely at lease renewal. One month’s written notice is required before any increase on a month-to-month tenancy takes effect.
Self-Help Eviction
Expressly prohibited (KRS 383.690). Lockouts, utility shutoffs, or removal of tenant belongings expose the landlord to 3× periodic rent or 3× actual damages, whichever is greater. File a Forcible Detainer in District Court.
Abandoned Personal Property
Post notice at the unit and mail to last known or forwarding address. Tenant has 8 days to contact and 5 days to retrieve after contact. Landlord may charge storage costs. Unclaimed property may be sold or disposed of. Perishables, hazardous materials, and animals may be disposed of immediately (KRS Section 44). Document all steps with timestamped photos.
Kentucky URLTA applies ONLY in specific adopting counties (including Jefferson/Louisville, Fayette/Lexington, and ~20 others). Non-URLTA counties use common law forcible detainer (KRS §383.200-383.285), which may have different procedures. The 7-day nonpayment notice under §383.660(2) requires payment of the FULL amount owed - accepting partial payment may restart the notice period. Tenant can cure by paying within the 7-day period. If the same nonpayment recurs within 6 months, landlord can issue 14-day unconditional quit. Late fees: no statutory cap, but Hemlane and others report 10% industry standard. Security deposit max: 1 month per KRS §383.580(1).
Serve the required notice based on the eviction reason (nonpayment or lease violation).
Wait for the notice period to expire. If tenant cures the issue (where allowed), the process stops.
File an eviction case with the District Court. Pay the filing fee (~$75).
Tenant is served with a summons and has the opportunity to respond.
Attend the court hearing and present your case.
If you prevail, obtain a writ of possession from the court.
Law enforcement executes the writ and removes the tenant if necessary.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This page provides general information about Kentucky eviction laws and does not constitute legal advice.
Eviction procedures can vary by county and may change over time. Local jurisdictions may have additional requirements or tenant protections.
For specific legal guidance, consult a qualified Kentucky attorney or local legal aid organization.
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⚠️ Disclaimer: These calculations are estimates based on state statutes and typical court timelines. Actual results vary by county, court backlog, and case specifics. Always verify current requirements with your local courthouse. This is not legal advice.
Underground Landlord
🏘️ Communities & Screening Tips
Key communities: Glasgow (county seat, ~15,072), Cave City, Park City, Horse Cave, Eighty Eight, Hiseville, Lecta.
Barren County market: District Court — Barren County Courthouse, 100 Courthouse Square, Glasgow. Circuit Court Clerk Polly Claywell, (270) 651-2561. Manufacturing sector (3,900+ jobs), T.J. Samson Hospital, Kingspan facility (2026), WKU Glasgow campus (~1,600 students). Cave City/Park City tourism corridor — check vacation rental HB128 exemption if applicable. No rent control anywhere in Kentucky.
Background checks, eviction history, credit reports — get the full picture before handing over the keys.
Glasgow, Mammoth Cave, and the Rules: A Barren County Landlord’s Guide to Kentucky HB128
The name is a bit of an irony. Barren County — named for the open meadowlands the first Scots-Irish settlers called “the Barrens” — turns out to have some of the most productive soil in Kentucky. The county leads the state in cattle inventory, holds the top rank in dairy production, and supports 1,621 farms generating over $180 million in agricultural products annually. Glasgow, named for the Scottish city the settlers left behind, has grown into a regional hub for manufacturing, healthcare, and retail for a multi-county area. The county hosts Mammoth Cave National Park on its western edge, one of the largest and most visited cave systems on earth. And in early 2026, Kingspan Group PLC announced it would build its largest North American manufacturing plant in Glasgow — a $76 million investment expected to create 400 new full-time jobs. For landlords in Barren County, this is a market in motion.
A Multi-Layered Rental Market
Barren County’s rental demand comes from several distinct sources. The largest is the manufacturing and healthcare workforce concentrated in Glasgow. Over 3,900 manufacturing jobs existed in the county before the Kingspan announcement, and T.J. Samson Community Hospital is one of the largest employers in south-central Kentucky. Manufacturing workers and healthcare employees tend to be stable, verifiable renters — verify income with recent pay stubs and employment confirmation, apply your income ratio and rental history criteria consistently, and you will find a reliable pool of long-term applicants in Glasgow and its immediate surroundings.
The second demand stream is the WKU Glasgow campus, which enrolls approximately 1,600 students. This is a smaller student population than you find in a full university town, but it still creates meaningful demand for housing near the campus. For student applicants, verify all income sources independently. Financial aid and parental transfers are periodic, not recurring wages — require a qualified co-signer or guarantor if the applicant cannot demonstrate sufficient independent income on their own. Screen co-signers as rigorously as primary applicants.
The third stream is Cave City and Park City, which are not primarily residential rental markets but rather tourism-oriented lodging corridors for Mammoth Cave visitors. Landlords with properties in this area should be clear on the distinction between vacation rentals and residential leases. HB128 explicitly exempts vacation rentals — defined as under 30 consecutive days, vacation-purpose-only, tenant has a primary residence elsewhere, and the unit is furnished — from the Act’s requirements. A properly structured vacation rental in Cave City does not trigger HB128. A month-to-month residential lease in the same zip code triggers all of it. If you are operating short-term rentals in the Cave City corridor and are unsure which category your arrangement falls under, consult a Kentucky attorney before relying on the exemption.
Filing an Eviction in Barren County
When a tenancy breaks down and you need to proceed legally, Forcible Detainer actions are filed in District Court at the Barren County Courthouse, 100 Courthouse Square, Glasgow, KY 42141 (mailing: P.O. Box 1359). Circuit Court Clerk Polly Claywell handles filings at (270) 651-2561. Payment is accepted by cash, cashier’s check, money order, credit or debit card (with a fee), or online via ePay. One practical note: the courthouse’s main entrance requires steps; if you or anyone accompanying you needs an accessible entrance, contact the clerk’s office before arriving. Parking is available in the lot between Commerce Plaza and the bakery, plus one-hour parking around the square.
Before you can file, your notice period must fully expire. For nonpayment, Kentucky now requires a 14-day written notice to pay or vacate under HB128 — double the old 7-day requirement. If you are still using pre-HB128 notice templates, replace them. The notice must state the specific termination date and be properly served with documented delivery. For lease violations, a 14-day cure period applies and termination cannot be sooner than 30 days from the notice date. Skipping or shortcutting the notice step will get your complaint dismissed, costing you additional weeks on a case you may have had solid grounds to win.
What HB128 Requires of Every Barren County Landlord
Kentucky’s 2023 Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act applies uniformly across the state. In Barren County, where manufacturing employers have driven steady housing demand for decades and where the workforce tends to be working-class and pragmatic, the habitability duty matters most as a day-to-day operational concern. You are required to maintain functional locks on exterior doors and windows, control pest infestations, prevent unsafe levels of radon, lead, asbestos, and mold, and keep all landlord-supplied systems and appliances in working order. These obligations cannot be shifted to the tenant by any lease clause. If a tenant gives you written notice of a habitability problem, you have 14 days to fix it (5 days for essential service failures). After that window, the tenant may withhold rent, make repairs and deduct costs up to one month’s rent, or terminate the lease.
Security deposit return is the other area where Barren County landlords should tighten their processes. Return the deposit within 30 days of move-out with an itemized written statement. The penalty for failing to do so is $250 or two times the amount wrongfully withheld — whichever is greater — on top of the actual deposit. On a typical Glasgow rental of $700 to $900 per month, that penalty exposure on a full deposit wrongfully withheld ranges from $1,400 to $1,800 above and beyond what you owe. A 28-day hard deadline on your post-move-out checklist costs nothing and eliminates that risk entirely.
This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. HB128 applies to leases made on or after its effective date; prior Kentucky law governs older leases. Consult a licensed Kentucky attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Last updated: March 2026.
⚠️ Legal Disclaimer: This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Kentucky’s Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (HB128) applies to leases made on or after its effective date; prior law governs older leases. Apply all Fair Housing protections consistently. Consult a licensed Kentucky attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Last updated: March 2026.
