Kentucky landlord guide — courthouse info, local rules & HB128 eviction procedures for Newport, Alexandria, Fort Thomas, Bellevue & Campbell County
📍 Dual County Seats: Newport & Alexandria 👥 Pop. 93,076 (2020) • Cincinnati Metro ⚖️ ALL Filings: Courthouse — 330 York St., Newport 🎓 Northern Kentucky University (NKU) — 15,000 Students 🌉 Purple People Bridge • Ohio River Riverfront 🏙️ Newport — Former “Sin City”
Campbell County was formed on December 17, 1794, from sections of Scott, Harrison, and Mason Counties and named for a Revolutionary War officer. It is one of the most distinctive counties in Kentucky: it has two official county seats — Newport (at the confluence of the Ohio and Licking Rivers, directly across from Cincinnati) and Alexandria (in the county’s rural south). Newport served as the original county seat, was replaced by Alexandria in 1840 when Kenton County was carved away, then won back a special courthouse district through state legislation in 1883 — but did not achieve formal equal co-seat status until a court ruling on November 24, 2010. With a 2020 census population of 93,076 in just 151 square miles, Campbell County is one of the most densely populated counties in Kentucky, averaging over 615 people per square mile. It is part of the Cincinnati–Middletown, OH–KY–IN Metropolitan Statistical Area and sits squarely in the Northern Kentucky (NKY) urban corridor.
Campbell County’s rental market is shaped by its position as an affordable Cincinnati suburb and by two major institutional anchors: Northern Kentucky University (NKU) in Highland Heights, with approximately 15,000 students and 2,000 staff, and the riverfront cities of Newport, Bellevue, Dayton, and Fort Thomas, which offer urban rental stock within sight of downtown Cincinnati. The county has six independent public school districts. Newport was nicknamed “Sin City” through the Prohibition and post-war eras for its illegal gambling operations and organized crime presence — a legacy cleaned up by reform campaigns in the 1960s. All evictions in Campbell County are Forcible Detainer actions filed in District Court at the Campbell County Courthouse in Newport. Kentucky’s HB128 (2023) governs all residential leases made on or after its effective date.
🏙️ Newport — “Sin City” to Riverfront Renaissance — Newport was once home to one of the Midwest’s most notorious illegal gambling and organized crime operations, earning the “Sin City” nickname through the 1950s; a reform movement dismantled the vice operations in the 1960s, and today the Newport on the Levee entertainment complex and Purple People Bridge connect the city to Cincinnati across the Ohio River |
🏛️ Dual County Seats — A 186-Year Legal Saga — Campbell County is one of the only Kentucky counties with two official co-equal county seats; Newport lost its seat in 1840, won a special courthouse exception in 1883, and did not achieve full legal co-seat equality with Alexandria until a court ruling in November 2010 — a 186-year institutional dispute |
🎓 Northern Kentucky University (NKU) in Highland Heights — Founded in 1968, NKU enrolls approximately 15,000 students and employs 2,000 staff, making it the largest employer in Campbell County and the primary driver of the student rental market in Highland Heights and surrounding communities |
🎬 Rain Man & Newport Film History — A pivotal scene from the 1988 Academy Award–winning film Rain Man was filmed at Pompilio’s Italian Restaurant in Newport; the film Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019) also shot scenes on Monmouth Street
📊 Quick Stats
County Seats
Newport (~14,150) & Alexandria (~8,477) — both official co-seats since 2010
Other Cities
Fort Thomas, Bellevue, Highland Heights (NKU), Dayton, Cold Spring, Southgate, Silver Grove, Wilder, Melbourne
Population
93,076 (2020) • 615 people/sq. mi. • 4th smallest KY county by land area
MSA
Cincinnati–Middletown, OH–KY–IN Metropolitan Statistical Area
Major Employers
Northern Kentucky University (2,000 staff, ~15,000 students), Cincinnati metro cross-river employers, healthcare, retail, hospitality, six independent school districts, county government
ALL Eviction Filings
Campbell County Courthouse — 330 York St., Newport, KY 41071
Circuit Court Clerk
Taunya Nolan Jack — (859) 292-6314 (District: press 1)
Payment
Cash, local check, money order, credit/debit (fee) • Cash required for bond • ePay online
School Districts
6 public school districts: Campbell County, Newport, Bellevue, Dayton, Fort Thomas, Southgate Independent
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 Location
ALL filings at 330 York St., Newport — NOT Alexandria
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)
Campbell County Local Rules & Landlord Procedures
Topic
Rule / Notes
Filing Evictions — Where & Who
ALL evictions in Campbell County — regardless of whether the property is in Newport, Alexandria, Fort Thomas, Bellevue, Highland Heights, or anywhere else in the county — are filed as Forcible Detainer actions in District Court at the Campbell County Courthouse, 330 York Street, Newport, KY 41071 (at 4th and York, caddy-corner from the World Peace Bell). Circuit Court Clerk: Taunya Nolan Jack — Phone: (859) 292-6314 (press 1 for District). Payment: cash, local check, money order, credit/debit (fee applies). Cash required for bond. ePay available online. Despite the dual county seat structure, do NOT file at the Alexandria office — all civil court matters are handled at the Newport courthouse.
Dual County Seat — Practical Note
Campbell County has two official county seats — Newport and Alexandria — but court filings (including evictions) are handled at the Newport courthouse. The Alexandria location houses the County Clerk’s satellite office and some administrative functions. If you need the County Clerk for deed recording or property records, Alexandria has an office at 8330 W. Main St. For evictions, circuit court, family court, and all civil filings: Newport, 330 York St.
Nonpayment of Rent — Notice
Under HB128 (KRS 383.660), serve the tenant a 14-day written notice to pay or vacate stating the specific termination date. Retain dated, verifiable proof of service. If the tenant pays in full within 14 days, the lease continues. This doubled the prior 7-day requirement. In a high-density NKY market, proper service documentation is particularly important given the volume of tenancy disputes.
Lease Violation — Notice & Cure
For non-rent violations, serve a 14-day written notice to cure or quit specifying the exact breach. If remedied within 14 days, the lease continues. If not, termination on a date no sooner than 30 days from original notice. Repeat violations within 6 months, imminent health/safety threats, or criminal acts may allow faster termination — consult a Kentucky attorney.
Month-to-Month Termination
One full month’s written notice required to terminate a month-to-month tenancy (KRS 383.695). Week-to-week: at least 5 days’ written notice. Given Newport’s dense older housing stock, many tenancies in the riverfront cities are month-to-month — maintain signed, dated notice documentation.
Security Deposit
Capped at 2× monthly rent (not including first month’s rent or fees). Must be held in a dedicated, separately titled bank account. Return within 30 days with itemized written deductions. Penalty: $250 or 2× the withheld amount, whichever is greater. In a market with rents from $800 (Newport) to $1,400+ (Fort Thomas / Cold Spring), deposit exposure at the 2x cap is substantial — comply with the deadline without exception.
Habitability — Nonwaivable Duty
HB128 imposes a nonwaivable habitability duty across 13 categories: 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. Newport and Bellevue’s older urban housing stock — much of it Victorian and early 20th-century construction — makes lead paint and weatherproofing compliance particularly important.
Landlord Entry — Notice
Standard entry: 24 hours’ advance notice, reasonable time. Routine maintenance or pest control: 72 hours’ notice or a fixed schedule provided at least 72 hours before the first entry. Emergency: reasonable notice. Leave conspicuous written notice if tenant is absent.
NKU Student Market — Highland Heights
Northern Kentucky University enrolls approximately 15,000 students in Highland Heights in northwestern Campbell County. Landlords serving the NKU student market: (1) require a financially qualified co-signer where the student’s own income does not meet your threshold; (2) be aware of the academic-year lease cycle and price vacancy risk accordingly; (3) NKU students have full HB128 protections — apply habitability, notice, and deposit rules consistently.
Cincinnati Cross-River Commuter Market
Campbell County’s largest rental demand driver is Cincinnati commuters seeking lower Kentucky housing costs. Newport, Bellevue, and Fort Thomas sit within 2–7 miles of downtown Cincinnati. Verify Cincinnati-area employment with standard documentation (pay stubs, employer contact). Ohio income is fully applicable to Kentucky lease qualification. Apply your income ratio consistently.
Older Housing Stock — Lead Paint & Weatherproofing
Newport and Bellevue have significant pre-1978 housing stock, requiring federal lead paint disclosure to tenants. For properties built before 1978, provide the EPA’s “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” pamphlet and disclose known lead hazards before signing any lease. This is a federal requirement separate from HB128. Lead paint violations carry significant federal penalties.
Rent Control
None. Kentucky does not permit local rent control. Neither Newport nor Alexandria may enact rent stabilization ordinances. Landlords may raise rent freely at lease renewal with proper notice.
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. In a market with $1,000+ monthly rents, that exposure is material. File a Forcible Detainer at the Newport courthouse.
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: Newport (riverfront, urban), Alexandria (suburban, rural south), Fort Thomas (upscale suburb), Bellevue (riverfront urban), Highland Heights (NKU), Dayton, Cold Spring, Southgate, Silver Grove, Wilder.
Campbell County market: ALL court filings at Campbell County Courthouse, 330 York St., Newport. Clerk Taunya Nolan Jack, (859) 292-6314 (press 1). Cash required for bond. Lead paint disclosure required for pre-1978 properties. NKU students: require co-signer. Cincinnati commuter workforce: verify Ohio income. No rent control.
Background checks, eviction history, credit reports — get the full picture before handing over the keys.
Sin City to the Cincinnati Suburbs: Campbell County Kentucky Landlord Law
By the 1950s, Newport, Kentucky had a reputation that traveled. Illegal gambling operations, speakeasies, organized crime — the city across the river from Cincinnati had earned the nickname “Sin City” and was, according to some accounts, home to one of the most wide-open vice operations in the Midwest. Reform campaigns in the 1960s dismantled most of it, and the city spent the following decades rebuilding. Today, Newport on the Levee — a riverfront entertainment complex — and the Purple People Bridge, a pedestrian walkway connecting Newport to Cincinnati, define the city’s public face. A pivotal scene from Rain Man (1988) was filmed at Pompilio’s Italian restaurant on East 6th Street. Campbell County, with 93,076 people in just 151 square miles, is one of Kentucky’s most densely populated counties and a primary residential market for Cincinnati workers. For landlords here in 2026, the legal framework is HB128 and all evictions are filed at one courthouse: 330 York Street in Newport.
Two County Seats, One Filing Location
Campbell County has two official county seats — one of the only counties in Kentucky to hold that distinction. Newport was the original seat, lost it to Alexandria in 1840, won back a special courthouse exception through state legislation in 1883, and did not achieve full legal co-equal status with Alexandria until a court ruling on November 24, 2010 — 186 years after the county was formed. Despite the dual-seat structure, the answer for landlords is simple: all evictions are filed at the Campbell County Courthouse, 330 York Street, Newport, KY 41071. Circuit Court Clerk Taunya Nolan Jack handles filings at (859) 292-6314 — press 1 for District Court matters including Forcible Detainer actions. Payment accepts cash, local check, money order, and credit or debit cards with a processing fee. Cash is required for bond. ePay is available online. Do not file at the Alexandria office — court filings belong in Newport.
Your 14-day nonpayment notice must fully expire before you file your Forcible Detainer complaint. Serve notices properly — in person, posted, or certified mail as permitted by your lease — and retain dated proof of delivery. For lease violations, both the 14-day cure period and the 30-day minimum termination date must run before you may file.
The Cincinnati Commuter Market and NKU
Campbell County’s rental market is driven by two forces: Cincinnati commuters and Northern Kentucky University. Newport sits two miles from downtown Cincinnati; Fort Thomas and Cold Spring are 7–10 miles out. Tenants who work in Cincinnati’s healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, and professional sectors rent in Campbell County for lower housing costs. Ohio income is fully applicable to Kentucky lease qualification — verify with recent pay stubs and apply your stated income ratio consistently to all applicants. Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights enrolls approximately 15,000 students and employs 2,000 staff, making it the largest employer in the county. Student applicants who cannot independently meet your income threshold require a financially qualified co-signer on the lease. Verify the co-signer’s income exactly as you would any other applicant.
Older Housing Stock: Lead Paint and HB128
Newport and Bellevue have substantial pre-1978 housing stock — Victorian and early 20th-century construction that defines the architectural character of the riverfront neighborhoods. For any property built before 1978, federal law requires landlords to provide tenants with the EPA’s “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” pamphlet and disclose any known lead paint hazards before the lease is signed. This is a federal requirement separate from and in addition to HB128’s habitability standards. Federal lead paint disclosure violations carry significant penalties. HB128’s own habitability duty covers hazardous substances including lead and requires compliance from day one of any tenancy. Conduct thorough move-in inspections, document the unit’s condition in writing and with photos, and respond to written maintenance notices within 14 days (5 days for essential services).
Security deposits in Campbell County’s market can range from roughly $1,600 in Newport’s urban core to $2,800+ in Fort Thomas and Cold Spring at the 2x cap. Return the deposit with an itemized statement within 30 days of move-out. A missed deadline triggers a penalty of $250 or twice the withheld amount, whichever is greater — regardless of the size of the deposit or the market.
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. Federal lead paint disclosure requirements apply independently of HB128. 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. Federal lead paint disclosure requirements apply separately and independently to properties built before 1978. Apply all Fair Housing protections consistently. Consult a licensed Kentucky attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Last updated: March 2026.
