Kentucky landlord guide — courthouse info, local rules & HB128 eviction procedures for Munfordville, Horse Cave, Bonnieville & Hart County
📍 County Seat: Munfordville (pop. ~1,638) 👥 County Pop. 18,636 (2020) ⚖️ Court: Hart County Justice Center — 100 Main St., Munfordville 🌊 Green River • I-65 Corridor • Mammoth Cave Region 🦇 Horse Cave • Lost River Cave • Cave Country Tourism 🏭 Fruit of the Loom Heritage • I-65 Manufacturing
Hart County was established on January 28, 1819 from parts of Hardin and Barren counties and named for Captain Nathaniel Hart, a Virginia-born land speculator and Kentucky Company member who was killed by Shawnee raiders in 1782. The county seat, Munfordville, sits along the Green River at the point where Interstate 65 crosses it, making it the county’s main commercial nexus and highway service hub. Hart County covers approximately 415 square miles of karst limestone terrain in south-central Kentucky and recorded a 2020 census population of 18,636 residents.
Hart County sits at the northern edge of Kentucky’s famous Cave Country — the karst landscape of dissolving limestone that produced Mammoth Cave (in neighboring Edmonson County), Lost River Cave (in Horse Cave), and dozens of other cave systems. The community of Horse Cave is the county’s largest incorporated place and hosts the American Cave Museum and Lost River Cave, drawing tourism traffic and supporting a small hospitality economy. The county’s I-65 corridor was home to significant apparel manufacturing, most notably a Fruit of the Loom facility that was for many years the county’s largest employer before its closure; replacement manufacturing and logistics operations along I-65 have partially offset that loss. The county’s economy today rests on manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and public employment, with a commuter segment traveling to Elizabethtown (Hardin County, roughly 30 miles north) and Bowling Green (Warren County, roughly 35 miles south). All residential evictions are Forcible Detainer actions filed in District Court at the Hart County Justice Center, 100 Main Street, Munfordville, KY 42765. Kentucky’s HB128 (2023) governs all residential leases made on or after its effective date.
🦇 Horse Cave & Lost River Cave — Horse Cave is home to Lost River Cave, one of Kentucky’s most accessible cave experiences and a significant tourist draw; the American Cave Museum in Horse Cave is the nation’s primary institution dedicated to cave education and conservation |
⚔️ Battle of Munfordville (1862) — Munfordville was the site of a significant Civil War engagement in September 1862 when Confederate General Braxton Bragg’s Army of Mississippi besieged and captured the Union garrison protecting the Louisville & Nashville Railroad bridge over the Green River — one of the largest Confederate captures of Union forces in Kentucky |
👕 Fruit of the Loom Heritage — Hart County was home for many years to a major Fruit of the Loom manufacturing facility that was the county’s largest employer; its closure marked a significant economic transition point for the county that subsequent I-65 corridor investment has only partially offset |
🌊 Green River at I-65 — Strategic Crossroads — The intersection of Interstate 65 and the Green River at Munfordville has been a strategic crossroads since before the Civil War; the railroad bridge here was a critical supply line target in 1862, and the I-65 bridge today makes Munfordville a natural highway service and logistics hub
South-Central KY • Cave Country • Barren River Area Development District • I-65 Corridor
Major Employers
Hart County Schools, county/state government, manufacturing along I-65, Lost River Cave/American Cave Museum (tourism), agriculture, commuter employment in Elizabethtown & Bowling Green
Eviction Court
District Court — Hart County Justice Center
Court Address
100 Main St., Munfordville, KY 42765
Court Phone
(270) 524-2241 (verify with clerk)
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
Hart County Justice Center — 100 Main St., Munfordville
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)
Hart County Local Rules & Landlord Procedures
Topic
Rule / Notes
Filing Evictions — Where & Who
All evictions (Forcible Detainer actions) in Hart County are filed in District Court at the Hart County Justice Center, 100 Main Street, Munfordville, KY 42765. Phone: (270) 524-2241. Munfordville is a small county seat; street parking is generally available on Main Street near the justice center. Verify current office hours, clerk contact, and civil hearing schedule before filing.
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.
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, the lease terminates 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.
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 Hart County’s modest rental market, rents are relatively low and the $250 floor penalty is meaningful relative to the total deposit. Document condition carefully at move-in and move-out.
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 (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. Respond to written maintenance notices within 14 days (5 days for essential services). Hart County’s karst limestone terrain means some properties may sit above cave systems — be aware of sinkhole and subsidence risks for structures in heavily karst areas.
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.
Cave Country Tourism & Short-Term Rentals
Hart County’s proximity to Mammoth Cave National Park, Lost River Cave, and the broader Cave Country tourism corridor generates short-term vacation rental interest. Owners of properties marketed as short-term vacation rentals (<30 days) should verify with a Kentucky attorney whether URLTA applies — transient occupancy is generally outside KRS Chapter 383. Verify whether the county or applicable municipality requires short-term rental registration or permits.
Tenant Screening & I-65 Corridor Profile
Hart County’s rental pool includes county school and government employees, I-65 corridor manufacturing and logistics workers, tourism-adjacent hospitality workers, and commuters to Elizabethtown (~30 miles north) and Bowling Green (~35 miles south). Verify employment consistently. For manufacturing and logistics workers, confirm direct-hire vs. temp agency placement. For commuters to Bowling Green (Western Kentucky University, Med Center Health), verify employment at the distant workplace with standard documentation.
Green River Flood Risk
The Green River flows through central Hart County and portions of Munfordville. Properties in low-lying areas near the river have documented flood histories. Verify FEMA flood zone status before renting river-adjacent properties, disclose known flood risk to tenants in writing, and consider flood insurance requirements for federally-backed-mortgage properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas.
Lead Paint Disclosure
For any dwelling built before 1978, federal law (42 U.S.C. § 4852d) requires written disclosure of known lead paint hazards and delivery of the EPA pamphlet “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” before lease signing. Much of Hart County’s housing stock predates 1978; this requirement applies to a large share of rentals.
Rent Control
None. Kentucky does not permit local rent control. 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. File a Forcible Detainer at the Hart County Justice Center.
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.
🔍 Reduce Your Risk Before Signing a Lease:
Kentucky landlords who screen tenants carefully before signing a lease significantly
reduce their risk of ending up in eviction court. Understanding
tenant screening in Kentucky —
including background checks, credit history, income verification, and rental references — is one of the most
cost-effective steps you can take to protect your rental property. Before you ever need Kentucky's
eviction process, proper tenant screening can help
you identify red flags early and avoid problem tenancies altogether.
Ready to File?
Generate Kentucky-Compliant Legal Documents
AI-generated, state-specific eviction notices, pay-or-quit letters, lease termination documents, and more — pre-filled with your tenant's information and built to Kentucky requirements.
Select your state, eviction reason, and the date you plan to serve notice. We'll calculate your earliest filing date and key milestones.
⚠️ 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.
Hart County market: I-65 corridor county at the northern edge of Cave Country. Stable small market anchored by schools, government, I-65 manufacturing/logistics, and cave tourism. Karst sinkhole awareness relevant for property structures. Cave Country short-term rentals require URLTA applicability review. Green River flood risk for riverside properties. No rent control.
Background checks, eviction history, credit reports — get the full picture before handing over the keys.
Cave Country, I-65, and HB128: Hart County Kentucky Landlord Law
Hart County sits at an intersection that has mattered strategically for two centuries. At Munfordville, Interstate 65 crosses the Green River — the same crossing point where the Louisville & Nashville Railroad bridge was in September 1862 when Confederate General Braxton Bragg’s army surrounded and captured the Union garrison protecting it in one of the largest Confederate captures of Union forces in Kentucky. The bridge mattered then because it was a critical supply line. The interstate matters now because it makes Munfordville a natural highway service hub equidistant between Elizabethtown to the north and Bowling Green to the south, drawing travelers and modest commerce to a county of just under 19,000 people.
Hart County was established in 1819 from Hardin and Barren counties and named for Captain Nathaniel Hart, a member of the Transylvania Company who was killed in a Shawnee raid in 1782. The county covers 415 square miles of south-central Kentucky karst terrain — the same dissolving limestone geology that produced Mammoth Cave a few miles to the southeast in Edmonson County. Hart County has its own significant cave resources: Horse Cave, the county’s largest community, is home to Lost River Cave and the American Cave Museum, the nation’s primary institution for cave education and conservation. The cave tourism corridor that stretches from Horse Cave through Cave City (Barren County) to Mammoth Cave itself draws visitors from across the eastern half of the United States, and Hart County captures a meaningful share of the overnight accommodation and food service activity that tourism generates.
The Karst Geology Note for Landlords
Hart County’s karst limestone terrain is worth a brief note for landlords that goes beyond the tourism angle. Karst landscapes form when slightly acidic groundwater dissolves limestone over geological time, creating cave systems, sinkholes, and underground drainage channels. The same geology that produced Mammoth Cave and Lost River Cave also means that in heavily karst areas, the ground beneath a structure may contain voids — small to large — that can create subsidence or sinkhole risks. This is not a universal condition across the county, and the vast majority of Hart County properties are stable, but if you are evaluating a rural property in a heavily karst area for rental use, a basic review of the site’s geological context is prudent. HB128’s habitability duty covers structural integrity and weatherproofing; subsidence or sinkhole activity that affects a structure’s integrity would implicate that obligation. This is a relatively uncommon but genuinely Hart County-specific issue.
The Fruit of the Loom Legacy and What Replaced It
For many years, the Fruit of the Loom manufacturing facility in Hart County was the county’s largest employer, part of a network of apparel manufacturing plants that the company operated across south-central Kentucky. When Fruit of the Loom closed its Hart County operations as part of a broader offshoring and consolidation strategy, it left a gap in the county’s employment base and rental market that took years to partially fill. The closure is a useful reminder for landlords of the employment concentration risk that comes with a single dominant employer: when that employer leaves, the rental market can soften rapidly.
Today Hart County’s employment base is more diversified, if smaller in total scale. I-65 corridor manufacturing and logistics facilities have partially backfilled the lost jobs. The county school system remains one of the largest employers. The cave tourism sector provides hospitality and retail employment that is seasonal but real. A commuter segment travels to Elizabethtown (roughly 30 miles north on I-65) and Bowling Green (roughly 35 miles south), both of which have larger and more diverse economies that offer employment in healthcare, manufacturing, and services. Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green is a source of professional and academic employment for some Bowling Green commuters living in Hart County.
Filing in Munfordville and HB128 Compliance
All residential evictions in Hart County are Forcible Detainer actions filed in District Court at the Hart County Justice Center, 100 Main Street, Munfordville, KY 42765, phone (270) 524-2241. Munfordville is a small county seat; call ahead to verify current office hours and civil hearing dates before making the trip. Street parking is available near the justice center on Main Street. Bring your original lease, the notice with proof of service, and your complete payment and communication record. The 14-day nonpayment notice must fully expire before filing; for lease violations, the 14-day cure period and the 30-day minimum termination period must both run.
HB128 applies uniformly across Hart County. The core compliance requirements: written 14-day notice to pay or vacate for nonpayment; 14-day notice to cure with 30-day minimum termination for lease violations; one month’s written notice for month-to-month termination; security deposits at two times monthly rent maximum in a separate account, returned within 30 days with itemized deductions; $250 or 2x penalty for improper withholding; nonwaivable habitability across 13 categories with 14-day response window; 24-hour advance notice for standard entry; self-help eviction prohibited at three times periodic rent or actual damages. For pre-1978 housing — which covers most of Hart County’s older stock — federal lead paint disclosure and EPA pamphlet delivery are required before lease signing.
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. Short-term vacation rentals of 30 days or fewer may not be covered by URLTA — consult a licensed Kentucky attorney. 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 to pre-1978 housing. Short-term vacation rentals of 30 days or fewer may not be covered by URLTA; consult a Kentucky attorney. Green River and karst terrain conditions vary by location. Last updated: March 2026.
