Kentucky landlord guide — courthouse info, local rules & HB128 eviction procedures for Georgetown, Stamping Ground, Sadieville, Grassy Lick & Scott County
📍 County Seat: Georgetown (pop. ~37,440) 👥 County Pop. 57,004 (2020) • One of KY’s Fastest-Growing ⚖️ Court: Scott County Justice Center — 119 N. Hamilton St., Georgetown 🚗 Toyota Manufacturing • I-75 Corridor • Lexington Suburb 🎓 Georgetown College • Inner Bluegrass • Massive Growth 🏛️ Named for Gen. Charles Scott • Toyota TMMK • Growing Rapidly
Scott County was established on June 22, 1792 from part of Woodford County and named for General Charles Scott, a Virginia-born Revolutionary War general who later became Kentucky’s fourth governor (1808–1812). The county seat, Georgetown, was established in 1790 — two years before the county — and is one of the oldest cities in Kentucky. Scott County covers approximately 284 square miles of inner bluegrass terrain and recorded a 2020 census population of 57,004 residents, making it one of Kentucky’s most rapidly growing counties.
Scott County’s modern identity is almost entirely defined by one decision and its consequences: in 1985, Toyota Motor Corporation chose Georgetown, Kentucky as the site for its first wholly owned manufacturing plant in North America. The Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) plant, which opened in 1988, has grown into one of the largest automobile manufacturing facilities in North America and is Scott County’s dominant employer by a significant margin. TMMK’s presence drove Georgetown’s transformation from a small inner bluegrass town into a rapidly growing industrial city. The county has grown from about 33,000 residents in 2000 to over 57,000 in 2020. Georgetown is also approximately 12 miles north of Lexington on I-75, placing it within the Lexington metro area’s commuter shed. All residential evictions are Forcible Detainer actions filed in District Court at the Scott County Justice Center, 119 N. Hamilton Street, Georgetown, KY 40324. Kentucky’s HB128 (2023) governs all residential leases made on or after its effective date.
🚗 Toyota TMMK — North America’s Largest Toyota Plant — Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky in Georgetown is one of the largest automobile manufacturing facilities in North America; TMMK employs over 9,000 team members and produces the Camry, Lexus ES, and other vehicles; its 1985 siting decision transformed Scott County from a small inner bluegrass community into a major industrial city |
📈 One of Kentucky’s Fastest-Growing Counties — Tripled in 30 Years — Scott County grew from about 19,000 residents in 1990 to over 57,000 in 2020 — tripling in 30 years; this growth trajectory is among the fastest of any Kentucky county during this period and has dramatically expanded the rental market, housing stock, and commercial base |
🎓 Georgetown College — Historic Baptist Liberal Arts College — Georgetown College is one of Kentucky’s oldest private colleges (founded 1829), a liberal arts institution with Baptist heritage that adds an academic dimension to the county’s economy and rental market |
🏙️ Lexington Suburb — I-75 Corridor 12 Miles North of UK — Georgetown sits 12 miles north of downtown Lexington on I-75/US-25; many Scott County residents commute to Lexington for employment at UK, UK HealthCare, and the broader Lexington professional economy, while Lexington residents increasingly look to Georgetown for more affordable housing
📊 Quick Stats
County Seat
Georgetown (~37,440) • Toyota city & Lexington suburb
57,004 (2020) • One of KY’s fastest-growing; tripled since 1990
Region
Inner Bluegrass • Lexington MSA • Bluegrass Area Development District
Major Employers
Toyota TMMK (~9,000+ team members), Georgetown College, Scott County Schools, county/state government, Toyota supplier network, commuter employment in Lexington (~12 mi S via I-75/US-25)
Eviction Court
District Court — Scott County Justice Center
Court Address
119 N. Hamilton St., Georgetown, KY 40324
Court Phone
(502) 863-7855 (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
Scott County Justice Center — 119 N. Hamilton St., Georgetown
Eviction Timeline
3–6 weeks typical (active growing-city docket)
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)
Scott County Local Rules & Landlord Procedures
Topic
Rule / Notes
Filing Evictions — Where & Who
All evictions (Forcible Detainer actions) in Scott County are filed in District Court at the Scott County Justice Center, 119 N. Hamilton Street, Georgetown, KY 40324. Phone: (502) 863-7855. Georgetown is a rapidly growing city; the court handles an active and expanding civil docket. Parking is available near the justice center in downtown Georgetown. Verify current hearing dates and filing requirements 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.
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 no sooner than 30 days from original notice. Consult a Kentucky attorney for repeat violations or criminal acts.
Month-to-Month Termination
One full month’s written notice required (KRS 383.695). Week-to-week: 5 days’ written notice.
Security Deposit
Capped at 2× monthly rent. Held in a dedicated, separately titled bank account. Return within 30 days with itemized deductions. Penalty: $250 or 2× the withheld amount, whichever is greater. In Georgetown’s active market, deposits commonly run $900–$1,800. Document condition thoroughly at move-in and move-out.
Habitability — Nonwaivable Duty
HB128 imposes a nonwaivable habitability duty across 13 categories: structural integrity, weatherproofing, plumbing, water, heating/ventilation, electrical, pest/hazardous substances (lead, mold, asbestos), common areas, trash, floors/walls/windows, appliances, locks, and safety equipment. Respond to written maintenance notices within 14 days (5 days for essential services).
Landlord Entry — Notice
Standard entry: 24 hours’ advance notice. Routine maintenance: 72 hours’ notice. Emergency: reasonable notice. Leave written notice if tenant is absent.
Toyota TMMK Tenant Profile
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky is Scott County’s dominant employer, with over 9,000 team members. TMMK team members (the Toyota term for employees) earn competitive manufacturing wages — Toyota’s compensation structure has historically been at or above UAW-equivalent rates — and have stable employment with one of the world’s most financially sound manufacturers. Toyota team members are among Georgetown’s most financially reliable rental applicants. Verify with recent Toyota TMMK pay stubs. Distinguish between direct Toyota employees and employees of Toyota supplier network companies in the area; supplier employees have stable but separate employment. Review the specific pay stub issuer to confirm the employer.
Georgetown College Faculty & Staff
Georgetown College employs faculty, administrators, and staff with stable private liberal arts college employment. Verify with pay stubs or employer letters. Some Georgetown College students may seek off-campus housing; apply standard student documentation framework (enrollment verification, co-signer requirement) for student applicants.
Lexington Commuter Segment
Georgetown is 12 miles north of downtown Lexington via I-75/US-25 — a commute that takes 15–20 minutes in normal conditions. Workers employed at UK, UK HealthCare, or in the broader Lexington professional and manufacturing economy who find Georgetown housing more affordable or accessible are a significant component of the rental market. Verify Lexington employment with standard documentation.
New Construction & Lead Paint
Georgetown has seen substantial new residential construction since the mid-1980s. The large majority of post-1988 construction (the Toyota era) is exempt from federal lead paint disclosure requirements. Older Georgetown neighborhoods and pre-1978 housing require disclosure. Verify construction date before skipping the lead paint disclosure.
Rent Control
None. Kentucky does not permit local rent control.
Self-Help Eviction
Expressly prohibited (KRS 383.690). Penalty: 3× periodic rent or 3× actual damages, whichever is greater. In Georgetown’s active market, 3x monthly rent penalties are significant. File a Forcible Detainer at the Scott 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.
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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
🏘️ Neighborhoods & Screening Tips
Key communities: Georgetown (county seat & Toyota city, ~37,440), Stamping Ground, Sadieville, Grassy Lick, Leesburg.
Scott County market: One of KY’s fastest-growing counties, driven by Toyota TMMK. Toyota team members (9,000+) are top-tier stable applicants; distinguish TMMK direct employees from supplier network employees. Georgetown College adds education employment. Lexington commuters (~12 mi S via I-75) add professional income. Large post-1988 housing stock mostly exempt from lead paint disclosure — verify construction date. No rent control.
Background checks, eviction history, credit reports — get the full picture before handing over the keys.
Toyota TMMK, Kentucky’s Fastest Growth, and HB128: Scott County Landlord Law
In 1985, Toyota Motor Corporation announced it would build its first wholly owned North American manufacturing plant in Georgetown, Kentucky. The decision was made after an extensive national site selection process that considered locations across the country, and it transformed Scott County in ways that its residents had probably not imagined before the announcement. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky — TMMK — opened in 1988 and has expanded multiple times since, becoming one of the largest automobile manufacturing facilities in North America. It employs over 9,000 team members and produces the Toyota Camry, the Lexus ES, and other vehicles that are shipped from Scott County to dealers across the continent and beyond.
Scott County was established in 1792 from Woodford County and named for General Charles Scott, a Revolutionary War veteran who became Kentucky’s fourth governor. The county seat of Georgetown was established in 1790. For most of its history, Scott County was a prosperous but modest inner bluegrass county — good tobacco and horse farming land, Georgetown College adding a genteel academic dimension, close enough to Lexington to attract some commuter and commercial development. The Toyota announcement changed all of that. The county has grown from about 19,000 residents in 1990 to over 57,000 in 2020 — nearly tripling in thirty years — and the growth has not stopped.
The Toyota Workforce and What It Means for Landlords
Toyota team members — Toyota’s term for its plant employees — are among the most financially stable rental applicants Scott County produces. The TMMK compensation structure has historically been competitive with or above union automotive wages at comparable facilities; production team members earn wages that support comfortable middle-class housing, and the employment is with a company that has operated continuously in Georgetown for nearly four decades without a significant layoff. Verify Toyota employment with recent TMMK pay stubs. The key distinction to make is between direct Toyota employees and employees of the extensive Toyota supplier network that has developed around TMMK — companies that make seats, stampings, electronics, and other components at facilities throughout the region. Supplier employees are also typically stable, but their employer is a separate company with its own financial profile; review the pay stub issuer to confirm whether you are looking at a direct Toyota or a supplier company hire.
Georgetown’s 12-mile distance from Lexington via I-75 also makes it a practical Lexington suburb. Workers employed at UK, UK HealthCare, or in the broader Lexington professional economy who find Georgetown’s lower housing costs and smaller-city character appealing have a short, predictable commute. The Georgetown-to-Lexington drive takes 15–20 minutes in normal conditions. This adds a professional and university-employed segment to the Toyota production workforce in Georgetown’s rental applicant pool.
Filing in Georgetown and HB128 Compliance
All residential evictions in Scott County are Forcible Detainer actions filed at the Scott County Justice Center, 119 N. Hamilton Street, Georgetown, KY 40324, phone (502) 863-7855. Georgetown has accessible parking near the justice center. As one of Kentucky’s fastest-growing cities, the court handles an expanding docket; verify current hearing dates before filing. HB128 compliance: written 14-day notice to pay or vacate; 14-day cure with 30-day minimum termination; one month’s written M-to-M notice; deposits at two times monthly rent in a separate account returned within 30 days with itemized deductions; $250 or 2x penalty; nonwaivable habitability; 24-hour entry notice; self-help eviction prohibited at three times periodic rent. Lead paint disclosure required for pre-1978 housing; the large volume of post-1988 construction in Scott County is generally exempt — verify construction date. Toyota chose Georgetown after a systematic evaluation of every aspect of the location. Screening a rental applicant through HB128’s framework is a smaller version of the same discipline.
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 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; the large volume of post-1988 Scott County construction is generally exempt but verify construction date before skipping disclosure. Consult a licensed Kentucky attorney for guidance. Last updated: March 2026.
