Kentucky landlord guide — courthouse info, local rules & HB128 eviction procedures for Albany, Frazer, Kettle & Clinton County
📍 County Seat: Albany 👥 Pop. 9,253 (2020) • 100% Rural ⚖️ Courthouse — 100 S. Cross St., Albany 🎣 Dale Hollow Lake • World-Record Smallmouth Bass 🏛️ Named for Erie Canal Builder DeWitt Clinton 🚫 Dry County • Two Governors Born Here
Clinton County was formed on February 20, 1835, from portions of Cumberland and Wayne counties — the 85th county in Kentucky — and named for DeWitt Clinton, the seventh Governor of New York and the visionary force behind the Erie Canal (completed 1825). The county seat, Albany, was chosen in a special 1837 election: legend holds that supporters of landowner Benjamin Dowell’s site enthusiastically shouted “All for Benny” as the votes were counted, and the chant was shortened to “Albany.” The county covers 205 square miles in the Pennyrile region along the southern Kentucky border with Tennessee, had a 2020 census population of 9,253, and is 100% rural. Two courthouse fires — by Confederate guerrillas in 1864 and accidentally in 1980 — destroyed records, though local volunteers successfully preserved nearly all materials in the 1980 fire. Clinton County remains a dry county; voters rejected a November 2024 legalization referendum.
Clinton County’s rental market is small, rural, and shaped by its position between Dale Hollow Lake (to the east, on the Tennessee border — home to the world-record smallmouth bass catch) and Lake Cumberland (to the northwest). The lake corridors generate vacation and seasonal rental activity that supplements the county’s agricultural and government employment base. Two Kentucky governors were born here: Thomas Bramlette (1863–1867) and Preston Leslie (1871–1875), the latter later becoming Governor of Montana Territory. All evictions are Forcible Detainer actions filed in District Court at the Clinton County Courthouse in Albany. Kentucky’s HB128 (2023) governs all residential leases made on or after its effective date.
🎣 Dale Hollow Lake — World-Record Smallmouth Bass — Dale Hollow Lake, straddling the Clinton County–Tennessee border, is legendary among anglers; the world-record smallmouth bass (11 lbs. 15 oz.) was caught here in 1955 and held the record for decades; the lake is renowned for exceptional clarity and trophy-class fishing, driving significant vacation and outdoor recreation tourism |
🏛️ Named for the Erie Canal’s Champion — Clinton County honors DeWitt Clinton (1769–1828), the New York governor whose relentless advocacy made the Erie Canal a reality; completed in 1825, the canal connected the Great Lakes to the Atlantic and transformed American commerce |
⚔️ Champ Ferguson — Civil War’s Most Notorious Guerrilla — Champ Ferguson, born in Clinton County in 1821, became one of the most feared and brutal guerrilla raiders of the Civil War, attributed with over 100 killings; he was captured after the war, tried by a U.S. Army court in Nashville, and hanged in 1865 |
🥇 Garlin Murl Conner — Possibly the Greatest American Soldier of WWII — Garlin Conner, born in Albany, served with the 3rd Infantry Division in North Africa, Sicily, and across Europe; his posthumous Medal of Honor nomination, citing extraordinary acts of valor described as surpassing any single soldier’s combat record in WWII, was eventually awarded in 2018
9,253 (2020 census); est. 9,166 (2025) • 100% rural
Region
Pennyrile region • Lake Cumberland Area Development District • TN border
Lakes
Dale Hollow Lake (east, TN border) • Lake Cumberland (northwest)
Major Employers
Clinton County Schools, county government, agriculture (tobacco, livestock), healthcare, lake tourism (Dale Hollow Lake, Lake Cumberland)
Alcohol Status
Dry county — voters rejected legalization in November 2024
Eviction Court
District Court — Clinton County Courthouse
Circuit Court Clerk
Jake Staton — (606) 387-6424
Courthouse Address
Clinton County Courthouse, 100 S. Cross Street (2nd Floor), Albany, KY 42602
Fax & Access
Fax: (606) 387-8154 • Elevator in building • Designated disability parking • Hours: 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Payment
Cash, check, money order • ePay online
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)
Clinton County Local Rules & Landlord Procedures
Topic
Rule / Notes
Filing Evictions — Where & Who
All evictions (Forcible Detainer actions) in Clinton County are filed in District Court at the Clinton County Courthouse, 100 S. Cross Street (2nd Floor), Albany, KY 42602. Circuit Court Clerk: Jake Staton — Phone: (606) 387-6424 (also 387-8181) — Fax: (606) 387-8154. Payment: cash, check, money order; ePay available online. Elevator in the building; designated disability parking available. Office hours: 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Monday–Friday. Verify current District Court civil hearing dates with the clerk’s office 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, plus the amount owed. In a small rural market, the $250 minimum floor applies even when the withheld amount is modest.
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. Respond to written maintenance notices within 14 days (5 days for essential services).
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.
Dale Hollow Lake — Vacation Rental Exemption
Dale Hollow Lake on Clinton County’s eastern border generates vacation and short-term rental activity in the lake corridor. HB128 expressly exempts vacation rentals from its requirements if all four criteria are met: rental for under 30 consecutive days, vacation-purpose-only occupancy, tenant has a primary residence elsewhere, and the unit is furnished. Lake cabins and waterfront rentals meeting all four criteria fall outside HB128. Arrangements where tenants occupy the property as a primary or seasonal residence do not qualify. If uncertain, consult a Kentucky attorney before assuming the exemption applies.
Agricultural & Government Workforce
Agriculture (dark tobacco, livestock) and county and school government are the primary private and public-sector employers. For self-employed farmers with seasonal income, request two years of tax returns and bank statements; calculate an annualized monthly average and apply your income ratio consistently. For county/state government and school employees, standard pay stub verification applies.
Two Courthouse Fires — Records Note
Clinton County’s courthouse was burned by Confederate guerrillas in 1864 and again in an accidental fire in 1980. In the 1980 fire, local volunteers worked to preserve nearly all records. For title research on older properties, consult a local title attorney familiar with the available reconstruction sources.
Dry County
Clinton County remains a dry county following voter rejection of a legalization referendum in November 2024. No alcohol sales are permitted anywhere in the county. This does not affect landlord-tenant law obligations.
Rent Control
None. Kentucky does not permit local rent control. Landlords may raise rent freely at lease renewal.
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 Clinton County 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.
🔍 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.
Clinton County market: Courthouse, 100 S. Cross St. (2nd Floor), Albany. Clerk Jake Staton, (606) 387-6424. Dale Hollow Lake corridor: vacation rental exemption may apply (confirm 4 criteria). Agricultural income: tax returns. Dry county (rejected 2024 legalization). No rent control.
Background checks, eviction history, credit reports — get the full picture before handing over the keys.
Dale Hollow, Champ Ferguson, and HB128: Clinton County Kentucky Landlord Law
In 1955, David Hayes pulled an 11-pound, 15-ounce smallmouth bass from Dale Hollow Lake on the Clinton County-Tennessee border — a world record that stood for decades and cemented the lake’s reputation among serious anglers as one of the finest smallmouth fisheries on Earth. A century before that, Champ Ferguson was born in Clinton County and became one of the Civil War’s most notorious guerrilla fighters, attributed with over 100 killings before he was captured and hanged by a U.S. Army court in Nashville in 1865. Albany itself was named, according to local legend, from the polling chant “All for Benny” at the 1837 county seat election. Clinton County was named for DeWitt Clinton — the New York governor who built the Erie Canal. Two Kentucky governors were born here. The courthouse has burned twice. And the county remains dry, voters having rejected a 2024 legalization referendum. For landlords managing property here in 2026, the legal framework is HB128 and the courthouse is on South Cross Street in Albany.
Filing at the Clinton County Courthouse
Evictions in Clinton County are Forcible Detainer actions filed in District Court at the Clinton County Courthouse, 100 S. Cross Street (2nd Floor), Albany, KY 42602. Circuit Court Clerk Jake Staton handles filings at (606) 387-6424 (also 387-8181) — fax (606) 387-8154. Payment is accepted by cash, check, and money order; ePay is available online. The courthouse has an elevator and designated disability parking. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Your 14-day nonpayment notice must fully expire before you file, and the 14-day cure / 30-day termination timeline applies for lease violations.
Dale Hollow Lake and the Vacation Rental Question
Dale Hollow Lake stretches along Clinton County’s eastern boundary with Tennessee and generates meaningful vacation and short-term rental activity. Lake cabins and waterfront properties that rent to anglers, boaters, and vacationers on short stays may qualify for HB128’s vacation rental exemption — but only if all four statutory criteria are satisfied: the rental is for fewer than 30 consecutive days, the occupancy is for vacation purposes only, the tenant has a primary residence elsewhere, and the unit is furnished. A weekly cabin rental to an out-of-state angler clearly qualifies. A cabin rented month-to-month to a retiree who uses it as a seasonal primary residence does not. If your lake property arrangement has any ambiguity — longer stays, tenants without a clear primary residence elsewhere, or unfurnished units — consult a Kentucky attorney before assuming the exemption applies. For lake properties that do fall under HB128, the full habitability, notice, and deposit requirements apply.
HB128 in a Small Rural Market
Clinton County’s residential rental market is very small — the county has fewer than 10,000 residents and Albany fewer than 2,000. Most prospective tenants work in county government, schools, agriculture, or healthcare, or receive retirement, disability, or government assistance income. Apply consistent income verification standards to all applicants regardless of income source. HB128’s nonwaivable habitability standards — weatherproofing, plumbing, heating, electrical, pest control, locks — apply to every lease regardless of rent level. Return security deposits within 30 days of move-out with an itemized statement; the $250 minimum penalty applies even on low-value deposits in this 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. 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. The HB128 vacation rental exemption requires all four statutory criteria to be met; consult a licensed Kentucky attorney if uncertain whether your arrangement qualifies. Apply all Fair Housing protections consistently. Last updated: March 2026.
