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Bill Summary · HB 319

Overview

HB 319 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky) is an act relating to landlords and tenants. The bill was introduced in the Kentucky House of Representatives on January 12, 2026, and referred to the Judiciary Committee. It progressed to the Committee on Committees and then to the Judiciary (H). The text provided does not include the bill’s full language or fiscal notes, so this summary focuses on the stated purpose, potential provisions typically associated with landlord-tenant legislation, and the procedural timeline available.

Purpose and intent

  • The bill aims to regulate relationships between landlords and tenants within Kentucky.
  • It seeks to address rights and responsibilities of both parties, potentially in areas such as housing conditions, lease terms, eviction procedures, security deposits, and dispute resolution.

Key provisions (likely areas based on the title and typical landlord-tenant reform bills)

Note: The exact statutory language is not provided. The following categories reflect common provisions in Kentucky landlord-tenant reform bills and may be included or refined by HB 319.

  • Housing conditions and habitability

    • Standards for essential repairs and maintenance.
    • Timelines for landlords to address unsafe or substandard living conditions.
    • Remedies for tenants when landlords fail to maintain the premises.

  • Security deposits

    • Limits on deposit amounts or timelines for return.
    • Deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
    • Procedures for itemized return of deposits.

  • Lease terms and disclosures

    • Requirements for lease disclosures (e.g., lead-based paint, mold, known defects).
    • Standardized notice provisions for lease termination or renewal.
    • Provisions increasing tenant protections against arbitrary or retaliatory actions.

  • Evictions and remedies

    • Clarified or updated eviction procedures, including notice requirements and timelines.
    • Prohibitions on certain forms of eviction pressure or harassment.
    • Possible protections for tenants facing displacement.

  • Rent and fees

    • Regulations on late fees, collection practices, and grace periods.
    • Limits on non-refundable fees or charges.

  • Housing discrimination and accessibility

    • Alignment with fair housing laws to prevent discrimination in rental housing.
    • Provisions to improve accessibility or reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities.

  • Enforcement and remedies

    • Roles of local authorities and the judiciary in enforcing landlord-tenant provisions.
    • Penalties for violations by landlords or tenants.
    • Availability of administrative or civil remedies, including attorney’s fees in certain circumstances.

Who would be affected

  • Tenants and prospective tenants seeking rental housing in Kentucky.
  • Landlords, property managers, and rental property owners.
  • Local housing authorities and court systems involved in eviction and housing dispute proceedings.
  • Service providers and attorneys specializing in housing law.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction: January 12, 2026.
  • Referral: Judiciary Committee (H) on January 20, 2026.
  • Subsequent actions: Likely reviews, potential amendments, and floor consideration in the House, followed by Senate consideration if advanced.
  • Fiscal impact: Not specified in the provided information; typical considerations include potential costs to administer new protections, enforcement mechanisms, and any required state funding or grants for compliance programs.

Potential implications

  • Strengthened tenant protections could improve housing stability and reduce unlawful evictions.
  • Increased compliance requirements and recordkeeping for landlords.
  • Possible changes in dispute resolution processes, potentially reducing court backlogs through administrative remedies or expedited eviction procedures.
  • Consumers (tenants) may gain clearer expectations around deposits, repairs, and lease terms.

If you can provide the full text or specific sections of HB 319, I can deliver a more precise, section-by-section summary with exact provisions, definitions, timelines, and any proposed amendments.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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