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Kenton County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything Kentucky landlords need to file a Forcible Detainer in Kenton County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.

$113
Filing fee
2–4 weeks
Hearing wait
4–6 weeks
Total process
In Person
Filing method

🏛️ Kenton County Courthouse Information

⚠️ Kenton County — What Landlords Should Know

Kenton County follows standard Kentucky eviction procedures.

Need an Eviction Attorney in Kenton County?

Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Kenton County eviction attorney — free consultation.

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Kenton County

1

Serve the Required Notice

Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 7-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 14-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per Kentucky law.

2

File Your Forcible Detainer at Kenton County Justice Center

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Kenton County Justice Center (230 Madison Ave., Covington, KY 41011). The filing fee is $113. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service.

3

Serve the Summons on the Tenant

After filing, the court issues a summons. In Kenton County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $25. You must NOT serve the summons yourself — improper service can get your case dismissed.

4

Attend the Court Hearing

Hearings in Kenton County are typically scheduled 2–4 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.

5

Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The Kentucky Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Kentucky.

Kenton County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $113 Paid to Kenton County Clerk of Court
Summons Service $25 Sheriff or process server fee
Writ of Possession ~$21–$25 Sheriff enforcement after judgment
Attorney (optional) $400–$1500 Recommended for contested cases

Frequently Asked Questions — Kenton County Evictions

How long does an eviction take in Kenton County?

The typical Kenton County eviction takes 4–6 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Kenton County is generally considered a landlord-friendly jurisdiction.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Kenton County?

The court filing fee in Kenton County is $113. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($25), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$21–$25), and attorney fees if represented ($400–$1500). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $159–$163.

What court handles evictions in Kenton County?

Evictions in Kenton County are filed at the Kenton County Justice Center, located at 230 Madison Ave., Covington, KY 41011. The case type is filed as a Forcible Detainer.

Can I file an eviction online in Kenton County?

Kenton County does not currently offer online filing for eviction cases. You must file in person at the Kenton County Justice Center.

Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Kenton County?

Kentucky law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, having an attorney reduces the risk of procedural dismissals and improves outcomes, especially in contested cases.

What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Kenton County?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Kenton County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in Kentucky.

See full Kentucky eviction laws and notice requirements.

Kentucky Eviction Guide for Landlords →

Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in Kentucky.

Kentucky Eviction Notice Templates →

Is your tenant facing eviction in Kenton County? See their rights.

Tenant Rights in Kenton County →

Relevant Kentucky Statutes