Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Louisville/Jefferson County Metro rental registry requirements and our services.
Who must register?
Owners of rental housing units in Louisville/Jefferson County Metro must register unless exempt under LMCO § 119.02.
What's exempt?
Examples: short-term rentals (registered elsewhere), hotels/transient lodging, certain medical/educational/institutional housing, owner-occupied accessory units, and no-consideration occupancy arrangements.
How are fees calculated?
A nonrefundable initial fee is based on the property's zoning classification (range: $25–$250 as shown in Chapter 119).
Is the fee per unit or per property?
Multi-unit rental housing facilities can register the facility as a whole and are not required to file/pay separately for each unit.
What happens if I don't register?
Failure to register is a civil offense with penalties that escalate (e.g., $100 first offense per unit/facility, $250 second within 24 months, $500 additional within 24 months), and each day can be a separate offense; Metro can also place a lien for assessed penalties/costs.
Can the city inspect my property?
Yes—if not registered after notice, the Department may inspect all units in the rental housing unit; inspections must follow notice/authority rules (KRS notice, warrant, or consent).
Is the registry public? What info is shown?
The ordinance requires a publicly available online registry showing the address, registration status, lead-related notices/status, and managing operator contact info (with certain owner privacy protections).
Are there special lead rules?
Lead hazard enforcement ties into the registry: failing to obtain required lead risk assessment or complete lead-hazard controls is publicized on the rental registry per the ordinance framework.
Do I need to renew my registration?
The ordinance requires keeping registry information current (updates within 10 business days) and references annual submission mechanics, but there is no clearly stated annual renewal fee. Treat "renewal" as keeping information current and complying with any annual submission requirements in the portal.
What if I own multiple properties?
Each rental property address needs to be registered separately. Multi-unit facilities at a single address can register as one facility with a unit list.
Still have questions?
Contact us or start your order to begin the rental registry process.