COVINGTON, KY – Since 2013, all residential landlords are required to obtain a Residential Rental License, which must be renewed annually by January 15.

Letters to remind currently licensed landlords are being mailed out this week, along with a rental license application. As a courtesy, licenses will be automatically renewed only for those who already submitted their applications after October 1, 2014.

Between now and January 15, the City is offering a grace period for landlords to apply for or renew their rental license without a fee. Licenses renewed after this date will be subject to a $50 fee.

The Rental License requirement only applies to residential rental units, not commercial rental units.

The City urges all residential landlords  not currently in compliance with this regulation to take the opportunity to apply for the rental license and avoid potential code enforcement citations and late fees.

How to Apply

Applications can be picked up at City Hall, and are also available in PDF fill-in format from our website. To access the application form, as well as read a description of the program, please visit our website: https://www.covingtonky.gov/forms-documents/view/rental-license-application

Occupational License Requirement

GIS Specialist and Project Manager Jessica Moss says, “Many landlords mistakenly confuse the Occupational License with the Rental License. This is a common oversight and they should know that as a residential landlord, they are actually required to have both. An occupational license doesn’t provide rental privileges.”

“The rental license is per unit as opposed to an occupational license which permits the landlord to do business in the City”, said City Solicitor Bryce Rhoades.

This program is one part of a series of initiatives the City is undertaking to ensure high safety and quality standards for our citizens.

In addition to administering the rental license program, the city also maintains a list of evictions in Boone, Kenton, and Campbell Counties that have occurred since 2009. This list, along with other helpful resources for landlords, can be access via our website: https://www.covingtonky.gov/residents/property-info/landlord-resources

Questions about:

Rental License application or the Rental Inspection program, call Code Enforcement at (859)292-2323.

Occupational License, call Finance Department at (859) 292-2180.