KRS 383.540: Jurisdiction -- Service of process.

(1) The District Courts of this state may exercise jurisdiction over any landlord or

tenant with respect to any conduct in this state governed by KRS 383.505 to

383.715 or with respect to any claim arising from a transaction subject to KRS

383.505 to 383.715. In addition to any other method provided by rule or by statute,

personal jurisdiction over a landlord or tenant may be acquired in a civil action or

proceeding instituted in the court by the service of process in the manner provided

by this section.

(2) If a landlord is not a resident of this state or is a corporation not authorized to do

business in this state and engages in any conduct in this state governed by KRS

383.505 to 383.715, or engages in a transaction subject to KRS 383.505 to 383.715,

he may designate an agent upon whom service of process may be made in this state.

The agent shall be a resident of this state or a corporation authorized to do business

in this state. The designation shall be in writing and filed with the Secretary of

State. If no designation is made and filed or if process cannot be served in this state

upon the designated agent, process may be served upon the Secretary of State, but

service upon him is not effective unless the plaintiff or petitioner forthwith mails a

copy of the process and pleading by registered or certified mail to the defendant or

respondent at his last reasonably ascertainable address. An affidavit of compliance

with this section shall be filed with the clerk of the court on or before the return day

of the process, if any, or within any further time the court allows.