At a Glance
| Question | Answer | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit limit? | No statutory limit | Landlord may charge any amount |
| Rent control? | No (preemption law) | State law prohibits local rent control ordinances |
| Required notice to raise rent? | 15 days | For month-to-month tenancies |
| Lease required in writing? | No | Oral leases are enforceable for tenancies of one year or less |
| Landlord entry notice? | 24 hours | Landlord must provide at least 24 hours' notice before entry |
Security Deposits
Utah does not impose a statutory limit on the amount a landlord may charge as a security deposit. Landlords may set the deposit at any amount, though one to two months' rent is the most common practice.
Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days of the tenant vacating the unit and providing written notice of the tenant's new address. If deductions are made, the landlord must provide a written notice itemizing the deductions and the amounts withheld.
If the landlord fails to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement within the required timeframe, the entire deposit may be forfeited to the tenant.
Eviction Procedures
Utah requires landlords to follow the legal eviction process through the courts. Self-help evictions, including changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities, are not permitted.
Notice Requirements
- 3-Day Notice (Nonpayment): Landlords must give tenants 3 days' written notice to pay rent or vacate
- 3-Day Notice (Lease Violation): For material lease violations, landlords must provide a 3-day notice to cure the violation or vacate
- 15-Day Notice (No Cause): For month-to-month tenancies, either party may terminate with 15 days' written notice before the end of the rental period
- 3-Day Unconditional Quit: For criminal activity, nuisance, or certain other serious violations
After the notice period expires, the landlord may file an Unlawful Detainer action in the appropriate court.
Rent Control
Utah does not have any form of statewide rent control. State law preempts local governments from enacting rent control ordinances, meaning no city or county in Utah may impose limits on rental rates or the frequency of rent increases.
Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice. For month-to-month tenancies, 15 days' notice is required before the end of the rental period. Rent increases during a fixed-term lease are not permitted unless the lease specifically allows for them.
cite: Utah Code § 57-17-1 et seq.
Lease Agreements
Utah does not require a written lease agreement. Oral leases are enforceable for tenancies of one year or less. However, written leases are strongly recommended to clearly define the rights and obligations of both parties.
Required Disclosures
Utah landlords must provide the following disclosures:
- Lead-based paint (pre-1978 properties, federal requirement)
- Owner/agent identification: The name and address of the person authorized to manage the property and receive notices
- Move-in inspection: Landlords are encouraged to conduct a move-in inspection with the tenant to document the condition of the unit
- Nonrefundable fees: Any portion of the deposit or fees that is nonrefundable must be clearly disclosed in writing
cite: Utah Code § 57-17-1 et seq.
Tenant Rights
Utah provides the following protections for tenants:
- Habitability: Under the Fit Premises Act, landlords must maintain rental units in a condition fit for human habitation, including working plumbing, heating, electrical systems, and structural integrity
- Retaliation protection: Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants who exercise their legal rights, including requesting repairs or reporting code violations
- Discrimination protection: Federal and state fair housing laws prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, and source of income
- Right to privacy: Landlords must provide at least 24 hours' notice before entering a tenant's unit, except in emergencies
- Repair remedies: Tenants may pursue legal remedies if the landlord fails to maintain the property, including rent abatement or lease termination in serious cases