Landlord Rules in Utah: Renting Out Property (2026)
Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team · Utah · Last updated 2026-05-18
Letting residential property in Utah is a statute-driven exercise. Utah law sets the deposit return clock (30 days) and the entry-notice minimum (at least 24 hours) explicitly. What follows is the Utah-specific landlord compliance sequence, from before move-in through after the tenancy ends.
Key Considerations
Two end-of-tenancy risks sit on every Utah landlord's desk. Eviction is one. The Eviction Process Usually Has 3 Steps: Step 1: Give a written Notice to Vacate to your tenant. Step 2: File court papers and have them delivered to the tenant. Step 3: File an Order of Eviction. Fair-housing exposure is the other. Complaints are filed
Two notice obligations bind a Utah landlord during the tenancy itself. Non-emergency entry is gated by a minimum notice. at least 24 hours Month-to-month termination is gated by a separate, longer notice. 15 calendar days
Two compliance levers shape the front end of any Utah tenancy. Registration or rental-license requirements come first. No state-level statute. Landlord registration and licensing are governed by municipal ordinance as authorized by state law. Security-deposit caps and refund timing come second. No state-level statute. Governed by common law / municipal ordinance / case law as applicable. On returns, 30 days
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Relevant Documents
Utah landlord paperwork tracks the statute. The lease carries the state's required disclosures, the entry-notice template matches the state's minimum-notice rule, the deposit accounting form mirrors the statutory deadline, and the eviction notice follows the form the Utah court demands.
Landlord's Rules and Regulations
A supplementary document to the lease that outlines specific rules for the property, such as quiet hours, guest policies, and maintenance responsibilities.
Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Checklist
A document that records the condition of the rental property before the tenant moves in and after they move out, which helps determine if any damage occurred during the tenancy.
Notice of Entry Form
A document used by landlords to notify tenants of their intent to enter the rental property, typically required by state law with specific advance notice periods.
Rental Application Form
A form used to collect information about potential tenants, including employment history, income, references, and authorization for background and credit checks.
Residential Lease Agreement
A legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant that outlines the terms and conditions of the rental arrangement, including rent amount, security deposit, lease duration, and other important provisions.
Security Deposit Receipt
A document acknowledging the landlord's receipt of the security deposit, including the amount, date received, and where the deposit will be held.
Relevant Laws
Utah Fit Premises Act (Utah Code § 57-22)
This law establishes landlords' obligations to maintain rental properties in habitable condition. Landlords must comply with building and health codes, provide functioning electrical, plumbing, heating, and hot/cold water systems, and make necessary repairs. Relevant to property owners as it outlines your legal responsibilities for property maintenance.
Utah Residential Rental Practices Act (Utah Code § 57-17)
Governs security deposits in Utah, including limitations on amount (no statutory limit), permitted deductions, and return requirements (within 30 days after tenancy ends). As a landlord, you must understand these regulations to properly handle tenant deposits and avoid legal disputes.
Utah Unlawful Detainer Act (Utah Code § 78B-6-801 to 816)
Details the legal process for evicting tenants in Utah, including required notices (3-day pay or quit for non-payment), filing procedures, and timelines. Understanding this law is crucial if you need to remove a tenant for lease violations or non-payment of rent.
Utah Fair Housing Act (Utah Code § 57-21)
Prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. As a landlord, you must ensure your tenant selection process and rental policies comply with these anti-discrimination provisions.
Utah Rental Agreements Statute (Utah Code § 57-16)
Outlines requirements for rental agreements in Utah, including what terms can be included and prohibited provisions. While Utah doesn't require written leases, having a comprehensive written agreement protects both landlord and tenant rights and clarifies responsibilities.
Utah Retaliatory Action Prohibition (Utah Code § 57-22-5.5)
Prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who exercise their legal rights, such as complaining about code violations or joining a tenant organization. Understanding this law helps you avoid actions that could be construed as retaliatory and lead to legal penalties.
Regional Variances
Northern Utah
Salt Lake City has additional renter protections beyond state law, including a Good Landlord Program that incentivizes landlords to maintain properties and screen tenants properly. The city also has specific requirements for rental dwelling licenses and inspections that landlords must comply with before renting properties.
Ogden requires landlords to obtain a business license and participate in the Good Landlord Program to receive discounted license fees. The city also has stricter code enforcement for rental properties and specific regulations regarding parking requirements for rental units.
Southern Utah
St. George has restrictions on short-term rentals in certain residential zones. Landlords must obtain a business license and short-term rental permit if renting for less than 30 consecutive days. The city also has specific regulations regarding occupancy limits based on property size.
Due to housing shortages and tourism impacts, Moab has enacted strict regulations on short-term rentals, limiting them to certain zones and requiring special licenses. The city also has affordable housing requirements that may affect certain rental property developments.
Central Utah
Provo has unique zoning restrictions related to student housing near Brigham Young University. The city requires landlords to obtain rental dwelling licenses and comply with occupancy restrictions that limit the number of unrelated individuals who can live together (typically no more than three unrelated persons in most residential zones).
Park City has extensive regulations for short-term rentals due to its resort community status. Landlords must obtain a business license, comply with special taxation requirements, and adhere to strict noise and parking ordinances. The city also has deed-restricted affordable housing units with specific rental requirements.
Suggested Compliance Checklist
Audit state and city registration rules for the property's location
Before listing days after startingNo state-level statute. Landlord registration and licensing are governed by municipal ordinance as authorized by state law.
Cap the security deposit at the statutory limit and document how it is held
Before signing days after startingNo state-level statute. Governed by common law / municipal ordinance / case law as applicable.
Provide the statutorily required disclosures before the tenant signs
At lease signing days after starting(consult the state code)
Match the month-to-month termination notice to the statutory minimum
Ongoing days after starting15 calendar days
Document advance notice for any non-emergency entry
As needed days after startingat least 24 hours
If eviction becomes necessary, follow the statutory notice and filing sequence
At move-out days after startingThe Eviction Process Usually Has 3 Steps: Step 1: Give a written Notice to Vacate to your tenant. Step 2: File court papers and have them delivered to the tenant. Step 3: File an Order of Eviction.
Finalize the deposit accounting and refund on the legal deadline
If eviction needed days after starting30 days
Treat fair-housing compliance as a continuous obligation, not a one-time check
Ongoing days after startingComplaints are filed
| Task | Description | Document | Days after starting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audit state and city registration rules for the property's location | No state-level statute. Landlord registration and licensing are governed by municipal ordinance as authorized by state law. | - | Before listing |
| Cap the security deposit at the statutory limit and document how it is held | No state-level statute. Governed by common law / municipal ordinance / case law as applicable. | - | Before signing |
| Provide the statutorily required disclosures before the tenant signs | (consult the state code) | - | At lease signing |
| Match the month-to-month termination notice to the statutory minimum | 15 calendar days | lease-termination-letter | Ongoing |
| Document advance notice for any non-emergency entry | at least 24 hours | - | As needed |
| If eviction becomes necessary, follow the statutory notice and filing sequence | The Eviction Process Usually Has 3 Steps: Step 1: Give a written Notice to Vacate to your tenant. Step 2: File court papers and have them delivered to the tenant. Step 3: File an Order of Eviction. | - | At move-out |
| Finalize the deposit accounting and refund on the legal deadline | 30 days | - | If eviction needed |
| Treat fair-housing compliance as a continuous obligation, not a one-time check | Complaints are filed | - | Ongoing |
Frequently Asked Questions
15 calendar days.
30 days.
The Eviction Process Usually Has 3 Steps: Step 1: Give a written Notice to Vacate to your tenant. Step 2: File court papers and have them delivered to the tenant. Step 3: File an Order of Eviction.
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