How St. George Handles Rental Property Rules: A Practical Guide
St. George maintains 130 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with rental property rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where St. George falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Repairs & Habitability
St. George's Rental Fit Premises chapter lists 36 specific maintenance duties landlords owe tenants, from working smoke detectors to hot water at 110°F.
Key details: Hot water minimum: 110°F to sinks, tubs, showers. Heating standard: Heat/cool to at least 78°F. Utility supply: Heat required Oct through April. Penalty class: Class B misdemeanor. Governing chapter: City Code ch. 4-7, Rental Fit Premises.
Violating the chapter is a class B misdemeanor enforced through the Title 1, Chapter 12 Administrative Code Enforcement Hearing Program; each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense.
Rental Registration
St. George requires a business license for every rental dwelling unit in the city, with a narrow owner-occupied exception for temporary absences.
Key details: License required: One per owner, not per unit. Transfer notice: 30 days written notice. Owner-occupied exception: Absence of 3 years or less. Governing ordinance: Rental Fit Premises Ordinance.
Operating a rental dwelling unit without the required business license is unlawful under City Code § 4-7-3(A); the ordinance is enforced through the city's business license official under the Rental Fit Premises chapter's general penalty provision.
The Bottom Line
St. George's rental property rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming St. George is broadly strict or permissive.
These rules come from St. George's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.