Salt Lake County, UT Rental Inspections: Tenant Complaint Process (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- County Code Ch. 15.32, Fit Premises
- Fastest deadline
- 24 hours (toilet, heat, dangerous leak)
- Slowest deadline
- 96 hours (broken window, ext. lighting)
- Repair-and-deduct cap
- $400 of actual repair cost
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Salt Lake County rentals only
Summary
Salt Lake County's Fit Premises ordinance sets fixed deadlines for landlords to fix specific defects once a tenant gives written notice, from 24-hour toilet repairs to 96-hour window fixes.
In the event of the failures specified below the property owner shall begin repairing the failures within the following specified time periods after receipt of written notice of the failure delivered to the person identified in Section 15.32.030, and complete the repairs with reasonable diligence: A. Inoperable toilet 24 hours; D. Nonfunctioning heating (during a period where heat is reasonably necessary) or electrical system 24 hours; M. Broken or leaking water pipes causing an imminent threat to life, safety or health 24 hours.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 49).
Full Breakdown
Under County Code §15.32.100, once a tenant delivers written notice of one of fourteen listed failures to the owner or agent identified under §15.32.030, the landlord must begin repairs within a set window: 24 hours for an inoperable toilet, no heat, or a dangerous leaking pipe; 48 hours for a broken sink drain, dead refrigerator or stove, or broken exterior lock; up to 96 hours for a broken window or exterior lighting. If the landlord misses the deadline, §15.32.110 lets the tenant repair critical items immediately and deduct up to $400 from rent, or serve a second notice for noncritical repairs before doing the same.
Violations & Fines
Landlord who misses the repair deadline cannot block a lawful repair-and-deduct; tenant may deduct actual repair costs up to $400 from rent under §15.32.110(C).
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a tenant start a repair complaint in Salt Lake County?
Can a tenant hire someone and deduct the cost?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Salt Lake County
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