Utah Statewide Rule
Utah Security Deposit Law (Utah Code §§ 57-17-1 to 57-17-5)
Key Facts
- Deposit cap
- None: no statutory maximum
- Return deadline
- 30 days after tenant vacates and returns possession
- Itemized statement
- Required for any deductions (§ 57-17-3(2)(c))
- Statute
- Utah Code §§ 57-17-1 to 57-17-5
- Penalty
- Full deposit + prepaid rent + $100 (after notice); fees/costs if bad faith
Summary
Utah sets no statutory cap on how much a landlord can charge for a security deposit. After a tenant moves out, the landlord has 30 days to return the deposit and any prepaid rent, with a written itemization of any deductions. Missing the deadline can cost the landlord the full deposit plus a $100 penalty.
(1) Upon termination of a tenancy, the owner or the owner's agent may apply property or money held as a deposit toward the payment of rent, damages to the premises beyond reasonable wear and tear, other costs and fees provided for in the contract, or cleaning of the unit. (2) No later than 30 days after the day on which a renter vacates and returns possession of a rental property to the owner or the owner's agent, the owner or the owner's agent shall mail or deliver to the renter at the renter's last known address or electronically to the renter by a means provided to the owner or owner's agent by the renter: (a) the balance of any deposit; (b) the balance of any prepaid rent; and (c) if the owner or the owner's agent made any deductions from the deposit or prepaid rent, a written notice that itemizes and explains the reason for each deduction.
Full Breakdown
Under Utah Code § 57-17-3, a landlord may apply a deposit toward unpaid rent, damage beyond reasonable wear and tear, contract costs, or cleaning. No later than 30 days after the renter "vacates and returns possession" of the unit, the landlord must mail, deliver, or electronically send the balance of the deposit, any prepaid rent, and "if the owner or the owner's agent made any deductions ... a written notice that itemizes and explains the reason for each deduction." Utah law sets no maximum dollar amount or month-based cap on the deposit itself. If the landlord misses the 30-day deadline, the renter may serve a statutory "Tenant's Notice to Provide Deposit Disposition," after which the landlord has five business days to comply (§ 57-17-3(5)).
Violations & Penalties
If the landlord still fails to comply within five business days after the renter serves the statutory notice, Utah Code § 57-17-5 lets the renter recover the full deposit, any prepaid rent, and a $100 civil penalty. The court awards costs and attorney fees to the prevailing party only if it finds the opposing party acted in bad faith. The renter must serve the notice first to be entitled to relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Utah?
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Utah?
What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit in Utah?
Sources
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