The state of Utah does not have security deposit regulations regarding how much property owners can collect from residents as a security deposit amount, application fee amounts, or pet feet. It is commonplace for property owners to charge one to two months’ rent for the security deposit. While there is no limit on the security deposit amount, whatever amount of property owner chooses to collect from the resident must be written in the rental agreement. To learn more about security deposit regulations in the state of Utah, continue reading below.
Security Deposits Regulations for Rental Properties in the State of Utah
Is there a limit on how much the property manager/owner can charge for an application fee? If so, what is that amount?
There is no limit on the application fee amount in the state of Utah. Application fees are non-refundable.
What is the security deposit amount the landlord can collect?
As a property owner in Utah, you can request any security deposit to protect your property in the event of damages or unpaid rent, as long as the amount is listed in the rental agreement. It is common to charge one-to-two month’s rent for the security deposit.
Can the property manager/owner collect a fee for pets?
Yes. A pet deposit separate from the apartment security deposit is allowed in the state of Utah. Service pets are an exemption, and disabled persons with service pets do not have to pay an additional security deposit. However, if a service dog causes damages, the resident is still liable for expenses incurred.
How does the security deposit need to be held?
The state of Utah does not regulate how security deposits must be held.
Is the property manager/owner required to tell the resident where the deposit is held?
No. Property owners in the state of Utah are not required to tell their residents where the security deposit is held.
Is the property manager/owner required to tell the resident what the interest rate on the account is (if applicable)?
No. A property owner in the state of Utah is not required to tell a resident what the interest rate on the account is.
What can the property manager/owner deduct from the security deposit?
Property owners operating in the state of Utah may keep a portion of the security deposit to cover unpaid rent or damages that exceed normal wear and tear. The security deposit may also be used to cover cleaning costs and other costs listed in the rental agreement.
How long does the property manager/owner have to return the security deposit after the lease has ended?
If the property owner operating in the state of Utah does not intend to claim a portion of the security deposit, they must return the security deposit entirely immediately. In the event that a property owner wishes to claim a portion of the security deposit or the entire security deposit, they have 30 days from the end of the lease to provide the vacating renter with an itemized list of deductions and the remainder, if applicable, to their last known address.
What penalties does the property manager/owner face if they do not return the security deposit on time?
If a property owner in the state of Utah does not return the security deposit, or its remainder, if applicable, and provide an itemized list of deductions within the 30 day limit, the resident must send notice to the property owner demanding the full return of the security deposit. After the vacating resident has done so, they may recover the full security deposit amount as well as a $100 civil penalty. Once an official notice is sent, the property owner has five business days to comply and return the security deposit in full. Vacating residents may sue property owners in Utah small claims court for up to $10,000.
What is the process for the property manager/owner to claim the security deposit funds?
A property owner that wants to claim a portion of the security deposit, or the entire security deposit funds, must provide an itemized list of the damages and deductions to the vacating renters forwarding address within 30 days. Failure to do so enables the vacating resident to send the notice demanding the full security deposit immediately.
Is the resident allowed to apply their security deposit towards the last month’s rent?
Residents may apply their security deposit towards the last months rent if the property owner agrees, and it is stated in the lease agreement.
To summarize, security deposit regulations in the state of Utah enable property owners to collect any security deposit amount, and hold it any way they see fit, as long as they keep accurate records. In the event that a property owner does not have any deductions to claim from the security deposit, they must return the security deposit immediately. In the event that the property owner wants to claim a portion of the security deposit, they must provide an itemized list of deductions within 30 days or face legal penalty.
Disclaimer & Sources:
Qira aims to keep this information as up-to-date as possible. The content provided here is for informational purposes and should not replace legal counsel. Please refer to the relevant government sources to check for any changes or updates to the law.
