Utah Security Deposit Laws (2025 Guide): What Landlords & Tenants Need to Know

{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "HowTo", "@id": "https://www.baileysallied.com/blog/utah-security-deposit-laws-a-guide-for-landlords-and-tenants#howto", "name": "How to Handle a Utah Security Deposit as a Landlord or Tenant", "description": "Step-by-step guidance for Utah landlords and tenants on setting, documenting, returning, and disputing security deposits under Utah security deposit laws.", "totalTime": "PT30M", "step": [ { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Set a reasonable Utah security deposit amount", "text": "Determine a security deposit amount that complies with Utah law and is reasonable for the rental market, often equal to one or two months’ rent.", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "HowToTip", "text": "Even though Utah doesn’t cap deposits, asking for more than one to two months’ rent can discourage qualified tenants." } ] }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Decide on any nonrefundable fees and put them in writing", "text": "If you plan to charge nonrefundable fees—such as pet fees or cleaning fees—clearly label them as nonrefundable in the lease or a separate written agreement and have the tenant sign.", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "HowToTip", "text": "If a fee isn’t clearly labeled as nonrefundable in writing, treat it as refundable by default." } ] }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Document the property condition at move-in", "text": "Complete a move-in walkthrough, noting existing wear and tear and taking photos or videos of each room. Both parties should keep copies of the checklist and images.", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "HowToTip", "text": "Have both landlord and tenant sign and date a move-in checklist so you have a shared baseline for move-out comparisons." } ] }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Handle the security deposit return and deductions on time", "text": "When the tenancy ends, calculate lawful deductions, prepare an itemized list, and return any remaining deposit within Utah’s required timeline, typically within 30 days after move-out.", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "HowToTip", "text": "Limit deductions to unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and contract-allowed charges, and keep receipts or estimates to back up each deduction." } ] }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Dispute or resolve security deposit issues if needed", "text": "If there is a disagreement about deductions, communicate in writing, share documentation, and if necessary, use Utah small claims court to resolve the dispute.", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "HowToTip", "text": "Tenants should keep copies of the lease, move-in checklist, and photos; landlords should keep all invoices and correspondence about the deposit." } ] } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.baileysallied.com/blog/utah-security-deposit-laws-a-guide-for-landlords-and-tenants#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Utah?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Utah law does not set a maximum limit on security deposits. Landlords can choose the amount, but most charge the equivalent of one to two months’ rent to balance protection against damages with affordability for tenants." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are nonrefundable security deposits legal in Utah?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Utah allows nonrefundable fees or deposits, such as pet fees or cleaning fees, as long as they are clearly identified as nonrefundable in the lease or a separate written agreement and the tenant agrees in writing. If a fee isn’t labeled as nonrefundable, it is generally treated as refundable." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is a move-in inspection required by Utah law?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Utah law does not require a formal move-in inspection, but it is strongly recommended. A documented walkthrough with photos, videos, and a signed checklist helps both landlords and tenants avoid disputes about damage or wear and tear at move-out." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When must a landlord return a security deposit in Utah?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In Utah, landlords must return any remaining security deposit and provide a written, itemized list of deductions within about 30 days after the tenant moves out, subject to current Utah statutes. The written statement should go to the tenant’s last known or provided forwarding address." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit in Utah?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Landlords in Utah may deduct for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, cleaning needed to return the unit to move-in condition, and other charges specifically allowed in the lease and by state law. Normal wear and tear cannot be deducted from the security deposit." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How can a tenant dispute security deposit deductions in Utah?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Tenants who disagree with security deposit deductions should first contact the landlord in writing, provide photos and move-in documentation, and request clarification or correction. If the issue is not resolved, Utah tenants can file a claim in small claims court to seek return of the disputed portion of the deposit, using their lease, inspection checklist, photos, and written correspondence as evidence." } } ] } ] }