Tenant Rights in Orem, Utah

Last updated: April 2026

Orem renters live just north of Provo in Utah County, with the same statewide protections and no local rent control. Here's what state law means for your tenancy.

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Key Takeaways

  • Rent Control: None — Utah Code § 57-22-4.5 bans local rent control statewide.
  • Security Deposit: No statutory cap. Must be returned within 30 days of move-out with an itemized statement (Utah Code § 57-17-3).
  • Notice to Vacate: At least 15 days' written notice for month-to-month tenancies (Utah Code § 78B-6-802).
  • Just Cause Eviction: Not required in Utah. Landlords may decline to renew without a stated reason.
  • Local Resources: Utah Legal Services (utahlegalservices.org), Utah County Housing Authority

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Orem

Orem is a mid-sized city in Utah County, bordered by Provo to the south. It has a significant renter population, including students from Utah Valley University. Like every city in Utah, Orem has no local tenant protections — your rights as a renter are defined entirely by Utah state law.

The most relevant statutes are Utah's Fit Premises Act (Utah Code § 57-22), which governs habitability and landlord duties, and the security deposit return law (Utah Code § 57-17-3).

2. Does Orem Have Rent Control?

Orem has no rent control. Utah Code § 57-22-4.5 prohibits any city, county, or local government in Utah from adopting rent control measures. Landlords in Orem can raise rent to any level with proper notice. There is no state-level rent stabilization either.

3. Utah State Tenant Protections That Apply in Orem

Orem renters are covered by Utah's statewide landlord-tenant protections:

  • Habitability: Your landlord must maintain your unit in a fit and habitable condition. Written repair notices trigger a 3-day deadline for emergencies and 10 days for non-emergencies (Utah Code § 57-22-6).
  • Security Deposit: Returned within 30 days of move-out with a written itemized statement of deductions (Utah Code § 57-17-3). Utah has no cap on deposit amounts.
  • Notice to Terminate: Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 15 days' written notice before termination (Utah Code § 78B-6-802).
  • Anti-Retaliation: Landlords cannot retaliate for reporting code violations or asserting tenant rights (Utah Code § 57-22-6(6)).
  • Lockout Prohibition: Landlords cannot remove you without a court order. Self-help eviction is illegal (Utah Code § 78B-6-814).

4. Security Deposit Rules in Orem

Utah law imposes no cap on security deposit amounts, so Orem landlords can charge what the market allows. After move-out, your landlord must return the deposit within 30 days with a written itemized statement of any deductions (Utah Code § 57-17-3). If the landlord fails to meet this deadline or withholds funds without justification, you can file a small claims court action. Photograph the unit at move-in and move-out to protect yourself.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Orem

Evictions in Orem follow Utah's unlawful detainer process. For non-payment of rent, the landlord must first serve a 3-day pay-or-quit notice. If the problem is not resolved, the landlord files a court action and must obtain a judgment before you can be removed. Your landlord cannot engage in self-help eviction — no lockouts, utility cutoffs, or removal of belongings without a court order (Utah Code § 78B-6-814). Utah does not require just cause to decline to renew a lease upon its expiration.

6. Resources for Orem Tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Orem have rent control?

No. Orem has no rent control, and Utah Code § 57-22-4.5 prohibits any municipality in Utah from enacting rent control. Landlords may raise rent by any amount.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Orem?

There is no limit. Utah has no rent control or stabilization law. Your landlord can raise rent by any amount, but must provide proper written notice before the increase applies to a month-to-month tenancy.

How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Orem?

30 days after move-out, accompanied by a written itemized statement of deductions (Utah Code § 57-17-3). If the deadline is missed, you can sue in small claims court.

What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Orem?

For unpaid rent, a 3-day pay-or-quit notice. For ending a month-to-month tenancy, at least 15 days' written notice (Utah Code § 78B-6-802). The landlord must then obtain a court judgment before you can be removed.

Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Orem?

No — self-help eviction is illegal under Utah Code § 78B-6-814. Your landlord must go through the court process. Contact Utah Legal Services if this happens to you.

What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Orem?

Submit a written repair request. Under Utah Code § 57-22-6, your landlord has 3 days for emergency repairs and 10 days for non-emergency issues. If they do not respond, you may have legal remedies including lease termination. Document everything in writing.

This article provides general information about tenant rights in Orem and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or tenant organization.

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