Utah Tenant Rights Guide

Last updated: April 2026

Utah has no rent control anywhere in the state — it's prohibited by state law. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice. Utah's fit premises act provides basic habitability protections, though security deposit rights have limited remedies.

Check your address to see what tenant protections apply to your rental.

Utah at a Glance

  • Rent control: None
  • Statewide rent cap: None — landlords can raise rent by any amount
  • Preemption: Utah state law explicitly prohibits local governments from enacting rent control ordinances (Utah Code § 57-22-4.5).

What Protections Utah Tenants Do Have

Even without rent control, Utah law gives renters meaningful rights in these areas:

Security Deposit

Utah has no statutory cap on security deposits. Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days of move-out with an itemized statement (Utah Code § 57-17-3). Wrongful withholding can be pursued in small claims court.

Notice to Terminate

Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 15 days' written notice before the landlord terminates the tenancy — shorter than most states (Utah Code § 78B-6-802).

Repairs & Habitability (Fit Premises Act)

Utah's Fit Premises Act requires landlords to maintain the property in a fit and habitable condition. After written notice, landlords have 3 days for emergencies or 10 days for non-emergency repairs. Tenant remedies are limited (Utah Code § 57-22-6).

Retaliation Protection

Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for reporting housing code violations or exercising legal rights (Utah Code § 57-22-6(6)).

Lockout Prohibition

Self-help eviction is illegal in Utah. Landlords must obtain a court order before removing a tenant. Unauthorized lockouts may result in a civil action (Utah Code § 78B-6-814).

Major Cities in Utah

  • Salt Lake City — No rent control; Utah state preemption prohibits it.
  • West Valley City — No rent control; Utah state preemption prohibits it.
  • Provo — No rent control; Utah state preemption prohibits it.
  • Ogden — No rent control; Utah state preemption prohibits it.

Utah Tenant Resources

These organizations offer free or low-cost help to Utah renters: