State Law Guide · Updated January 2026
Utah Security Deposit Laws
Under Utah Code § 57-17-3, Utah landlords must return security deposits within 30 days of a tenant moving out. Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face penalties of up to $100 penalty if no written itemization; balance then due in full.
Quick Answer
In Utah, landlords have 30 days to return your security deposit after you move out and provide a forwarding address. The maximum deposit is No statutory limit. If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, you can sue in Small Claims Court (up to $11,000) and may recover $100 penalty if no written itemization; balance then due in full under Utah Code § 57-17-3. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of deductions.
Received deductions from your landlord?
Check if they violate Utah law
What Utah Law Requires
Return Deadline
Landlords have exactly 30 days to return your deposit after you move out. If they make deductions, they must provide an itemized statement explaining each charge with documentation.
Penalties for Violations
Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face $100 penalty if no written itemization; balance then due in full. You can file in small claims court for amounts up to $11,000without needing an attorney.
Interest Requirements
No interest requirement
Common Deductions Landlords Make
Federal guidelines from HUD and the IRS establish "useful life" standards that limit what landlords can charge. Many common deductions are partially or fully invalid under these guidelines.
Carpet Replacement
Typical: $500-1,6005-year useful life per HUD MAP Guide Appendix 5C. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
Interior Paint
Typical: $200-7003-year useful life per HUD Handbook 4350.1. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
Get a Demand Letter That Cites These Laws
Our tool analyzes your landlord's deductions against Utah Code § 57-17-3 and federal HUD guidelines, then generates a formal demand letter you can send immediately.
Legal Demand Letter
Cites exact statutes & deadlines
Ready in Minutes
Download as PDF or Word
HUD/IRS Citations
Useful life depreciation built in
$19 · Avg Utah deposit: $1,400 · Potential 73x return
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Utah landlord have to return my deposit?
Utah landlords have 30 days to return your deposit with an itemized list of deductions.
What if my Utah landlord doesn't provide written itemization?
They owe you a $100 penalty and forfeit the right to claim any deductions—you get the full deposit back.
City-Specific Rules
Some Utah cities have additional tenant protections:
- Salt Lake City: Additional tenant resources through city housing programs.
Official Resources
- Utah Attorney General Consumer Protection(Government)
- Utah Legal Services(Legal Aid)
Compare Other States
See how Utah's security deposit laws compare to nearby states:
Don't let the 30-day window pass
Get Your Utah Demand Letter Now
Join thousands of Utah tenants who've used our tool to dispute unfair deductions and recover their deposits.
Based on Utah Code § 57-17-3 · HUD Handbook 4350.1 · IRS Publication 527