Utah security deposit rules
Utah sets no statutory limit on the size of a security deposit. The deposit must be returned balance of the deposit, prepaid rent and an itemized written notice of deductions delivered to the renter's last known address no later than 30 days after the renter vacates and returns possession. No interest is owed on the deposit under state law.
What the law requires
No statutory limit. Returned Balance of the deposit, prepaid rent and an itemized written notice of deductions delivered to the renter's last known address no later than 30 days after the renter vacates and returns possession. If the landlord misses the deadline the renter may serve a 5-day notice; continued noncompliance forfeits the entire deposit plus a $100 penalty and fees (§ 57-17-5). § 57-17-3 read from the 2023 Justia mirror; § 57-22-4 read from a Wayback copy of the official le.utah.gov text (version effective 5/5/2021); § 78B-6-802 from the 2025 Justia mirror.
- Deductions: unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, itemised in writing. Cleaning and repainting after ordinary use are normal wear in most states.
- Deadline: the 30-day clock usually starts when the tenant moves out and, in many states, when a forwarding address is provided. Missing it typically forfeits the landlord’s right to keep any of the deposit and can add statutory damages.
- Interest: none required under state law. Cities in some no-interest states have their own ordinances, so check the municipal code where you rent.
Move-out checklist
- Give written notice of the move-out date and a forwarding address; many deadlines only start when the landlord has the address.
- Photograph every room after cleaning, with a timestamp. Request a joint inspection where the state allows one.
- If the deadline passes, send a written demand citing Utah Code § 57-17-3. Small-claims court handles deposit disputes in every state and most cap the claim well above a typical deposit.
Related Utah rules
- Late fees: Late fee may not exceed the greater of 10% of the rent in the rental agreement or $75. No statutory grace period. Other fees must be stated in the rental agreement (or, for month-to-month, added with 15 days' notice). Late fee calculator.
- Notice to end a tenancy: Landlord may end a month-to-month (periodic) tenancy by serving notice to quit at least 15 calendar days before the end of the month or period; tenancies at will require 5 calendar days. The statute does not set the tenant's notice period, which is governed by the rental agreement (UNVERIFIED statutory rule for tenants). Notice calculator.
- All rules on one page: Utah landlord and tenant law.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Utah?
There is no statutory cap in Utah; the market and the lease decide. If the landlord misses the deadline the renter may serve a 5-day notice; continued noncompliance forfeits the entire deposit plus a $100 penalty and fees (§ 57-17-5). § 57-17-3 read from the 2023 Justia mirror; § 57-22-4 read from a Wayback copy of the official le.utah.gov text (version effective 5/5/2021); § 78B-6-802 from the 2025 Justia mirror.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Utah?
Balance of the deposit, prepaid rent and an itemized written notice of deductions delivered to the renter's last known address no later than 30 days after the renter vacates and returns possession. The statute is Utah Code § 57-17-3.
Does a Utah landlord have to pay interest on the security deposit?
No. Utah law does not require interest on residential security deposits.