Utah Code 57-22-6: Renter Remedies Under the Fit Premises Act

Corrective periods (57-22-6(1))

• 3 calendar days for a standard of habitability; 10 calendar days for a requirement imposed by the rental agreement.
• A "deficient condition" violates a habitability standard or the rental agreement and was not caused by the renter, the renter's family, guests, or a use that violates the agreement or law.

Written notice (57-22-6(2))

• The notice must describe each deficient condition, state the corrective period, state the remedy the renter chooses if the owner does not take substantial action, give the owner permission to enter to correct it, and be served as provided in Section 78B-6-805 or the rental agreement.

Dangerous conditions (57-22-6(3))

• For a condition posing a substantial risk of imminent loss of life or significant physical harm, the renter may notify the owner by any reasonable means, and the owner must begin remedial action within 24 hours and diligently pursue it to completion.

Remedies (57-22-6(4))

• Rent abatement: rent is abated from the notice date, the rental agreement terminates, the owner must immediately return the entire deposit and a prorated refund of prepaid rent, and the renter must vacate within 10 calendar days after the corrective period ends.
• Repair and deduct: the renter may correct the condition and deduct the cost from future rent, up to two months' rent, keeping receipts and giving copies to the owner within 5 calendar days after the next rental period begins.
• A renter must be in compliance with Section 57-22-5 to use either remedy. If the unit is not fit for occupancy, the owner may instead terminate the agreement under the conditions in 57-22-6(4)(c).

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• Utah Code § 57-22-6 (official text)