Utah Security Deposit Law
Statute text last checked: October 23, 2026
Return deadline
30 days
Statute
Utah Code § 57-17-3; Utah Code § 57-17-2; Utah Code § 57-17-5
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Check your Utah lease →How much can a landlord charge?
Utah's deposit statute (Utah Code Title 57, Chapter 17) does not set a maximum deposit amount.
When must the deposit be returned?
No later than 30 days after the renter vacates and returns possession, the landlord must mail or deliver (or send electronically by a means the renter provided) the deposit balance, any prepaid rent balance, and a written itemization explaining each deduction.
Key rules
- Deductions are limited to rent, damage beyond reasonable wear and tear, other costs and fees provided for in the contract, and cleaning of the unit (§ 57-17-3(1)). Normal, reasonable wear and tear is not a permitted deduction.
- Any non-refundable part of a deposit must be stated in writing when the deposit is taken, if there is a written agreement (§ 57-17-2).
- If the landlord misses the 30-day deadline, the renter may serve a statutory "Tenant's Notice to Provide Deposit Disposition"; the landlord then has 5 business days to comply (§ 57-17-3(3)-(5)).
If the landlord doesn't follow the law
If the landlord still fails to comply after the renter's notice, the renter may recover the full deposit, the full prepaid rent, and a $100 civil penalty; the court awards costs and attorney fees to the prevailing party if the other side acted in bad faith. The renter must serve the notice first to get this relief (§ 57-17-5).
Frequently asked questions
Can a Utah landlord deduct for normal wear and tear?
No. Utah Code § 57-17-3(1) allows deductions for damage beyond reasonable wear and tear, not for reasonable wear and tear itself. Rent, contract fees, and cleaning may also be deducted.
How long does a Utah landlord have to return a deposit?
30 days after you vacate and return possession, with a written itemization of any deductions.
What if my Utah landlord doesn't return my deposit?
Serve the statutory notice in § 57-17-3(3). If the landlord doesn't comply within 5 business days, you may recover the full deposit plus a $100 penalty under § 57-17-5.
Sources
- Utah Code § 57-17-3 (official text)
- Utah Code § 57-17-2 (official text)
- Utah Code § 57-17-5 (official text)
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