Getting the Deposit Back
Utah Code 57-17-3 — 30 days after moving out, then a notice with five business days to answer
No later than 30 days after a renter vacates and returns possession, the landlord, the owner or the owner's agent in the statute's words, mails or delivers to the renter's last known address, or sends electronically by a means the renter provided, the balance of the deposit, the balance of any prepaid rent, and a written notice itemizing and explaining each deduction.
Who handles this in Utah: And Justice for All, James B. Lee General Intake line and Utah Legal Services; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Utah directory.
- A deposit may be applied to unpaid rent, damage beyond reasonable wear and tear, other costs and fees in the contract, and cleaning.
- Any part of a deposit that is non refundable is stated in writing to the renter when the deposit is taken.
If the owner does not comply, the renter may serve a notice, substantially in the form the section prints, giving the owner five business days to provide the deposit balance, the prepaid rent balance and the itemized deductions. It is served in person, by leaving it with someone of suitable age, by posting it, or by registered or certified mail, at the address in the lease.
| If the owner still does not comply | The renter may recover |
|---|---|
| If the owner still does not complyThe deposit balance was not timely returned | The renter may recoverThe full deposit |
| If the owner still does not complyThe prepaid rent balance was not timely returned | The renter may recoverThe full prepaid rent |
| If the owner still does not complyEither way | The renter may recoverA civil penalty of $100 |
A renter who never served the notice is not entitled to that relief. In a suit to enforce it, the court awards costs and attorney fees to the prevailing party if it finds the other side acted in bad faith.
Sources for this section (3)
- Utah Code 57-17-3 — Deductions from deposit -- Written itemization -- Time for return
- Utah Code 57-17-5 — Failure to return deposit or prepaid rent or to give required notice -- Recovery of deposit, penalty, costs, and attorney fees
- Utah Code 57-17-2 — Non-refundable deposit -- Written notice required
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Utah attorney.