Utah Security Deposit Limits

Your Utah landlord has 30 days after your move-out date to return your security deposit along with an itemized statement of any deductions. This deadline is set by Utah Code Ann. §57-17-3.

If your landlord misses the 30-day deadline, you can sue in Utah small claims court (up to $20,000) to recover your full deposit plus court costs. While Utah doesn't impose a penalty multiplier, the threat of court often motivates compliance.

No. Utah law under Utah Code Ann. §57-17-3 explicitly prohibits landlords from deducting for normal wear and tear. This includes faded paint, minor scuffs, small nail holes, and carpet thinning from regular use. Deductions must be for actual damage beyond what normal living causes.

Utah law under Utah Code Ann. §57-17-3 governs how much a landlord can charge for a security deposit. Most states cap deposits at one to two months' rent. If your landlord charged more than the legal maximum, you may be entitled to recover the excess amount independent of any deposit return dispute.

If your landlord collected a deposit in excess of the legal limit in Utah, you can send a demand letter requesting the excess back. You can also include this claim in a small claims case (up to $20,000). This violation is separate from any issue with returning the deposit at move-out.