Security Deposit Not Returned in Utah: What Can I Do?
This page is about getting your security deposit back in Utah. It covers what a landlord may take out, the deadline to return it, and the steps to take when it is late.
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When your tenancy (the time you rent the home) ends, your landlord or the landlord's agent may use your deposit for rent. The landlord may also use it for damage beyond reasonable wear and tear (the normal wearing down from everyday living). Other uses are other costs and fees listed in the contract, and cleaning of the unit.
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
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Your landlord or the landlord's agent must mail or deliver the balance of your deposit and the balance of any prepaid rent. This must happen no later than 30 days after the day you move out and give the home back. The 30 days count from the day after that. The landlord may send it to your last known address. The landlord may also send it electronically (using a computer or phone) by a means you gave the landlord.
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
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If your landlord or the landlord's agent takes anything out of your deposit or prepaid rent, the landlord must send you a written notice. The notice must list each amount taken out and explain the reason for each one.
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
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Write down the day you move out and give the home back. Keep a copy of every notice you send to your landlord. You may need these records if you go to court.
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Your landlord or the landlord's agent may miss the 30-day deadline for your deposit or prepaid rent. Then you may serve the landlord a written notice. The notice must state the names of the parties to the rental agreement and the day you moved out. It must say the landlord failed to return your money on time. It must give an address where the landlord may send it.
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
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A notice for a late deposit must be served on the landlord or the landlord's agent in one of these ways. You may hand it to the person at the address in the lease. If that person is absent, you may leave it with a person of suitable age and discretion at that address. If no such person can be found, you may stick it in a place anyone can see at that address. You may also send it by registered or certified mail to the address in the lease. Save texts and emails as well; they are also a record of what you sent.
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
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After you serve the late-deposit notice, your landlord or the landlord's agent has 5 business days. The 5 business days start on the day after the notice is served. In that time the landlord must send the balance of your deposit and the balance of any prepaid rent. The landlord must also send a written list of any amounts taken out, with the reasons.
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
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Your landlord or the landlord's agent may not comply within the 5 business days after you serve the notice. Then you may recover the full deposit, if it was not returned on time. You may recover the full prepaid rent, if it was not returned on time. You may also recover a civil penalty (a fine) of $100. You get this money only if you win your case and your landlord pays.
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
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Utah law gives you no relief for a late deposit if you fail to serve your landlord the written notice for a late deposit. The notice must be served the way Utah law sets.
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
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In a court case to enforce Utah's deposit law, the court must award costs and attorney fees (lawyer fees) to the prevailing party. This applies if the court decides the opposing party acted in bad faith. You get this money only if you win your case and your landlord pays.
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
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Utah's renters' deposit law binds the holder of the owner's or agent's interest in the rental. The holder is bound at the time your tenancy (the time you rent the home) ends.
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
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