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Utah security deposit law: deadline, deductions and penalties

Quick answer

In Utah, a landlord has 30 days to return the security deposit or send an itemized list of deductions (Utah Code §§ 57-17-3, 57-17-5). Under Utah law, a landlord who keeps a deposit in bad faith can owe the amount withheld plus up to $100.

Checked against the statute on October 29, 2026.

30

days for a Utah landlord to return the deposit or itemize deductions

The deadline

No later than 30 days after the renter vacates and returns possession, the owner must return the deposit balance and any prepaid rent with a written notice itemizing each deduction.

What the landlord must send you

A written notice that itemizes and explains the reason for each deduction.

Penalty for wrongful withholding

If a court finds bad faith, the renter may recover the full deposit, any prepaid rent, an extra $100 and court costs (Utah Code § 57-17-5).

Your forwarding address

Before suing, a renter can serve a written notice; the owner then has 5 business days to comply (Utah Code § 57-17-3). The demand letter can serve as that notice.

Read the law

Summary checked against the statute on October 29, 2026. Not legal advice; laws change, so confirm with the source before relying on it.

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Did the landlord send you a written, itemized list of deductions?

Utah security deposit FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Utah?

No later than 30 days after the renter vacates and returns possession, the owner must return the deposit balance and any prepaid rent with a written notice itemizing each deduction.

What must a Utah landlord send when keeping part of the deposit?

A written notice that itemizes and explains the reason for each deduction.

What is the penalty for wrongfully keeping a security deposit in Utah?

If a court finds bad faith, the renter may recover the full deposit, any prepaid rent, an extra $100 and court costs (Utah Code § 57-17-5).

Do I need to give my Utah landlord a forwarding address?

Before suing, a renter can serve a written notice; the owner then has 5 business days to comply (Utah Code § 57-17-3). The demand letter can serve as that notice.

How do I get my security deposit back in Utah?

Give your landlord a forwarding address in writing, wait for the 30 days deadline, then send a demand letter by certified mail that cites Utah Code §§ 57-17-3, 57-17-5 and sets a payment date. If the landlord still doesn't pay, you can file in small claims court in the county where the rental is located.

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