Rent increases in Utah

Utah has no rent-increase notice statute. A periodic tenancy ends at the end of a rental period after notice served at least 15 calendar days before that period ends, and Utah Legal Services says the same rule applies to rent increases: written notice at least 15 calendar days before rent is next due, or the increase waits another period. If the last signed lease requires 30 or 60 days' notice to end the tenancy, that longer period applies. (Utah Code § 78B-6-802(1)(b)(i))

No separate rent-increase rule: the periods below are the notice to end a periodic tenancy.

• The change can only start at the end of a rental period (on a rent day).

Earliest date the new rent can start, with rent due on the 1st, worked out from the Utah rule above:

• For a month-to-month tenant of 1 year raising rent 5% or a month-to-month tenant of 3 years raising rent 12% or a week-to-week tenant raising rent 5%: Tuesday, December 1, 2026

Generally the rent can't be raised during a lease term, unless the lease has a clause allowing increases for specific reasons (for example higher property taxes) or allows changes to non-rent charges. (Utah Legal Services, Rent Increase or Decrease)

A county, city or town may not adopt an ordinance or resolution controlling rents or fees on private residential property unless the Legislature expressly approves it. (Utah Code § 57-20-1)

• Utah has no statute that specifically bars a retaliatory rent increase; the Utah Fit Premises Act (§§ 57-22-1 to 57-22-7) has no general anti-retaliation section. § 57-22-5.1 bars an owner from penalizing or evicting a renter for reasonable requests for help from a public safety agency.
• Tenancy at will (no rent period): 5 calendar days' notice (Utah Code § 78B-6-802(1)(b)(ii)).
• Mobile-home owners renting a lot in a park get at least 60 days' written notice of a lot-rent increase (Utah Legal Services).
• Public housing, project-based subsidy, vouchers and LIHTC units follow their program rules; income changes can change the tenant's share (Utah Legal Services).

Security deposit

No statutory limit. Return deadline: 30 days after move-out.

Tenant's notice to move out

Varies (see rule)

Notice for unpaid rent

3 business days (pay or move out)

How a written notice is delivered (eviction-notice rules)

By personal delivery to the tenant; by registered or certified mail (or equivalent) to the tenant's residence or the rental; if the tenant is absent, by leaving a copy with a person of suitable age and discretion there; or if no such person can be found, by posting a copy in a conspicuous place on the property (Utah Code § 78B-6-805(1)).

Notice for other lease violations

3 days (fix it or move out)

Small claims court limit

$20,000 — where most deposit and rent disputes are filed.

Repairs

Time to repair: 3 days; urgent: 24 hours. Repair and deduct: allowed with limits; withholding rent: not allowed.

Deposit kept wrongly

If the owner doesn't comply within 5 business days 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 (§ 57-17-5).

Lawful reasons to end a lease early

Domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking; Unit unlivable or landlord fails to repair

• Utah Code § 78B-6-802 Retrieved October 15, 2026.
• Utah Code § 57-20-1 Retrieved October 15, 2026.
• Utah Code Title 57, Chapter 22 (Utah Fit Premises Act) Retrieved October 15, 2026.
• Utah Legal Services — Rent Increase or Decrease Retrieved October 15, 2026.

Laws change. This page was checked against the sources above on October 15, 2026. It is legal information, not legal advice; for a dispute, contact your state's legal aid. See our methodology.