Housing
Abandonment
Can the landlord say I abandoned my rental unit even if I still intend to live there?
Maybe. If you did not tell the landlord you would be away, the landlord can assume you abandoned the rental...
Bad Housing
If your landlord does not fix something that needs to be repaired, you have options. But be careful, you could end up getting evicted if you don’t follow the proper steps. Call Utah Legal...
Companion Animals and Service Animals
Service and companion animals are more than pets. They are working animals that help people with their disabilities. Service animals do tasks such as guide people who are blind. Companion animals...
Coronavirus Eviction Moratoriums
(“Moratorium” means something is temporarily stopped or postponed)
Who is protected by the eviction moratorium?
There are two separate moratoriums. One is federal, the other is for...
Criminal Trespass By Long-term Guest
Utah passed a law in 2017 that aims to help homeowners and apartment renters get rid of an invitee (“guest”) who won’t go when asked to leave. It allows the police or sheriff to arrest a...
Domestic Violence Lease Termination
You have specific tenant rights as a victim of domestic violence. You can get new locks or end your rental contract.
How do I get my landlord to change my locks?
Write a letter to the...
Eviction Basics
Are you being evicted? Did your landlord say you must leave? If so, there are things you should know. Landlords are not above the law. In order to evict someone, they must follow the law.
Below...
Eviction, what can happen to me?
How does an eviction affect me after I move?
Once an eviction action is filed, it is a permanent public record. This record cannot be expunged. Landlords often do background checks when someone...
Getting an Eviction Notice
How is an eviction case started?
Before a landlord can start an eviction case in court, the landlord must first give you a written notice. Even though this notice may state it is a notice of...
Getting Your Deposit Back
Do I get my deposit back?
You might get your deposit back, unless you are told in writing that the deposit is not refundable.
How do I get my deposit back?
The landlord does not have to...
Getting Your Personal Property Back
If you were evicted or your landlord claims you abandoned your rental unit, it may be difficult to get back any property you left behind. The landlord may even be able to charge moving and storage...
Locked Out Without A Court Order
Utah law and hundreds of Utah court decisions require that a landlord use only lawful procedures to evict a tenant. Landlords often attempt to speed up the process of eviction. Most such methods...
Possession Bonds
This information applies only when you received a notice that the landlord posted a possession bond and you asked the court to set a hearing in response to that notice.
At your immediate...
Rent Increase or Decrease
If your rent is legally increased and you receive a 3-day or 5-day notice to pay or vacate after failing to pay the increased amount, you must pay the increase – and all late fees imposed by a...
Stopping an Eviction Order (Order of Restitution)
What is an Order of Restitution?
“Order of Eviction” would mean the same. This is the court order telling the tenant how much time the tenant has before the tenant can be physically...