Utah Security Deposit Law
Utah rules on security deposits for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-22.
Short answer: No statutory cap. Utah Code 57-17-1 to 57-17-5
The rules in Utah
| Security deposit limit | No statutory cap. Chapter 57-17 sets no maximum. Any non-refundable portion must be stated in writing when the deposit is taken (57-17-2). Source: Utah Code 57-17-1 to 57-17-5 |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | No later than 30 days after the renter vacates and returns possession. If the owner misses it, the renter may serve a statutory 'Tenant's Notice to Provide Deposit Disposition', after which the owner has five business days to comply. Current version effective 5/7/2025. Refund may be mailed or delivered to the last known address, or sent electronically by a means the renter provided. Source: Utah Code 57-17-3(2)-(5) |
| Itemized deductions | Required: written notice itemizing and explaining the reason for each deduction, with the balance of the deposit and any prepaid rent. Deductions allowed for rent, damage beyond reasonable wear and tear, other contractual costs and fees, and cleaning. Source: Utah Code 57-17-3(1)-(2) |
| Interest on deposits | No statutory requirement to pay interest. No interest provision appears in chapter 57-17. Source: Utah Code 57-17 |
| Penalty for withholding | If the owner fails to comply within five business days after the renter's statutory notice, the renter may recover the full deposit, the full prepaid rent, and a $100 civil penalty; court awards costs and attorney fees to the prevailing party if the other side acted in bad faith. Renter is not entitled to this relief without first serving the notice under 57-17-3(3). Current version effective 7/1/2024 (amended 2023 ch. 401). Source: Utah Code 57-17-5 |
Free calculators
- Security Deposit Deadline Calculator — See when your landlord must return your deposit, and the penalty your state sets if they don't.
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Related questions
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit?
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit?
- What can a landlord charge for at move-out (cleaning, painting, carpet)?
Utah vs. neighboring states
| State | Security deposit limit | Deposit return deadline | Itemized deductions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | No statutory cap. Utah Code 57-17-1 to 57-17-5 | No later than 30 days after the renter vacates and returns possession. If the owner misses it, the renter may serve a statutory 'Tenant's Notice to Provide Deposit Disposition', after which the owner has five business days to comply. Utah Code 57-17-3(2)-(5) | Required: written notice itemizing and explaining the reason for each deduction, with the balance of the deposit and any prepaid rent. Deductions allowed for rent, damage beyond reasonable wear and tear, other contractual costs and fees, and cleaning. Utah Code 57-17-3(1)-(2) |
| Arizona | One and one-half months' rent, counting all security however labeled, including prepaid rent. A tenant may still voluntarily prepay more rent. A.R.S. § 33-1321(A) | Within 14 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered, and the tenant demands the deposit. A.R.S. § 33-1321(D) | The landlord must provide an itemized list of all deductions together with any amount due to the tenant. Deductions may cover rent, charges specified in the signed lease (subject to the duty to mitigate), and damages from the tenant's noncompliance with § 33-1341. If the tenant does not dispute the deductions within 60 days after mailing, the list becomes final and further claims are waived. A.R.S. § 33-1321(D) |
| Colorado | Two monthly rent payments. A separate pet deposit may be no more than $300 and must be refundable. Monthly pet rent may be no more than the greater of $35 or 1.5% of monthly rent. C.R.S. §§ 38-12-102.5, 38-12-106 | Within 30 days after the lease ends or the premises are surrendered, whichever is later. The lease may set a longer period, up to 60 days. C.R.S. § 38-12-103(1) (as amended by HB 25-1249) | A written statement listing the exact reasons for any amount kept, sent with the balance. Deductions are allowed only for nonpayment of rent, utility charges, other lawful charges listed in the lease, and necessary repairs for damage beyond normal wear and tear that did not exist before the tenancy. If the tenant asks in writing within 14 days after receiving the statement, the landlord must provide relevant documentation (photos, inspection reports, receipts, invoices, estimates). Either party may request a walk-through inspection before move-out. C.R.S. § 38-12-103(1), (1.5), (8) (as amended by HB 25-1249) |
| Idaho | No statutory cap on the amount of a security deposit. Idaho Code § 6-321 | 21 days after the tenant surrenders the premises if the lease sets no time; the lease may set a different period but never more than 30 days. Idaho Code § 6-321 | If only part of the deposit is refunded, the landlord must include a signed statement itemizing the amounts kept, the reasons, and the expenditures. Deductions may not be taken for normal wear and tear. Idaho Code § 6-321 |
| Nevada | Security deposit plus any surety bond may not total more than 3 months' periodic rent. NRS 118A.242(1) | 30 days after termination of the tenancy. NRS 118A.242(4) | Landlord must give an itemized, written accounting of the disposition of the deposit (and/or surety bond) with any remaining balance within 30 days. Deductions limited to unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear, and reasonable cleaning costs. NRS 118A.242(4) |
| New Mexico | No cap for leases of one year or more (but if the deposit exceeds one month's rent on an annual lease, the owner must pay annual interest). For rental agreements shorter than one year: max one month's rent. NMSA 1978, § 47-8-18(A) | Within 30 days of the end of the rental agreement or the resident's departure, whichever is later NMSA 1978, § 47-8-18(C) | If any amount is kept, the owner must give an itemized written list of deductions and the balance within 30 days. No deductions for normal wear and tear; allowed for unpaid rent/utilities, repair work and other legitimate damages from the resident's noncompliance. NMSA 1978, § 47-8-18(C) |
| Wyoming | No statutory cap on the amount of a deposit. W.S. 1-21-1207, 1-21-1208 | Within 30 days after the rental agreement ends, or within 15 days after the landlord receives the renter's new mailing address, whichever is later. If the unit is damaged, the deadline is extended by 30 days. W.S. 1-21-1208(a) | Landlord must deliver or mail a written itemization of deductions, with reasons, together with any balance. Allowed deductions: accrued rent, damage beyond reasonable wear and tear, the cost of cleaning to move-in condition, and other costs provided by contract. W.S. 1-21-1208(a) |
City rules that may add to state law
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Utah Security Deposit Law FAQ
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Utah?
No statutory cap. (Utah Code 57-17-1 to 57-17-5)
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. If the owner misses it, the renter may serve a statutory 'Tenant's Notice to Provide Deposit Disposition', after which the owner has five business days to comply. (Utah Code 57-17-3(2)-(5))
Does a landlord in Utah have to give an itemized list of deposit deductions?
Required: written notice itemizing and explaining the reason for each deduction, with the balance of the deposit and any prepaid rent. Deductions allowed for rent, damage beyond reasonable wear and tear, other contractual costs and fees, and cleaning. (Utah Code 57-17-3(1)-(2))
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Utah?
No statutory requirement to pay interest. (Utah Code 57-17)
What happens if a landlord in Utah wrongfully keeps a security deposit?
If the owner fails to comply within five business days after the renter's statutory notice, the renter may recover the full deposit, the full prepaid rent, and a $100 civil penalty; court awards costs and attorney fees to the prevailing party if the other side acted in bad faith. (Utah Code 57-17-5)
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.