Landlord Deposit Return Rules

Summary

In Utah, landlords must return security deposits within 30 days after a tenant vacates. Deductions can be made for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, or cleaning costs. If a fire was due to landlord negligence, tenants may have a case for a full refund. Contact the Utah State Bar, Utah Legal Services, or the University of Utahs Pro Bono Initiative for legal assistance. Mediation services like Utah Dispute Resolution can also help resolve disputes.

Full Conversation

Valerie
Hello Valerie, it's nice to meet you. How can I assist you with your legal issue today?
I had a housefire January * of this year. My landlord said she would depart return my deposit back which was $*. I have not seen that she then said she was only gonna return * Mike because there was a $* nonrefundable and I’m just wondering if that’s legal for her to keep since it was not my fault the fire started I was forced to move the Fire was her negligence because I told her there was an electrical short in the house back in August * she told me that was fine. She never did anything about it. The house caught fire now I’m having trouble with her, anything she’s trying to charge me for everything tell me I have to clean my house downstairs where the fire didn’t start so I’m just wondering is it legal for her to keep the nonrefundable deposit? I could see if I moved out when my lease was up I can imagine I can. I’m OK with that but since I was forced to leave I don’t think that’s right.
Hi Valerie, I understand your situation. The rules about security deposits can vary by location. Could you please let me know where you're based so I can provide relevant information?
Salt Lake City, Utah
In Utah:
- The landlord must return the security deposit within 30 days after you've vacated.
- The landlord can make deductions for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, or cleaning costs.
However, if the fire was due to landlord's negligence, you may have a case. Consider contacting a local lawyer.
OK I will do that there’s nowhere and I mean there’s wear and tear but there’s nothing beyond wear and tear but I’ll just contact One do you have anyone in mind that I could call or just anyone in Utah?
I'm glad you're taking this step, Valerie. I suggest reaching out to the Utah State Bar for referral services. They can connect you with a local lawyer specializing in tenant rights. Their number is (*) *-*.
Yeah I’ve called them. They gave me a bunch of different numbers to call. I set up an appointment for virtual. I haven’t heard nothing back. I’ve been leaving messages with the numbers that was given and nothing.
I'm sorry for the inconvenience, Valerie. The Utah Legal Services (ULS) might be able to help. They offer free legal help to low-income individuals. You can reach them at *-*-*-*.
I’ve called them too. They said I don’t qualify because it’s just me and my son which I still claim him on my taxes. He’s a college student but I didn’t qualify. I don’t even make enough money but yeah I’ve tried them also I don’t know who else to call him out of options because everyone has given me numbers to call I’ve called and they can’t help me or they don’t call me back.
I'm sorry to hear about your situation, Valerie. Another option might be the University of Utah's Pro Bono Initiative. They provide free legal assistance and their number is (*) *-*. I hope this helps.
I think I’ve called them, but if not, I’m gonna call him again thank you for your help
Great, Valerie. ****o reach out to the University of Utah's Pro Bono Initiative. If you still face difficulties, consider contacting a private attorney. Some offer free initial consultations.
Okay
I'm sorry you're facing these challenges, Valerie. If the University of Utah's Pro Bono Initiative doesn't work out, try reaching out to private attorneys who offer free initial consultations. Also, you may consider legal aid organizations like Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake. Their number is (*) *-*.
Thank you I called legal aid also
I understand, Valerie. I'm sorry you're running into these roadblocks. Have you tried reaching out to the Utah ****ispute Resolution? They offer mediation services that could help resolve your issue with the landlord. Their phone number is (*) *-*.