Utah Eviction Laws and Eviction Process

A reference of Utah Eviction Laws, and steps of the Utah eviction process for landlords and renters, updated 2021.

  • What notice do Utah eviction laws require that landlords provide tenants before starting the eviction process?
    • A 3-day notice is required for any of the following reasons:
      • Non-payment of rent (three business days)
      • Illegal activity
      • Subletting the property without permission 
      • Setting up an unlawful business on the premises
      • Committing waste on the property
      • Permitting a nuisance on the property
    • Non-compliance with the lease agreement (Utah Code § 78B-6-802(1))
    • For evictions based on remaining in possession of the rental unit beyond the period of the lease without the owner’s permission, the landlord must provide a notice of 30-days for a month-to-month tenancy. (Utah Code § 78B-6-802(1)(b)(i)).
  • Do Utah eviction laws allow landlords to use “self-help eviction” methods, such as locking a tenant out of the rental unit or shutting off the utilities? 

Utah Eviction Process: Step-by-Step

The eviction process in Utah involves the following five steps:

  1. The landlord serves the eviction notice. The landlord must legally serve the eviction notice on the tenant through any of the following methods:
    • Delivering it personally to the tenant
    • Mailing it via certified or registered mail
    • Leaving it with a person of “suitable age and discretion” at the rental unit if the tenant is not present, followed by mailing it to the tenant
    • Attaching the notice in a conspicuous place at the rental unit if a person of suitable age or discretion cannot be located (Utah Code § 78B-6-805).
  2. The landlord files an eviction lawsuit. After the waiting period has lapsed, the landlord can begin the judicial eviction process in Utah by filing a lawsuit with the district court in the county where the property is located. The landlord must file a complaint that describes the tenant, the landlord, the property, and the legal justification for the eviction. The landlord must also complete a summons that notifies the tenant of the case against them. Landlords can use the OCAP system to prepare the complaint and summons.
  3. The landlord serves the tenant.  The landlord must have the tenant legally served with the following documents:
    • The complaint
    • The summons
    • The written rental agreement, if any
    • The eviction notice that was previously served on the tenant
    • Notice to Defendant of Disclosure Requirements in Unlawful Detainer Actions, which describes the tenant’s rights
    • An itemized calculation of past-due rent, damages, costs, and attorney’s fees.

      The tenant has three days to prepare a written response to the complaint and request a hearing, which is stated in the summons.
  • The court hearing is scheduled. The landlord can request a default judgment if the tenant does not respond to the complaint and summons. If the tenant does respond, the hearing is scheduled for within 10 days of the tenant’s answer. Before the hearing, the tenant and landlord must provide each other with the evidence they are planning to use at the hearing.
  • The parties attend the hearing.  The landlord and tenant attend the hearing and present the case. If the court rules in the landlord’s favor, it provides an Order of Restitution of the Premises, which directs the sheriff or constable to remove the tenant from the rental property. 

    Depending on the legal claims and outcome, the landlord can recover an Order for Damages, Rent, and Attorney Fees that covers these costs, as well as three times the amount of damages stemming from:
    • Rent 
    • Forcible entry
    • Damage to the property

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**Blog Article Disclaimer*

This blog article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The content is intended to offer general information and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date, laws and regulations are subject to change, and the legal landscape may vary based on jurisdiction. Therefore, we make no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the information contained in this article.

Reading, accessing, or using the information provided in this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and the author, and any reliance on the information is at your own risk. If you require legal advice or assistance, it is crucial to consult with a qualified attorney who can consider the specifics of your situation and provide advice accordingly.

The author and the platform disclaim any liability for any loss or damage incurred by individuals or entities as a result of the information presented in this blog. We recommend consulting a legal professional before making decisions or taking action based on the information provided in this article.

This disclaimer is subject to change without notice, and it is the responsibility of the reader to review and understand the disclaimer before relying on the information contained in the blog article.

PayRent is on a mission to build a rent collection app that fosters a positive and productive relationship between renters and landlords. We focus less on transactions and more on the people behind them.

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