Utah § 57-17-5 - Failure to return deposit or prepaid rent or to give required notice -- Recovery of deposit, penalty, costs, and attorney fees.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 57-17-5 — Failure to return deposit or prepaid rent or to give required notice -- Recovery of deposit, penalty, costs, and attorney fees., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 57-17-5. Failure to return deposit or prepaid rent or to give required notice -- Recovery of deposit, penalty, costs, and attorney fees.

Effective 7/1/2024
57-17-5.  Failure to return deposit or prepaid rent or to give required notice -- Recovery of deposit, penalty, costs, and attorney fees.
(1) If an owner or the owner's agent fails to comply with the requirements described in Subsection 57-17-3(5), the renter may:
(a) recover from the owner:
(i) if the owner or the owner's agent failed to timely return the balance of the renter's deposit, the full deposit;
(ii) if the owner or the owner's agent failed to timely return the balance of the renter's prepaid rent, the full amount of the prepaid rent; and
(iii) a civil penalty of $100; and
(b) file an action to enforce compliance with the provisions of this section.
(2) In an action under Subsection (1)(b), the court shall award costs and attorney fees to the prevailing party if the court determines that the opposing party acted in bad faith.
(3) A renter is not entitled to relief under this section if the renter fails to serve a notice in accordance with Subsection 57-17-3(3).
(4) This section does not preclude an owner or a renter from recovering other damages to which the owner or the renter is entitled.


Amended by Chapter 401, 2023 General Session

Source: official Utah text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 57-17-5

What does Utah Code § 57-17-5 cover?

Section 57-17-5 ("Failure to return deposit or prepaid rent or to give required notice -- Recovery of deposit, penalty, costs, and attorney fees.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Utah § 57-17-5?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 57-17-5" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Utah law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.

How does Utah § 57-17-5 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Utah.