If there is no ordinance in your area, a tenant can still argue that they are entitled to a rent rebate for bad conditions. Withholding rent often results in an eviction action, so before taking any such action, a tenant should examine local laws carefully, and consider consulting with an attorney. The landlord must hold any property left behind for 30 days and make reasonable efforts to find the tenant. It is illegal to treat people differently on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, family status or source of income. For example, a landlord cannot refuse to rent to a person because they have children, or they receive welfare.
Any deposit paid by a tenant is refundable unless the contract specifically makes it non-refundable.
After the tenant moves out, a landlord has either 30 days from the move out date, or 15 days from the date a forwarding address is received, whichever is later, to return the deposit. The landlord can make deductions from the deposit for the cost of any damages beyond normal wear and tear to the property. The landlord must make an accounting of the use of the deposit, and send that along with the remaining portion of the deposit to the tenant. Return to Top An Overview of the Eviction Process A landlord who wishes to recover possession of real property must proceed in accordance with Title 78 Section 36, Utah Code Annotated. The first step the landlord must take is the actual ending of the tenancy.