Deposit Legal Uses

Member since 2024 · 8 posts · 4 votes

I just want to make sure I understand Utah law correct when it comes to using a deposit. You ARE NOT allowed to use a deposit for normal wear and tear like scuffs and small marks on paint or floors. But are landlords allowed to use the security deposit to contract professional cleaners for cleaning of floors and the overall unit?

If they had pets dos this effect the ability to use a security deposit? Not referring to pet fees nor pet rent, specifically the use of a security deposit? Obviously I don’t want to take advantage of the tenants I just want to know if using a small portion of the deposit is allowed ?

0 Reply

24 views

2 Replies

Jump to latestLatest

Sort by

Robert Masucci
Real Estate Consultant · Remote · Member since 2025 · 48 posts · 21 votes
1y
Hey Jemini, sounds like you need legal advice from a lawyer in Utah that works in RE law. I would look for a lawyer that fits that criteria. If it's out of your budget, check out the app Minnect--they have all kinds of professionals that charge by the minute. So you may get a quick answer for low-cost. Note: we have no affiliation with Minnect.
0 Reply
JD MartinBusiness Member
Moderator
Rock Star Extraordinaire · Northeast, TN · Member since 2015 · 10k+ posts · 16k+ votes
1y
Quote from @Jemini Leckie:

I just want to make sure I understand Utah law correct when it comes to using a deposit. You ARE NOT allowed to use a deposit for normal wear and tear like scuffs and small marks on paint or floors. But are landlords allowed to use the security deposit to contract professional cleaners for cleaning of floors and the overall unit?
If they had pets dos this effect the ability to use a security deposit? Not referring to pet fees nor pet rent, specifically the use of a security deposit? Obviously I don’t want to take advantage of the tenants I just want to know if using a small portion of the deposit is allowed ?

I am unfamiliar with Utah's rules but most states allow deposit use for damages and returning the house to equal condition as it was rented, normal wear and tear excluded. That means probably not paint scuffs but yes, if it was left unclean you can pay for it to be cleaned out of the deposit (what's in your lease?) (My state is TN): we provide professionally cleaned, top-to-bottom homes, tenant signs lease and agrees to return home in the same clean condition. *Generally* we recommend to tenants that they just remove their stuff and leave it broom clean, not deep cleaned, and have the cleaning cost deducted from their deposit as our cleaners are cheaper and more thorough - if they use a professional and they miss things - and they almost always do, ie door frames, baseboards, ceiling fan blades and motors, etc - they'll have to have them come back. So if they just take their junk with them, don't leave any trash behind and leave it reasonably clean our cleaners are fast and cheap.
Pets is the same situation. Everything you do with the deposit should refer back to your lease and the laws of your state.
Podcast Guest on Show #243
Skyline Properties
View Page
0 Reply

Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.