Utah Repair Damages Claimed Letter
The Utah state laws allow deductions to be made on a tenants security deposit only if there are rent arrears, to cover damages beyond regular wear and tear and to cover any other expenses resulting from lease agreement breach such as unpaid electricity bills. In case there are legal deductions made on the tenant's security deposit, an itemized list of deductions must be sent to the tenant's provided address no later than 30 days after the tenant moves out of the rental unit.
Roof replacement and repair, air conditioner replacement and paint fading are instances that are unavoidable and involves wear and tear over time and costs on such are the responsibility of the landlord. Some of the situations where the landlord are allowed to make deductions on the security deposit are those where the tenant caused literal damage like broken wall mirrors, broken ovens, large holes on the wall and broken taps.
In the event that the landlord withholds the security deposit illegally or in bad faith without any legal reasons, the tenant can get back their security deposit through a number of ways. However, the first option that usually works is to send a damage claims letter to the landlord. In the letter, you need to first confirm receiving the itemized list sent to you by the landlord then express your concerns over the deductions explaining why you are disputing them. Although you can discuss and agree with the landlord verbally or by other means, it is important to always make the important details of the communication in writing.
This letter is based on the Utah landlord-tenant laws and addresses the tenants desire to have their security deposit refunded according to the provisions of the laws. It reminds the landlord of the consequences of defaulting on the payment and your intention to take legal action to get back the owed amount. In most cases, sending this letter is all you need to do to have your security deposit refunded fast.
