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How much notice does a Utah tenant need to give before moving out

UTAH LAW

Move-Out Notice in Utah How much notice tenants must give

A plain-English guide to month-to-month, fixed-term, and at-will notice, delivery methods, timelines, and deposits

Utah Law Explained turns complex landlord-tenant rules into clear steps. If you are on a month-to-month rental in Utah and your lease is silent, plan on giving at least 15 calendar days written notice before the end of the rental period. Many leases require more time, commonly 30 or 60 days, so always check your agreement first. Fixed-term leases usually do not require mid-lease move-out notice, but they often require advance notice if you want to non-renew. If you are truly a tenant at will, Utah law recognizes a shorter 5-day notice.

Below you will find precise notice periods, a copy-paste notice letter, checklists, and practical tips grounded in current Utah law. This page gives legal information, not legal advice.

01

Quick Answer

Use these at-a-glance rules, then confirm what your own lease requires.

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Month-to-month

If your lease does not set a longer notice, give written notice at least 15 calendar days before the end of the rental period. Many leases require 30 or 60 days. Follow the lease if it is longer.

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Fixed-term lease

You normally finish the term and move on the end date. Some leases require advance non-renewal notice. Read your contract and calendar any notice window.

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Tenant at will

Give at least 5 calendar days written notice. At-will is uncommon and is different from a month-to-month lease.

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Delivery methods

Use court-recognized service: personal delivery, leaving with a responsible adult and mailing, posting and mailing, or registered or certified mail. Keep proof.

02

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to time your notice and protect your deposit.

1) Check the lease Look for term, termination, notice, or non-renewal clauses. If the lease says 30 or 60 days, you must follow that.
2) Calculate the deadline Month-to-month example: if rent is due on the 1st and you want to be out at the end of November, the owner must receive your notice at least 15 calendar days before November ends. Count calendar days, not business days.
3) Choose a service method Mirror court-recognized methods: personal delivery, leave with a responsible adult and mail, post and mail, or send by registered or certified mail. Keep mailing and delivery proof.
4) Prep before you send Confirm tenancy type, where notices must be sent, and your move-out date. Include a forwarding address in the notice. Keep a signed copy and proof of service.

Tip: If your lease allows text or email as formal notice, still create a paper trail with a signed letter and certified mailing so there is no dispute later.

03

Notice Periods and Delivery

Month-to-month Default Rule

Key Points: At least 15 calendar days written notice that ends at the close of a rental period if the lease is silent. Many leases increase this to 30 or 60 days.
Why It Matters: Missing the window can extend your rent liability by another period.

Fixed-term Leases

Key Points: You typically move at the fixed end date. Some leases require advance non-renewal notice. Calendar any window.
Watch For: Clauses that require 30 to 60 days notice even at the end of the term.

Tenancy at Will

Key Points: At least 5 calendar days written notice. This is rare in modern residential rentals.
Clarify: At-will is not the same as month-to-month.

How to Deliver Notice

Methods: Personal delivery to the owner or agent, leaving with a responsible adult and mailing, posting and mailing, or registered or certified mail to the notice address in your lease.
Proof: Keep signed copies, mailing receipts, and delivery confirmations.
04

Utah Move-Out Notice Letter

Copy, paste, and fill in your details. Include your forwarding address.

Subject: Notice of Termination of Tenancy

To: [Owner or Property Manager Name]
Address for notice: [As listed in lease]

I am providing written notice that I will end my tenancy at [rental address].
My last day of possession will be [date]. This satisfies the written notice requirement under our rental agreement and Utah law for my tenancy type.

Please confirm receipt in writing. My forwarding address for security-deposit purposes is:
[Forwarding address, email, and phone]

I will return all keys, fobs, and garage openers on my last day of possession and will leave the unit clean and in good condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted.

Signed: [Your name]
Date: [today date]
Delivery method: [certified mail number, personal delivery details, or posted and mailed]

1

Serve the notice with proof

Use a recognized method and keep mailing and delivery records.

2

Prep your move-out

Schedule movers and cleaners, cancel or transfer utilities, and plan key return.

3

Document condition

Time-stamped photos and video of each room, appliances, cabinets, walls, floors, windows, and exterior.

4

Return access items

Turn in keys, fobs, remotes, and parking stickers. Get written confirmation.

5

Calendar your deposit check-in

Set a 30-day reminder to look for the deposit disposition and be ready to send the 5-day demand if needed.

05

Protect Your Security Deposit

Utah landlords must, within 30 days after you move out, send any remaining deposit, any balance of prepaid rent, and an itemized list of deductions to your last known address. If you do not receive the deposit or itemization after 30 days, send the statutory Tenant Notice to Provide Deposit Disposition. After the owner receives that notice, they have 5 business days to comply or you can sue in small claims and may recover the deposit, a 100 dollar civil penalty, and possibly attorney fees if the court finds bad faith.

Key Takeaways

Month-to-month default is 15 calendar days unless your lease requires longer. Many leases require 30 or 60 days.

Fixed-term leases end on the end date, but some require advance non-renewal notice. At-will tenancies need at least 5 calendar days notice.

Serve notice using recognized methods and keep proof. For deposits, the owner has 30 days, then a 5 business day cure after your demand.

This page is legal information, not legal advice. When in doubt, get counsel before you act.

Next Step

Download the notice letter, time your deadline, and decide how you will serve it with proof. If you hit disputes, talk with a Utah attorney.

Talk to a Utah Attorney

If you are unsure about the exact notice or your landlord is not following the rules, a short consult can save time and money.

Utah Law Explained publishes plain-English guides on housing, family, consumer rights, employment, and small business so Utahns can act with confidence.

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