Salt Lake County, Utah: Where to File a Security Deposit Claim and What It Costs
Listed court is Salt Lake City Justice Court in Salt Lake City. Check venue on the court's official page or with the clerk. Filing fee: set by the court; see its fee table. Claims up to $20,000. Utah return time: 30 calendar days or another period by condition. ACS two-bedroom rent: $1,488. Enter your dates below and send the dated letter first.
| Court listed | Salt Lake City Justice Court |
|---|---|
| City | Salt Lake City |
| Statewide filing fee | Current court fee schedule |
| Small claims limit | $20,000 (statewide small claims (claims on or after Jan 1, 2025 through Dec 31, 2029; Utah Code § 78A-8-102) only) |
| State deposit return deadline |
|
| Time limit to sue | 4 years |
| Deposit statute | Utah Code §§ 57-17-3, 57-17-5 |
Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.
Details
Limits: $20,000 (statewide small claims (claims on or after Jan 1, 2025 through Dec 31, 2029; Utah Code § 78A-8-102) only).
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Details of the return rules
| When it applies | Deadline | Starts from |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit return | 30 days | after the day on which a renter vacates and returns possession of the rental property |
Utah return rule: 30 calendar days. Check the dates you entered above.
Court listed for this county: Salt Lake City Justice Court. Check venue on the official court page or with the clerk.
Free dated DOCX by email. Print-ready state PDF kit: $29. Letter preparation and mailing: $49.
Who do you name in the claim?
Find and compare the legal names
Find and compare the legal names in these records:
- The lease: the Landlord or Owner line and who signed.
- The deposit receipt or the account your rent went to.
- The owner of record in the property records of Salt Lake County.
- The Utah business registry for an LLC or management company: its exact legal name and registered agent. Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code
A registered agent receives court papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
This page shows where the names are recorded; it does not decide who is legally liable.
What to bring to the clerk
- Your lease.
- Deposit receipt or payment record.
- The demand letter and proof of delivery.
- Move-out photos and an inventory or condition report.
Is it worth filing here?
Illustration: a deposit equal to one month's ACS median gross rent (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) for a home in Salt Lake County. This is calculated from rent, not measured deposits. The statutory amount requires the rule's conditions.
| Bedrooms | Deposit owed | Statutory amount | Total illustration | Limit check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,240 | $100 | $1,340 | Fits under the $20,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 2 | $1,488 | $100 | $1,588 | Fits under the $20,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 3 | $1,819 | $100 | $1,919 | Fits under the $20,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 4 | $2,066 | $100 | $2,166 | Fits under the $20,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates, tables B25064, B25031, B25003, B25070; accessed 2026-09-21. Penalty rule.
How does Salt Lake County compare with other Utah counties?
The two-bedroom median gross rent is $1,488: rank 2 of 30 counties with this metric in U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. 33% of households rent in Salt Lake County.
| County | Median gross rent |
|---|---|
| Summit County | $1,807 |
| Salt Lake | $1,488 |
| Salt Lake County | $1,488 |
| Davis | $1,369 |
| Davis County | $1,369 |
| Wasatch County | $1,353 |
Ranking uses the same ACS metric and period within this state; ties share a rank. Coverage is 30 of 33 listed counties. Census source.
Places in Salt Lake County
- Alta
- Bluffdale
- Brighton
- Copperton metro township
- Cottonwood Heights
- Draper
- Emigration Canyon metro township
- Herriman
- Holladay
- Kearns metro township
- Magna metro township
- Midvale
- Millcreek
- Murray
- Riverton
- Salt Lake City
- Sandy
- South Jordan
- South Salt Lake
- Taylorsville
- West Jordan
- West Valley City
- White City metro township
These are Census places in the county. Check the rental's address with the clerk to find the court.
U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census place-to-county relationship file
Free legal help
- Utah Legal Services: Free civil legal assistance for eligible Utah residents, including tenant eviction defense and subsidized-housing problems; Salt Lake County callers can use (801) 328-8891.
FAQ
How much does it cost to file in Salt Lake County?
The court sets the fee. Check the current schedule. Court page
Where do I file a deposit claim in Salt Lake County?
Salt Lake City Justice Court is listed. Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk. Court page
Who should I name in the claim?
Compare the legal names on the lease, deposit receipt, property records and business registry. A registered agent receives papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
What should I bring to the clerk?
Bring your lease, deposit receipt, demand letter, proof of delivery, photos and any move-out inventory.