Utah Code § 57-22 § 57-22-2
Definitions.
Operative Text
Definitions. As used in this chapter: (1) "Owner" means the owner, lessor, or sublessor of a residential rental unit. A managing agent, leasing agent, or resident manager is considered an owner for purposes of notice and other communication required or allowed under this chapter unless the agent or manager specifies otherwise in writing in the rental agreement. (2) "Rental agreement" means any agreement, written or oral, which establishes or modifies the terms, conditions, rules, or any other provisions regarding the use and occupancy of a residential rental unit. (3) "Rental application" means an application required by an owner as a prerequisite to the owner entering into a rental agreement for a residential rental unit. (4) "Renter" means any person entitled under a rental agreement to occupy a residential rental unit to the exclusion of others. (5) "Residential rental unit" means a renter's principal place of residence and includes the appurtenances, grounds, and facilities held out for the use of the residential renter generally, and any other area or facility provided to the renter in the rental agreement. It does not include facilities contained in a boarding or rooming house or similar facility, mobile home lot, or recreational property rented on an occasional basis.
Utah Code Ann. § 57-22-2 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout Utah's residential rental chapter. It defines key terms such as "owner" (which can include managing or leasing agents), "rental agreement" (covering both written and oral arrangements), "renter," and "residential rental unit." Notably, a residential rental unit must be the renter's principal place of residence and excludes certain property types like boarding houses, mobile home lots, and occasionally rented recreational property. These definitions shape how all other provisions in the chapter are interpreted and applied.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Utah Code Ann. § 57-22-2, property owners, lessors, and sublessors are all captured by the term "owner," and managing or leasing agents are generally treated as owners for purposes of required notices and communications unless a written exception is specified in the rental agreement. Compliant operators typically ensure their rental agreements clearly identify the roles of any agents or managers, particularly if those agents are not intended to serve as the point of contact for statutory notices. Understanding which properties qualify as "residential rental units" under this section also helps operators determine whether their properties fall within the chapter's scope.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Utah Code Ann. § 57-22-2 defines who qualifies as a "renter" and what counts as a "residential rental unit" under Utah's residential rental law, which directly affects whether a tenant's housing situation is covered by the chapter's protections. Both written and oral arrangements qualify as "rental agreements," meaning tenants in informal leasing situations may still have rights under this chapter. Tenants who are uncertain whether their living situation — such as a room in a boarding house or a recreational property — falls within these definitions may benefit from consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with Utah law.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 16, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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