Utah Code § 57-22 § 57-22-5
Renter's duties -- Cleanliness and sanitation -- Compliance with written agreement -- Destruction of property, interference with peaceful enjoyment prohibited.
Operative Text
Renter's duties -- Cleanliness and sanitation -- Compliance with written agreement -- Destruction of property, interference with peaceful enjoyment prohibited. (1) Each renter shall: (a) comply with the rules of the board of health having jurisdiction in the area in which the residential rental unit is located which materially affect physical health and safety; (b) maintain the premises occupied in a clean and safe condition and shall not unreasonably burden any common area; (c) dispose of all garbage and other waste in a clean and safe manner; (d) maintain all plumbing fixtures in as sanitary a condition as the fixtures permit; (e) use all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, and other facilities and appliances in a reasonable manner; (f) occupy the residential rental unit in the manner for which it was designed, but the renter may not increase the number of occupants above that specified in the rental agreement without written permission of the owner; (g) be current on all payments required by the rental agreement; and (h) comply with each rule, regulation, or requirement of the rental agreement, including any prohibition on, or the allowance of, smoking tobacco products within the residential rental unit, or on the premises, or both. (2) A renter may not: (a) intentionally or negligently destroy, deface, damage, impair, or remove any part of the residential rental unit or knowingly permit any person to do so; (b) interfere with the peaceful enjoyment of the residential rental unit of another renter; or (c) unreasonably deny access to, refuse entry to, or withhold consent to enter the residential rental unit to the owner, agent, or manager for the purpose of making repairs to the unit.
Utah Code Ann. § 57-22-5 sets out a list of duties that renters must follow while occupying a residential rental unit. These duties include keeping the unit clean and safe, properly disposing of waste, using utilities and appliances reasonably, staying current on rent and other payments, and following all terms of the rental agreement. The provision also prohibits renters from intentionally or negligently damaging the property, disturbing other renters' peaceful enjoyment, or unreasonably blocking an owner's access to make repairs.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Utah Code Ann. § 57-22-5, compliant property operators typically document the condition of a unit at move-in and move-out, maintain clear written rental agreements that specify occupancy limits, smoking policies, and other rules, and keep records of any lease violations. When a renter fails to meet the cleanliness, payment, or property-care standards outlined in this provision, operators generally issue written notices consistent with Utah law before pursuing further remedies. Maintaining thorough documentation of any damage, unauthorized occupants, or access denials helps establish a clear record if a dispute arises.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Utah Code Ann. § 57-22-5 outlines the responsibilities renters carry during their tenancy, including keeping the unit sanitary, paying all amounts due under the lease, and complying with lease rules such as smoking restrictions. Renters who believe a landlord is misapplying this provision—for example, by claiming damage that was pre-existing—may find that move-in inspection records and written communications serve as important evidence. Tenant-rights organizations in Utah can help renters understand how these duties interact with their broader rights under state 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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