Utah Rules for Rent Increases After Accessibility Upgrades

If you’re a renter in Utah and you or someone in your household needs accessibility upgrades—such as ramps or bathroom modifications—you may wonder if your landlord can increase your rent because of these changes. Understanding how rent increases work after accessibility upgrades can help you protect your rights and plan your next steps.

What Counts as an Accessibility Upgrade?

Accessibility upgrades are modifications made to a rental unit to accommodate a person with a disability. Examples include:

• Installing grab bars or ramps
• Widening doorways
• Lowering countertops
• Adjusting light switches or fixtures

These changes are protected under the federal Fair Housing Act and Utah’s Utah Fair Housing Act^[1]. Landlords must allow reasonable accommodations but can set certain conditions, like restoring the unit to its original state when you move out.

Can Landlords Raise Rent After Accessibility Changes?

In Utah, there is no state law specifically restricting rent increases due to accessibility upgrades in private rentals. However:

• Landlords cannot charge extra for allowing an accessibility modification that is considered a reasonable accommodation for a disability.
• Landlords can increase rent on a no-cause basis if proper notice is given, but not just because you requested or installed accessibility features.
• If the landlord pays for optional upgrades beyond reasonable accommodations, they may negotiate cost-sharing.

Rent increases must still follow notice requirements set by Utah law. Generally, your landlord must give at least 15 days’ written notice before raising rent on a month-to-month lease. Check your rental agreement for longer notice periods.

Your Protections Under Utah Law

Utah renters are protected from discrimination and retaliation under the Utah Fair Housing Act and the federal Fair Housing Act^[1][2]. This means that:

• Your landlord cannot increase your rent, evict you, or otherwise retaliate just because you requested or installed reasonable modifications for accessibility.
• Your landlord must respond to your accommodation request in a reasonable timeframe. If they deny your request, they must provide a valid reason in writing.

Utah law does not set a maximum amount for rent increases, but retaliation for requesting accessibility modifications is illegal.

Notice Required for Rent Increases

For most Utah renters with a month-to-month rental agreement:

• Your landlord must give you at least 15 days’ written notice before the rent goes up.
• On fixed-term leases, rent increases can only happen when the lease is renewed, unless your rental agreement says otherwise.

Official notice is often given in writing, either personally delivered or posted, and sometimes by certified mail.

Key Official Forms for Utah Renters

• Reasonable Accommodation Request Form (sometimes called a “Disability Accommodation Request”):
  Used when you need to ask your landlord for a change or modification. A practical example: If you need a grab bar installed, submit this form to your landlord. While Utah does not have a state-issued form, local housing authorities like the Salt Lake County Reasonable Accommodation Request can be used.
• Utah Fair Housing Complaint Form:
  If you believe your landlord is discriminating or retaliating against you, you may file a complaint with the Utah Antidiscrimination & Labor Division (UALD). The official form (download) is used if your request is denied or you experience retaliation.

Who Handles Landlord-Tenant Disputes in Utah?

Utah does not have a single residential tenancies board, but the Utah Antidiscrimination & Labor Division (UALD) oversees housing discrimination issues, including disability accommodations and retaliation claims.

What To Do If You Disagree With a Rent Increase

If your landlord raises your rent and you believe it’s because you requested or completed accessibility modifications, you can:

• Document all communications related to your request and the rent increase
• Request the specific reason for the increase, in writing
• Contact the UALD (Utah Antidiscrimination & Labor Division) for free assistance
• File an official complaint using their Housing Discrimination Complaint Form

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord increase my rent just because I requested an accessibility modification in Utah?
   No. Utah law and the federal Fair Housing Act prohibit rent increases that are retaliatory or discriminatory due to disability accommodation requests.
2. How much notice must a landlord give for a rent increase in Utah?
   At least 15 days’ written notice is required for most month-to-month rental agreements.
3. Do I have to pay to restore the unit after accessibility upgrades?
   Possibly. Your landlord can require you to restore the unit when you move out, except for certain minor modifications. Discuss this before beginning any work.
4. Where do I file a complaint if I experience retaliation or discrimination?
   You can file with the Utah Antidiscrimination & Labor Division using their official complaint form.
5. Is there an official Utah form to request accessibility modifications?
   Utah does not have a single statewide form, but housing authorities such as Salt Lake County offer templates you can use.

Key Takeaways for Utah Renters

• Landlords cannot increase your rent as retaliation for requesting or installing accessibility upgrades.
• Always get all communication in writing and be aware of Utah’s notice requirements for rent increases.
• If you believe your rights are violated, file a complaint with the Utah Antidiscrimination & Labor Division.

Knowing your legal protections helps you advocate for yourself and maintain your housing security.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Utah Antidiscrimination & Labor Division (UALD): Handles housing discrimination, accessibility concerns, and retaliation complaints.
• Utah Department of Workforce Services – Housing & Community Development: Information for renters on housing rights in Utah.
• Salt Lake County Housing Authority: Assistance and forms for renters in Salt Lake County.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): National fair housing resources and complaint process.
• Utah Legal Services: Free or low-cost legal assistance for eligible renters.

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1. Utah Fair Housing Act, Title 57 Chapter 21
2. Federal Fair Housing Act
3. Utah Fit Premises Act, Title 57 Chapter 22

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