To the Landlord

Utah Code sec. 78-36-1 et seq. and hundreds of Utah court decisions require that you use only lawful procedures to evict a tenant. Landlords often attempt to speed up the process of eviction. Most such methods are unlawful.

Until you have a court order, you may not:

• Change the locks on the doors
  
  
• Shut off any utility, such as water, electricity, or gas
  
  
• Take possession of any property belonging to the tenant
  
  
• Enter the rental unit without advance notice to the tenant, except in case a true emergency exists
  
  
• Harass, intimidate, or threaten the tenant or the tenant's guests
  
  
• Inhibit the tenant's right to freely enter and leave the premises

You must not engage in any of these activities even if the tenant has not paid rent or has repeatedly violated written rules. You must use the legal process to evict. There is no place for self-help remedies.

Utah Legal Services is the law firm representing poor Utahns who have legal problems, including landlord/tenant disputes. In the appropriate case, we will take legal action against a landlord who violates a tenant's rights by engaging in any of the conduct listed above and prohibited by law, even if the tenant has not paid rent or has repeatedly violated written rules.