What are Utah property taxes?
Utah has some of the lowest property taxes in the U.S. — the effective rate averages about 0.55% statewide (well below the U.S. average of ~1%). Rates vary by county and municipality. Salt Lake County: ~0.62% Utah County: ~0.53% Davis County: ~0.60% Washington County: ~0.51% Owner-occupied primary residences receive a 45% exemption on the taxable […]
Is Utah a community-property state?
No. Utah is an equitable-distribution state. Property acquired during marriage is not automatically owned 50/50; in a divorce, courts divide marital property equitably (fairly, not necessarily equally). Titling still matters — a home titled in one spouse’s name alone is presumed separate unless commingled or refinanced with joint funds. Consult a licensed Utah attorney for […]
What is a REPC?
The Real Estate Purchase Contract (REPC) is Utah’s standardized purchase agreement, published by the Utah Association of REALTORS® and the Utah Division of Real Estate. It includes: Purchase price & financing Earnest money & deadlines Due-diligence, financing, and appraisal deadlines Seller disclosures Inclusions/exclusions (which appliances stay, etc.) Default remedies The REPC is legally binding once […]
How do rental applications work in Utah?
Utah is a landlord-friendly state with no rent control. Typical rental process: Application (usually $25-$75 non-refundable fee) Credit + background check (620+ preferred, some accept 580+) Income verification (typically 3× monthly rent) References (past landlords, employer) Security deposit (usually 1 month’s rent; last month’s rent often required for shorter leases) Utah law caps late fees […]
Can I do short-term / nightly rentals in Utah?
Yes, but rules vary sharply by city. Utah state law (HB 253, 2017) prevents cities from banning short-term rentals outright, but cities can: Require a business license & STR permit (Park City, Moab, St. George) Cap occupancy or number of rentals per property Require primary-residence-only STRs (some Salt Lake neighborhoods) Impose transient-room taxes (usually 8-12% […]
What is Utah’s “seller disclosure” requirement?
Utah does not have a state-mandated seller disclosure form (unlike California), but the Utah REPC’s standard form includes a Seller Property Condition Disclosure that sellers must complete in good faith. It covers: Roof age & condition Plumbing, electrical, HVAC issues Water damage / flooding history Radon / mold / meth-lab history (Utah has strong radon […]
What are HOA rules like in Utah?
Utah HOAs are governed by the Community Association Act (Utah Code §57-8a). Key points: HOAs must record CC&Rs (covenants) and bylaws with the county recorder Annual budget must be provided to homeowners HOA fees vary widely: $0-$60/mo for basic subdivisions, $300-$800/mo for gated / amenity-heavy communities (Daybreak, Traverse Mountain, Suncrest) HOAs cannot ban political signs […]
What is a 1031 exchange and can I use it in Utah?
Yes — Utah recognizes federal Section 1031 like-kind exchanges, letting investors defer capital-gains tax when selling investment property and buying another within specific deadlines: 45 days to identify replacement property 180 days to close on it Must use a Qualified Intermediary — cannot touch the sale proceeds Only investment/business property qualifies (not primary residences) Many […]