Utah Landlord-Tenant Bill Halted in Committee

Proposed legislation to give landlords more power to terminate rental agreements faces concerns over vague language and tenant protections.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A bill in the Utah Legislature that would have given landlords more power to immediately terminate rental agreements in certain situations failed to move forward this week. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Dave Shallenberger, R-Orem, was held by the House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee after multiple people expressed concerns about the bill's vague language and potential impact on tenants.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation highlights the ongoing tensions between landlords and tenants in Utah, with landlord groups arguing the changes are necessary to address serious habitability issues, while tenant advocates warn the bill could be used to unfairly evict "annoying" tenants. The outcome of this bill could set an important precedent for landlord-tenant laws in the state.

The details

HB516 would have allowed landlords to immediately terminate a lease agreement if they determine a home has a condition that makes it 'not habitable,' or if a tenant has an animal that attacks or bites someone. It also would have required tenants to report problems with their home to their landlord, whereas currently it's only optional.

  • The bill was heard by the House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.
  • The legislative session in Utah is scheduled to end on March 6, 2026.

The players

Rep. Dave Shallenberger

The Republican state representative from Orem who sponsored HB516.

Titan Legal

A Utah law firm specializing in evictions that supported the bill.

Justin Allen

The government affairs director at the Rental Housing Association of Utah, a landlord advocacy group, who spoke in support of the bill.

Jake Anderegg

A representative of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, who expressed concerns about the bill's vague language and potential impact on tenants.

Tara Rollins

The executive director of the Utah Housing Coalition, who spoke against the bill as written but said she is willing to work with the lawmaker to find a compromise.

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What they’re saying

“It feels like it's not quite there. It's just not ready to go.”

— Rep. Cory Maloy, Republican state representative from Saratoga Springs (ksltv.com)

“A tenant could 'find themselves in a desperate situation struggling to find a new place to live in a short period of time.'”

— Jake Anderegg, Representative of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (ksltv.com)

“The bill is 'not ready for prime time yet.'”

— Steve Erickson, With Crossroads Urban Center (ksltv.com)

What’s next

It's unclear if HB516 will be heard again before the Utah legislative session ends on March 6, 2026.

The takeaway

This failed bill highlights the ongoing tensions between landlords and tenants in Utah, with both sides arguing for measures that protect their respective interests. The outcome could set an important precedent for landlord-tenant laws in the state, underscoring the need for balanced legislation that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders.