Short-Term Rental Regulations in Utah (UT)
Utah has a light level of short-term rental regulation. STR-friendly. STR operators must register with the state. A license or permit is required. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit taxes. Utah requires STR operators to obtain a business license and collect state and local transient room tax. Platforms collect and remit. HB 82 (2024) prevents cities from outright banning STRs but allows reasonable regulations. Ski resort towns have significant STR markets.
Full Requirements Summary
Utah has 2 key regulatory requirements at the state level. The table below summarizes all state-level STR regulations. Note that individual cities may have additional requirements beyond what the state mandates.
| Requirement | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| STRs Allowed | Yes | Short-term rentals are legal |
| Statewide Law | Yes | State has specific STR legislation |
| Registration Required | Yes | Must register with state/local authority |
| License Required | Yes | Must obtain a license or permit |
| Primary Residence Only | No | Investment properties allowed |
| Maximum Nights/Year | No limit | No annual night limit at state level |
| Minimum Stay | No minimum | No minimum stay requirement |
| Host Presence Required | No | Un-hosted stays allowed |
| Insurance Required | No | No state insurance mandate |
| Safety Inspection | No | No state-required inspection |
| Platform Tax Collection | Yes | Platforms collect and remit taxes |
City-Level STR Regulations in Utah
STR regulations vary by city within Utah. The table below shows restriction levels and local notes for 5 cities. City-level rules may be more or less restrictive than the state average.
| City | Restriction Level | Local Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City | Moderate | STR business license required. Must comply with zoning. Transient room tax applies. Annual renewal. |
| Park City | Moderate | STR business license required. Nightly rental district designated. Transient room tax ~12.6%. Major ski resort market. |
| Moab | Moderate | STR business license required. Near Arches/Canyonlands. Transient room tax. Community debate about STR impact on housing. |
| St. George | Light | STR business license required. Growing market. Transient room tax applies. |
| Provo | Light | STR regulation through zoning. Business license required. Transient room tax. |
How Utah Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Utah with five states that have similar STR regulation levels. This helps illustrate where Utah stands nationally in terms of short-term rental friendliness.
| State | Restriction Level | Registration | License | Night Cap | Platform Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah (UT) | Light | Yes | Yes | No limit | Yes |
| Arizona (AZ) | Light | Yes | Yes | No limit | Yes |
| Connecticut (CT) | Light | Yes | No | No limit | Yes |
| Delaware (DE) | Light | No | Yes | No limit | No |
| Idaho (ID) | Light | No | No | No limit | No |
| Iowa (IA) | Light | No | No | No limit | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About Utah STR Regulations
Can I legally operate an Airbnb in Utah?
Yes, short-term rentals are legal in Utah. You must register with the state. A license or permit is required. The state's overall restriction level is light. Always check your local city and county regulations before listing.
Do I need a permit or license for an Airbnb in Utah?
Yes, Utah requires a license or permit for short-term rental operators. Individual cities in Utah may have their own permit requirements even if the state does not mandate one. Check the city-level details above for specifics.
Does Airbnb collect taxes in Utah?
Yes, Utah has a platform accountability law. Airbnb and other platforms collect and remit applicable state and/or local taxes on behalf of hosts. Always verify your tax obligations with your local tax authority.
Which city in Utah has the strictest Airbnb rules?
Among the cities we track, Salt Lake City has the most restrictive STR regulations in Utah with a moderate restriction level. STR business license required. Must comply with zoning. Transient room tax applies. Annual renewal.
Where can I find the most current STR rules for Utah?
STR regulations change frequently. For the most current information, check your Utah state legislature website, your city or county clerk's office, or your local planning/zoning department. Our data reflects regulations as of early 2026, but always verify before listing a property.
Check Another State or City
Use our STR regulation lookup tool to find the exact rules for your specific city in Utah, or browse all 50 states to compare short-term rental friendliness across the country. Remember: city-level rules often differ significantly from the state-level picture.