Impact By State
Between now and 2030, Utah will need to build 3,000 new apartment homes each year to keep up with demand.
The state of Utah preempts local municipalities from implementing rent control. According to Utah legislation, “A county, city, or town may not enact an ordinance or resolution that would control rents or fees on private residential property unless it has the express approval of the Legislature.”
Many states have adopted programs and initiatives to tackle the affordability crisis. In Utah, policymakers and the housing industry have made concerted efforts to address the problem. Examples include:
HB 164: This bill, which was signed into law in 2021, creates grants to help developers create low-income housing in rural areas and grants for tenants having trouble paying their rents. Those programs would cost the state $800,000, which lawmakers have included in their budget.
Useful information to help inform and guide the development of viable solutions to the housing affordability crisis.
Utah's housing deficit is the third worst in the nation, with more than 61,000 new homes needed to meet growing demand for housing in the state.
Katie McKellar with the Deseret News outlines the market conditions that are driving rent increases in Utah.
Tony Semerad with the Salt Lake Tribune outlines where the Utah Legislature's $10 million in new housing funding will be spent.
