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Impact By State

Utah

Overview

Like many other parts of the country, Utah's growth has resulted in significant housing affordability challenges. Combatting housing affordability issues in the state will require effective solutions that address the needs of all Utah residents.

Utah is home to over 3.2 million people.

More than 303,200 Utahns call an apartment home, with demand on the rise.

71% of extremely low-income renters spend more than half of their income on housing.

Between now and 2030, Utah will need to build 4,000 new apartment homes each year to keep up with demand.

Legal Landscape

Legal Landscape

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.”

COMTINUE PREEMPTION

Rent control is an outdated concept. It benefits the very few.

REJECT PRICE CONTROLS

Lawmakers should reject price controls and, instead, pursue alternatives such as voucher-based rental assistance for those in greatest need to better address housing affordability.

Alternative Approaches

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:

Utah Senate Bill 39

  • SB 39: This bill was signed into law in 2020 to help finance the construction of new affordable housing units by using a combination of bonds and tax credits made available to developers. It would also allocate additional money for rental assistance.

Utah House Bill 164

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. 

Resources

 

Useful information to help inform and guide the development of viable solutions to the housing affordability crisis.

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