I've been a renter my entire adult life, and during this time, I've experienced firsthand the unfair practices of unscrupulous landlords. The laws in Utah not only allow these injustices, they seem to encourage them! This is not just my story; it's the story of countless renters across our state who are left vulnerable due to massive loopholes in our rental laws.

In Utah, over 30% of households are occupied by renters (source: U.S. Census Bureau). This means along the Wasatch Front alone, nearly 1 MILLION people are renting right now and that number is growing. Due to factors such as interest rates and a explosion in homeownership costs, more and more people are forced to either rent or become homeless. Yet, our current rental laws often leave these individuals unprotected against evictions without cause and exploitation by slumlords. 85% of renters are on fixed incomes, such as retirement or disability, and they cannot afford to be uprooted by those looking to take advantage in order to make a quick buck! Eviction notices can be delivered to children as young a 3 to 6 years old and the law says this is a suitable age! The landlords have all the power in this state and they not only know it, they use it to take advantage of those that need protection the most! Even with representation, a renter is going to lose in 93.3% of cases (Source: People's Legal Aid). Clear evidence to contradict your landlord's claims, evidence of on time payment, and other proof does not matter enough to win your case. If your landlord wanted to evict you, they are going to be able to, legally, and you will be unlikely to do anything about it!

We need change now! We call on the Utah State Legislature to reform rental laws that will reduce confusion and protect renters from unjust treatment. These reforms should include standardizing language to clear up confusion between business days and calendar days, closing loopholes that allow for arbitrary evictions, and ensuring transparency in all landlord-tenant dealings.

Anyone that thinks we are a rental friendly state needs to know the truth. Not only do landlords take advantage, according to a 2023 investigation by 2News, 25% of Utah state legislators have some type of involvement in the real estate industry. Lawmakers are making laws to benefit themselves and they need to know how it's actually affecting those they represent. Share this with your friends and loved ones, especially the vulnerable. We are not demanding pools in every price range. We are asking for protection and to be treated like equal class citizens. 

By signing this petition, you are standing with thousands of other Utahns who believe in fair housing rights for all residents regardless of their homeownership status. Let's make renting a secure and dignified option for everyone living in our state! Sign this petition today!