Utah renter checklist: What to know before you sign this summer

Avoid rental headaches and find the right place with this quick summer guide.

When it comes to finding apartments for rent in Utah, summer is when things really heat up — in more ways than one. With sunny weather, school breaks and lease cycles coming to an end, this season brings a noticeable surge in listings on KSL Homes.

Landlords schedule turnovers, families take advantage of the school break to relocate and college students move in and out of university towns. Add tax refund season and longer daylight hours — ideal for tours and high-quality listing photos — and it’s no surprise summer is peak rental season for both renters and property owners.

To help make the most of this busy window, use this renter friendly checklist to simplify the search and stay one step ahead. Whether you’re relocating within Utah or making the move here for the first time, here’s what to know before locking in that perfect place.

Decide how much you can afford to pay in rent before you start your search so you don't waste time looking at places out of reach.

Budget: Set it and stick to it

No surprise here, money tops the list when searching for a place to rent. Entrata’s 2024 Resident Report found affordability to be “far and away the most important factor respondents were looking for in a new apartment.”

When it comes to setting that budget, a popular rule of thumb is to keep rent under 30% of monthly after-tax income. But that’s just a starting point. Dima Williams of Bankrate recommends factoring in things such as student loans, local cost of living and any other regular expenses to get a more realistic picture.

Once you settle on a comfortable range, KSL Homes makes it easy to filter listings by price and zero in on rentals that won’t stretch the budget.

Location: Find the best places to rent in Utah

With the budget in place, the next step — and often the most exciting — is choosing the right location. Whether it's walkable access to downtown Salt Lake, more affordable options near Ogden or the quieter, suburban feel of Orem or Lehi, Utah offers a wide range of neighborhoods to match different lifestyles and priorities. Whatever vibe you’re looking for, you can find the right fit on KSL Homes. 

• Explore Salt Lake rentals
• Check out Ogden apartments
• Browse Orem listings

No matter how great a place looks online, it's wise to take a tour in person before signing any paperwork.

Touring: Always see before you sign

No matter how excited you might be about a new property you just found online, it’s always a good idea to tour it before you sign a rental agreement. A virtual tour is better than nothing, but an in-person walkaround is ideal so that you can get the full picture of a property — including any potential issues or flaws that online photos might hide.

If a landlord refuses to let you tour a property, consider that a red flag. 

Pets: Check the policy first

Not every landlord is as enthusiastic about pets as their potential tenants. Many properties have restrictions, whether based on breed, size or type of animal. To avoid the stress of choosing between a dream rental and a four-legged companion, use KSL Homes’ search filters to show only pet-friendly listings from the start.

Find pet-friendly rentals on KSL Homes

Lease agreement: Read every line carefully

Before you sign on the dotted line, carefully read the lease agreement to avoid any unpleasant surprises later on. Among other things, pay special attention to:

• Lease length and renewal terms
• Maintenance policies
• Guest policies
• Pet policies 
• Early termination clauses 
• Security deposit and fees. Utah state law requires landlords to return security deposits within 30 days of move out.

Scams: Stay alert, stay smart

Unfortunately, rental scams are all too common. Bad actors often create fake listings to take advantage of eager renters. Even when time is tight, it’s important to stay cautious. Stick to KSL Homes, where we actively work to vet listings and protect users.

For more guidance, explore KSL’s tips on how to spot and avoid online scams.

Does the rental have all the amenities you need to feel comfortable living there?

Safety: Know what to look for

Nothing beats the confidence of knowing a home has the right safety features in place. This includes smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, secure parking and a neighborhood with solid safety stats. These details might seem small, but they add up to something big: the comfort of feeling safe, settled and right where you belong.

Patience: Don’t settle or rush

Summer may be the busiest time to find a rental property in Utah, but that doesn’t mean you have to make a rash decision. Most renters spend about 2.9 months searching for a new place, so don’t rush the process. Start early, use smart tools and check listings regularly to stay ahead of the summer crowd.

Ready to move? Let KSL Homes help you find the best places to rent in Utah

With the ultimate Utah renter checklist in hand, the search for a new place just got a whole lot easier. KSL Homes takes the guesswork out of the process, offering helpful filters and trusted listings to help match budget, lifestyle and long-term goals — all in one place.

Don’t wait until the summer rush is over. Explore KSL Homes today and discover a rental that feels like home from day one.

Search rentals on KSL Homes