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House approves bill letting crime victims in rental units obtain new locks
Summary
First substitute House Bill 184, sponsored by Representative Shortliffe, passed 63–6 and allows renters who provide documentation of a qualifying crime to have locks rekeyed or replaced, with the renter paying costs and the owner retaining a key; a friendly amendment clarified rekeying vs. replacement obligations.
The Utah House passed first substitute House Bill 184, a measure designed to help victims of domestic violence and other crimes who rent apartments obtain changes to locks for safety. Sponsor Representative Luana Shortliffe described the bill's three conditions: the renter must provide documentation of the crime, the renter pays the cost of installation, and the owner must retain a key and refuse to provide it to the perpetrator.
Representative Oda offered a friendly amendment clarifying that a landlord may rekey a functioning lock (a less expensive option) and, if necessary, replace an entire locking mechanism with one of equal or better quality; the renter remains responsible for payment but may be reimbursed if stipulated. Shortliffe described the amendment as strengthening the bill and the House adopted it.
Members asked questions about whether replacing a lock could amount to an eviction or what documentation would be required; Shortliffe said landlords often voluntarily act and the statute would provide clearer guidance but protective-order processes may also apply.
The chamber approved the amended bill 63 yes to 6 no. The bill will be referred to the Senate for further action.
