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Senate advances SB42 after extended debate over rental application fees and tenant impacts
Summary
Senate Bill 42, which would allow landlords or their agents to charge a reasonable application/background-check fee (and permit reuse of certified reports for a limited time), passed to third reading after extensive floor debate. Supporters argued fee rules protect landlords and potentially keep rents lower; opponents warned the policy could burden low‑income renters and raise discrimination and enforcement concerns.
The Utah Senate held an extended floor debate on Senate Bill 42, a measure that would permit a residential dwelling owner or designated agent to charge a nonrefundable application/background‑check fee and set conditions for when a previously obtained certified report may be reused.
Sponsor remarks (identified in debate as Senator Waddup) emphasized that the bill is permissive rather than mandatory: landlords may, but would not be required to, charge a reasonable fee. He told senators the goal is to standardize practice where some local ordinances preclude background‑check fees and to protect…
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