Provo City

Rental Dwelling FAQ


What is a rental dwelling?
Any building or portion of a building used or designated for use as a residence by one (1) or more persons and is available to be rented, loaned, leased or hired out for a period of one (1) month or longer. A unit that is not owner occupied is considered a rental even if no rental fee is charged or collected.
 
What is a short-term rental dwelling?
Short-term rental dwelling means a building or portion of a building, or a manufactured home used or designated or designed for use as a residence by one (1) or more persons and is:  (a) available to be rented, loaned, leased or hired out for a period of less than one (1) month; or (b) arranged, designed, or built to be rented, loaned, leased or hired out for a period of less than one (1) month.
 
It is unlawful to maintain a short-term rental dwelling in any agricultural or residential zone.  A short-term rental dwelling which is leased or rented more than one (1) time in any thirty (30) day period shall be prima facie evidence that the use of the building is a short-term rental dwelling.
 
Who needs to license rental properties with Provo City?
Each entity, person or business, which owns, operates or maintains a rental dwelling within Provo City, must have a rental dwelling business license.
 
Are there any exceptions?
A license is not required for a dwelling unit, which is ordinarily owner-occupied but is temporarily rented because:
  1. The owner is placed in a hospital, nursing home, assisted living facility or other similar facility
  2. The owner has a bona fide, temporary absence of three (3) years or less for activities such as temporary job assignments, sabbaticals, or voluntary service. Indefinite periods of absence from the dwelling do not qualify for this exception. (6.26.020)
  3. An accessory apartment in an owner-occupied one family dwelling is not deemed a rental dwelling. 
 
How do I license my rental property with Provo City?
A license is issued after the following steps have been completed:
  • A complete application has been submitted.
  • Provo City has received payment for the license.
  • The zoning division has reviewed the application.
  • The property has complied with all requirements for a license.
 
Where do I submit my application?
Applications may be submitted on-line or you may mail the application form to P.O. Box 1849, Provo, Utah 84603. Your application, however, will be processed more quickly if you complete the online application.
 
How much does a license cost?
The license fee for one (1) dwelling unit, such as, a single condominium or a single family dwelling, is $20.00.
The license fee for more than one (1) dwelling unit is $60.00. A duplex is considered two (2) dwelling units.
 
How long is the license valid?
All licenses expire July 31st of each year.
 
Will I receive a renewal notice?
Renewal notices will be mailed prior to August 1st . A late fee will be assessed on payments received after August 31st.
 
I have several rental properties in Provo City; do I need a license for each location?
One license will be issued to each entity, regardless of the number of units owned by that entity.  If a person owns multiple properties which are deeded in separate owner names, LLC’s, or Corporations, each will need to apply for a separate rental license.  (Ex. Joe Smith; Joe & Jane Smith; Smith LLC will each require a separate license.)
 
If you own rental dwellings in multiple locations, please complete a Property Information Form (this form is part of the application) for each location. If multiple buildings are part of a complex, one Property Information form should be completed for each complex. The zoning review requires information for each building in the complex.
 
What is an entity?
An entity can take the following forms: Corporation, General Partnership, Limited Partnership, Limited Liability Partnership, and Limited Liability Company or Sole Proprietorship. If you are operating as a sole proprietor using your own name, you do not need to register with the Utah State Division of Commerce. All other entity types, including "Doing Business As (DBA)," must be currently registered with the Utah State Division of Commerce before completing the licensing application. 
 
Will I be required to get an inspection for each unit?
An inspection of the property may be required prior to the issuance of a rental license. Information provided on the application will be compared to original approval documents in the zoning office to determine the legal use and occupancy for the rental. Properties that were originally constructed as single family homes and have been converted into two or more units may be inspected.
 
What happens if my property does not meet the minimum health/safety and zoning requirements?
If the property does not comply with health/safety codes and zoning codes, you will be given a list of corrections that you can do to bring your property into compliance. Conditions on the property which would pose imminent danger to the health and safety of tenants must be corrected before you will be issued a license.
 
If I have submitted a completed application, made payment, but I haven’t received my license because zoning has not reviewed my application, will I be cited for renting properties without a license?
It may take a few weeks for the zoning division to review your application. Once you have submitted the application and paid the licensing fee, you may request a receipt for confirmation that Provo City has received your application. If violations are found as part of the review process, citations may be issued for those violations if they are not corrected in a timely manner.
 
Is my license transferable?
Licenses are not transferable. Written notice must be given to the business license official within thirty (30) days after transferring ownership of the property.
 
How do I grant someone “Power of Attorney”?
A “Power of Attorney” form can be found on the City’s website. Please read the disclaimer appearing at the top of the form.
 
Who do I contact to answer my questions about rental dwelling licensing?
For questions regarding zoning and Health/Safety code issues, please call (801) 852-6400.
For information regarding the licensing process and fees, please call (801) 852-6532 or send an email to licensing@provo.utah.gov