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Salt Lake County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything Utah landlords need to file a Unlawful Detainer in Salt Lake County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.

$75
Filing fee
2–3 weeks
Hearing wait
3–5 weeks
Total process
E-File ✓
Filing method

🏛️ Salt Lake County Courthouse Information

⚠️ Salt Lake County — What Landlords Should Know

Salt Lake County uses Third District Court for unlawful detainer actions.

Need an Eviction Attorney in Salt Lake County?

Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Salt Lake County eviction attorney — free consultation.

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Salt Lake County

1

Serve the Required Notice

Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 3-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 3-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per Utah law.

2

File Your Unlawful Detainer at Scott M. Matheson Courthouse

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Scott M. Matheson Courthouse (450 S. State St., Salt Lake City, UT 84114). The filing fee is $75. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service. Online filing is also available.

3

Serve the Summons on the Tenant

After filing, the court issues a summons. In Salt Lake County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $30. You must NOT serve the summons yourself — improper service can get your case dismissed.

4

Attend the Court Hearing

Hearings in Salt Lake County are typically scheduled 2–3 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.

5

Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The Utah Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Utah.

Salt Lake County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $75 Paid to Salt Lake County Clerk of Court
Summons Service $30 Sheriff or process server fee
Writ of Possession ~$26–$30 Sheriff enforcement after judgment
Attorney (optional) $400–$1500 Recommended for contested cases

Frequently Asked Questions — Salt Lake County Evictions

How long does an eviction take in Salt Lake County?

The typical Salt Lake County eviction takes 3–5 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Salt Lake County is generally considered a landlord-friendly jurisdiction.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Salt Lake County?

The court filing fee in Salt Lake County is $75. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($30), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$26–$30), and attorney fees if represented ($400–$1500). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $131–$135.

What court handles evictions in Salt Lake County?

Evictions in Salt Lake County are filed at the Scott M. Matheson Courthouse, located at 450 S. State St., Salt Lake City, UT 84114. The case type is filed as a Unlawful Detainer.

Can I file an eviction online in Salt Lake County?

Yes, Salt Lake County accepts electronic filing for eviction cases. You can file the complaint and pay fees online, though in-person service of process is still typically required.

Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Salt Lake County?

Utah law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, having an attorney reduces the risk of procedural dismissals and improves outcomes, especially in contested cases.

What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Salt Lake County?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Salt Lake County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in Utah.

See full Utah eviction laws and notice requirements.

Utah Eviction Guide for Landlords →

Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in Utah.

Utah Eviction Notice Templates →

Is your tenant facing eviction in Salt Lake County? See their rights.

Tenant Rights in Salt Lake County →

Relevant Utah Statutes