Utah Code § 13-11 § 13-11-16
Investigatory powers of the division.
Operative Text
Investigatory powers of the division. (1) If the division has reason to believe that a person has engaged in, is engaging in, or is about to engage in an act or practice that violates this chapter, the division may investigate and otherwise act in accordance with Sections 13-2-106 and 13-2-107 and other provisions of this chapter. (2) (a) If the matter that the division subpoenas is located outside this state, the person subpoenaed may either make the matter available to the division at a convenient location within the state or pay the reasonable and necessary expenses for the division or the division's representative to examine the matter at the place where the matter is located. (b) The division may designate representatives, including officials of the state in which the matter is located, to inspect the matter on the division's behalf, and may respond to similar requests from officials of other states. (3) Upon failure of a person without lawful excuse to obey a subpoena and upon reasonable notice to all persons affected, the division may apply to the court for an order compelling compliance. (4) In the event a witness asserts a privilege against self-incrimination, testimony and evidence from the witness may be compelled in accordance with Title 77, Chapter 22b, Grants of Immunity.
Utah Code Ann. § 13-11-16 grants the Utah Division of Consumer Protection the authority to investigate individuals or businesses suspected of violating Utah's consumer sales practices law. The division can issue subpoenas, examine records, and coordinate with officials in other states when relevant materials are located outside Utah. Courts can compel compliance if a subpoena is ignored, and witnesses who invoke the Fifth Amendment may still be required to testify under a formal grant of immunity.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Utah Code Ann. § 13-11-16, property owners and managers whose rental practices fall under Utah's consumer protection statutes should be aware that the division can open an investigation based on a reasonable belief that a violation has occurred or is imminent. Compliant operators generally maintain organized records and respond promptly and fully to any division inquiries or subpoenas, including making documents available within Utah when requested. Operators who receive a subpoena and fail to respond without a lawful excuse risk a court order compelling compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Utah Code Ann. § 13-11-16 establishes that the Division of Consumer Protection has broad investigatory tools available when a landlord or other party may be violating Utah's consumer protection laws, which can include certain rental-related practices. Tenants who believe a landlord has engaged in deceptive or unlawful conduct may file a complaint with the division, which can then use its subpoena and investigative powers to look into the matter. Tenant-rights organizations in Utah can help individuals understand whether a particular situation falls within the division's jurisdiction and what complaint options may be available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 16, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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