Utah Code § 57-21 § 57-21-8
Jurisdiction -- Commission -- Division.
Operative Text
Jurisdiction -- Commission -- Division. (1) The commission has jurisdiction over the subject of housing discrimination under this chapter and may delegate the responsibility of receiving, processing, and investigating allegations of discriminatory housing practices and enforcing this chapter to the division. (2) The commission may: (a) in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, adopt rules necessary to administer this chapter; (b) appoint and prescribe the duties of investigators, legal counsel, and other employees and agents that it considers necessary for the enforcement of this chapter; and (c) issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses or the production of evidence for use in any investigation, conference, or hearing conducted by the division, and if a person fails to comply with a subpoena, petition a court of competent jurisdiction for an order to show cause why that person should not be held in contempt. (3) The division: (a) may receive, reject, investigate, and determine complaints alleging discriminatory housing practices prohibited by this chapter; (b) shall attempt conciliation between the parties through informal efforts, conference, persuasion, or other reasonable methods for the purposes of resolving the complaint; (c) may seek prompt judicial action for appropriate temporary or preliminary relief pending final disposition of a complaint if the division and the commission conclude that an action is necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter; (d) may, with the commission, initiate a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction to: (i) enforce the rights granted or protected under this chapter; (ii) seek injunctive or other equitable relief, including temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, or permanent injunctions; (iii) seek damages; (iv) enforce final commission orders on the division's own behalf or on behalf of another person in order to carry out the purposes of this chapter; and (v) enforce the terms of a conciliation agreement in the event of a breach; (e) may initiate formal agency action under Title 63G, Chapter 4, Administrative Procedures Act; and (f) may promote public awareness of the rights and remedies under this chapter by implementing programs to increase the awareness of landlords, real estate agents, and other citizens of their rights and responsibilities under the Utah Fair Housing Act, but may not solicit fair housing complaints or cases.
Utah Code Ann. § 57-21-8 establishes which state bodies have authority over housing discrimination complaints in Utah. The Utah Labor Commission holds overarching jurisdiction and may delegate day-to-day complaint handling, investigation, and enforcement to the Utah Antidiscrimination and Labor Division. Together, these bodies can pursue conciliation, seek court-ordered relief, initiate civil actions, and enforce final orders or conciliation agreements—giving the state a range of tools to address alleged violations of the Utah Fair Housing Act.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 57-21-8, property owners and managers operating in Utah are subject to oversight by both the commission and the division when housing discrimination allegations arise. A compliant operator generally maintains practices consistent with the Utah Fair Housing Act, since the division is empowered to receive complaints, investigate, seek injunctive relief, and pursue civil action. Landlords should also be aware that the commission can issue subpoenas compelling witnesses or evidence, meaning internal records and communications may be subject to review during an investigation.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 57-21-8 gives Utah tenants a clear institutional pathway when they believe they have experienced discriminatory housing practices: complaints may be filed with the division, which is authorized to receive, investigate, and attempt to resolve them through conciliation. If informal resolution fails, the division and commission can escalate matters by seeking temporary court relief or initiating a civil action on a complainant's behalf. Tenants who believe their rights under the Utah Fair Housing Act have been violated may also consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand the full range of options available under this provision.
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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