2026 UAR Legislative Priorities

REALTORS® across the state of Utah work daily with families trying to make housing decisions in a real estate market that remains one of the most expensive in the country. From first-time buyers to long-term residents hoping to stay in their communities, you see firsthand how housing costs can shape quality of life, education outcomes, economic opportunity, and workforce stability. The following bills are designed to increase housing supply and affordability by working together with local government.

• Improving industry practices. Revisiting state code to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Division of Real Estate and its licensees is an important component in improving our industry’s best practices. The following bill adjusts existing policies:

H.B. 68 Housing & Community Development Amendments – Rep. Calvin Roberts/Sen. Lincoln Fillmore: This bill creates the Division of Housing and Community Development within the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. The reorganization consolidates housing resources, assets, and expertise in a single office, focusing all the state’s efforts on addressing the housing crisis in Utah, without growing government.

SUPPORT

H.B. 184 Small Lots & Starter Home Amendments – Rep. Ray Ward/Sen. Lincoln Fillmore: This bill would make it easier for property owners to build starter homes in areas that have already been zoned for residential development by classifying them as a “preferred land use regulation.” Streamlining this process would advance the state’s objective of lowering the average cost of housing by enabling the construction of homes that are smaller and less expensive.

SUPPORT

• Encouraging good governance. Ensuring our government systems and the programs they create are productive, successful, and meeting the needs of Utahns, is integral to improving our housing market. The following bills address the actions of government entities:

H.B. 477 Land Use Regulation Revisions – Rep. Jill Koford/Sen. Kirk Cullimore: This bill establishes a process for cities and counties to allow the construction of detached accessory dwelling units. The detached ADUs would be built on residential lots with enough space to accommodate fire and health codes and onsite parking and with the input of cities and counties. Accessory Dwelling Units remain a cost-effective and efficient way to increase our housing supply and help homebuyers qualify for financing.

SUPPORT

• Increasing housing supply and reducing production barriers. Utah has a critical housing supply shortage. The current lack of available homes, combined with time-consuming, expensive, and redundant regulation continue to exacerbate the housing gap in Utah. The following bills work to increase housing supply:

H.B. 492 Transportation, Infrastructure, and Housing Amendments – Rep. Calvin Roberts/Sen. Kirk Cullimore: This bill creates the State Housing Infrastructure Partnership Fund and Board which will make loans to cities, counties, and agencies to help complete approved affordable housing projects across the state. It also creates a process for the state to sell surplus land for the development of owner-occupied affordable housing. Both programs are designed to facilitate more affordable homeownership opportunities for Utahns across the state.

SUPPORT

H.C.R. 6 Concurrent Resolution Regarding the Utah Housing Strategic Plan – Rep. Stephen Whyte/Sen. Lincoln Fillmore: This resolution affirms the Legislature and the Governor’s support for the Utah Housing Strategic Plan which coordinates statewide housing efforts, reduces duplication of services, increases housing supply and improves affordability.

SUPPORT

Every year the Utah Legislature debates policies that impact your liability, your bottom line, and your ability to effectively represent your clients. The following bills would have a meaningful impact on your day-to-day operations for good and bad.

H.B. 406 Homeowners’ Association Modifications – Rep. Neil Walter: This bill clarifies the responsibilities of the newly established HOA Ombudsman’s office as they relate to advisory opinions and education materials. It also caps an administrative transfer setup fee at $200.

SUPPORT

S.B. 97 Property Tax Rate Amendments – Sen. Dan McCay: This bill includes a provision that removes residential exemption for rental properties owned by a business entity or person, even if the property serves as a primary residence for the tenant, significantly increasing taxes on rental properties.

AMMEND

Housing Statistics

Follow Along