Short answer

When someone who rented a safe deposit box in Utah dies, the bank will generally restrict access and require proof of authority (for example, a personal representative’s letters from probate or a court order) before opening the box or turning over contents. If a co-tenant is named on the rental agreement as a joint renter with rights of survivorship, the surviving co-tenant typically may access the box. If no one claims the property for a long time, contents may eventually be handled under the state’s unclaimed property procedures.

Detailed answer — what actually happens and why

Banks treat safe deposit boxes as premises they lease to a renter, but the contents belong to whoever placed them there. When the renter dies, the bank must balance three concerns:

• Protecting the property in the box;
• Complying with the bank’s contract and internal rules;
• Following state probate and unclaimed‑property laws.

Typical steps the bank will take:

1. Immediately restrict access once the bank learns of the death. The bank often seals the box and will not let anyone in without proper documentation.
2. Ask for proof of identification and legal authority to act for the estate. Common documents banks request include the death certificate and letters testamentary or letters of administration issued by the probate court that name the personal representative (executor or administrator).
3. If there is a surviving joint renter listed on the rental agreement (a co‑tenant), the bank may allow that person to open the box and remove property, subject to the bank’s procedures and the terms of the rental agreement.
4. If no authorized person appears or the bank cannot determine rightful ownership, the bank may seek a court order or follow state abandoned/unclaimed property procedures after a statutory waiting period.

Why letters or a court order? Banks want assurance that they are releasing property to the correct person and protecting themselves from later claims. In Utah, the probate process identifies and authorizes a personal representative to collect estate assets and distribute them under the will or state law. See Utah’s probate laws for the procedures that create formal authority for fiduciaries: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title75/75.html

If you find valuables or documents in the box (wills, deeds, title documents, stock certificates, or safe deposit keys), these items often become part of the probate estate and should be turned over to the personal representative to administer. If the box contains a valid original will, state practice often requires prompt delivery to the probate court or the personal representative so the will can be probated.

If no one claims contents for a long time, state unclaimed property laws can apply. In that situation, the bank may eventually report and transfer property to the state under Utah’s unclaimed property rules. See Utah’s statutes and the State Treasurer’s office for unclaimed property procedures: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title67/67.html

Common scenarios and what to expect

1. The deceased had a joint renter on the box

If the bank’s rental records list a joint renter with survivorship rights, that person typically may produce ID and the bank’s required forms to gain access. The surviving co‑renter’s access depends on the written rental agreement’s terms.

2. The deceased is the sole renter and left a will naming an executor

The executor (after obtaining letters testamentary from the probate court) can present those letters and a death certificate and request the bank open the box or supply an inventory. Banks commonly require being shown formal letters before releasing contents.

3. There is no executor or will (intestate)

Someone should open probate to be appointed administrator. Once appointed, the administrator will have authority to access estate assets, including safe deposit contents. Alternatively, interested heirs may coordinate with the bank and the court for release under Utah probate procedures.

4. The box contains a will

If you discover an original will in the box, many banks will deliver it to the probate court or to the personal representative. Promptly bring a discovered will to the probate court clerk or an attorney so that probate can proceed correctly.

5. The bank wants a court order to open the box

If ownership is contested or the bank’s internal rules require it, a court order may be necessary. A judge can authorize opening the box and appointing someone to inventory and safeguard the contents. Utah probate statute provides the court authority to issue such orders. See Utah probate code for court powers and fiduciary duties: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title75/75.html

Practical steps for family members and fiduciaries

1. Notify the bank of the death and ask for the bank’s safe deposit procedures.
2. Gather documents: certified death certificate, identification, the will (if known), and letters testamentary or letters of administration if already issued by the probate court.
3. If you are not yet appointed, consult a probate attorney or the probate court about opening a small estate or appointing a personal representative in Utah (see probate statutes: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title75/75.html).
4. If the box contains assets that must be administered in probate (deeds, stock certificates, large sums of money), follow the probate process—do not distribute items until you have legal authority to do so.
5. If the bank and heirs disagree about access, consider asking the court for instructions or a limited order to open the box and inventory contents.
6. If the bank reports property as unclaimed, search Utah’s unclaimed property database and contact the State Treasurer’s office to claim items: https://treasurer.utah.gov/ (state treasurer site).

Helpful Hints

• Bring originals or certified copies: banks often will not accept photocopies of death certificates or court letters.
• Power of attorney ends at death; a POA cannot be used to access a box after the owner dies.
• If you believe a trust controls the property in the box, bring the trust document. Trustees may have authority to access contents if the trust specifically covers those assets.
• Ask the bank for an inventory. Many banks will open the box in the presence of the estate’s representative and prepare an inventory for probate purposes.
• Move quickly on valuable items: original wills and title documents are often time‑sensitive for probate or property transfers.
• If heirs disagree, avoid removing contested items; a court order will protect you from later claims.

Where to read the Utah law and find official resources

General probate law in Utah (process to appoint a personal representative, court powers, and fiduciary duties) is codified in the Utah Probate Code: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title75/75.html
For statutes and guidance on unclaimed property (when banks transfer unclaimed items to the state), see Utah’s unclaimed property provisions and the State Treasurer’s office: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title67/67.html and https://treasurer.utah.gov/