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State Reference Guide · West

Wyoming
Tenant Rights.

This guide provides a detailed overview of landlord-tenant laws in the State of Wyoming. Wyoming is generally considered a "freedom of contract" state, meaning the terms of your written lease agreement are of primary importance. State law provides a baseline of protections, but often defers to the specific language of the lease.

Disclaimer: Information provided is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.

What rights do tenants have in Wyoming?

Tenants in Wyoming are protected by state law that governs security deposit limits, the notice a landlord must give before eviction, basic habitability standards (heat, water, electrical, locks), and the deadline for returning your deposit after move-out. Local cities in Wyoming sometimes add stronger protections on top of these state-wide rules.

01
MONEY

Security Deposits

Wyoming law is specific about how security deposits are handled, though it does not cap the amount a landlord can charge.

Maximum Amount
There is no state-mandated limit on how much a landlord can charge for a security deposit.
Return Deadline
A landlord must return the deposit (or the balance after deductions) within 30 days of the termination of the lease or within 15 days of receiving the tenant’s new mailing address, whichever is later. However, if there is damage to the residential rental unit, this period is extended by an additional 30 days, allowing the landlord up to 60 days to provide the itemized list and refund (Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1208(a)).
Itemization Requirements
If any portion of the deposit is withheld for damages, the landlord must provide a written, itemized list of those damages and the costs of repair.
Cleaning Fees and Disclosures
Landlords can deduct for "cleaning" only if the lease specifically allows it. They cannot deduct for "normal wear and tear" (Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1208(a)). Additionally, any nonrefundable portions of a deposit must be clearly stated in a written agreement at the time the deposit is collected (Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1207).
Penalties
If a landlord fails to follow these rules, they may be liable for the full amount of the deposit plus court costs and attorney fees.
Exceeding Federal Law
While federal law is silent on deposits, Wyoming provides a specific timeline for return (30 to 60 days depending on damages), ensuring tenants aren't left waiting indefinitely for their funds.
02
NOTICE

Eviction Notices

Wyoming uses a process called "Forcible Entry and Detainer" for evictions. It is one of the fastest eviction processes in the country.

Nonpayment of Rent
If rent is late, the landlord must provide a 3-day notice to quit before filing an eviction lawsuit in court (Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1003).
Lease Violations
For any violation of the lease terms (other than nonpayment), the landlord must also provide a 3-day notice to quit.
Month-to-Month Termination
Wyoming statute does not explicitly set a notice period for terminating a month-to-month lease. However, common law and most court practices assume a 30-day notice is required, unless the lease specifies a different timeframe.
Self-Help Evictions
It is illegal for a landlord to "self-help" evict by changing locks, removing doors, or shutting off utilities. A court order is required.
03
NOTICE

Landlord Entry Requirements

Wyoming is unique in that it has no state statute requiring a specific notice period (like 24 or 48 hours) before a landlord enters a rental unit.

Notice Period
Because there is no state law, the written lease governs entry. If the lease doesn't mention entry, the landlord generally has a right to enter for repairs or inspections, but they must do so in a "reasonable" manner.
Emergency Exceptions
In cases of emergency (fire, flood, etc.), a landlord may enter without notice to protect the property.
Best Practice
Tenants are strongly encouraged to ensure their lease includes a provision requiring at least 24 hours' notice for non-emergency entry.
04
MONEY

Rent Control Status

Preemption
Wyoming state law prohibits local governments (cities or counties) from enacting any form of rent control (Wyo. Stat. § 15-1-103).
Rent Increases
Landlords can increase rent by any amount, provided they give proper notice. For a month-to-month lease, this usually requires a 30-day notice before the next rent payment is due.
05
SAFETY

Habitability and Repairs

Wyoming’s "Residential Rental Property Act" defines the duties of landlords and tenants regarding the condition of the home.

Standard of Habitability
Landlords must maintain the property in a "safe and sanitary condition" and ensures that electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling systems are in good working order (Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1202).
Repair Procedure
To trigger the landlord's duty to repair, the tenant must be current on rent and must provide a written notice of the problem to the landlord (Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1203).
Repair and Deduct
Wyoming DOES NOT allow "repair and deduct." A tenant cannot legally pay for a repair and then deduct that cost from their rent unless the landlord has agreed to it in writing. If a tenant withholds rent, they risk eviction, even if the landlord has failed to make repairs.
Tenant Remedies
If a landlord fails to make repairs after written notice, the tenant's primary remedy is to file a "Notice to Repair or Correct" in court to seek a court order or termination of the lease (Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1206).
06
SAFETY

Retaliation Protections

Status
Wyoming is one of the few states that does not have a specific statute protecting tenants from landlord retaliation (e.g., raising rent or evicting a tenant because they complained about repairs).
Legal Standing
While some judges may consider retaliation as a defense in an eviction case based on "equity," there is no statutory "presumption period" of protection as seen in many other states. This makes Wyoming a particularly difficult environment for tenants asserting rights to repairs.
07
LEASE

Lease Requirements and Disclosures

Written vs. Oral
Wyoming recognizes oral leases for terms of one year or less, but written leases are highly recommended because the state defers so heavily to contract terms.
Disclosures
Landlords must disclose, in writing, the name and address of the person authorized to manage the premises and the owner of the property (Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1206).
Federal Lead Paint
For properties built before 1978, the landlord must provide the federal Lead-Based Paint disclosure (see Federal Context guide).
Unique To Wyoming

Protections you won't find everywhere else.

01
Summary Checklist for Wyoming Tenants:
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Wyoming law can be complex; if you are facing eviction, contact Wyoming Legal Aid or a private attorney.
Cities with local protections

These Wyoming cities layer extra tenant protections on top of state law: Casper, Laramie.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked

Security deposit limits in Wyoming are set by state law and typically apply per lease, not per tenant. The exact cap, allowed deductions, and the deadline for returning the deposit are defined in the Wyoming statutes section above; deadlines vary by state, so check that section for the specific rule that applies to your lease. Always document the unit's condition with photos at move-in and move-out so you can dispute improper deductions.

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Disclaimer: Information provided is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.

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