Wyoming Tenant Resources
Your comprehensive guide to rental laws, guidelines and advocacy in Wyoming
What are the late fee regulations in Wyoming?
In Wyoming, late fees must be reasonable and specified in the written lease agreement. Wyoming state law does not set specific limits on late fees, but they must be reasonable and clearly disclosed in the rental agreement. Courts generally consider late fees reasonable if they are proportional to the actual costs incurred by the landlord. While Wyoming doesn't mandate a specific grace period, many landlords provide 3-5 days before assessing late fees. The lease agreement must clearly state the amount of late fees and when they will be charged. Landlords cannot charge interest on late fees unless specifically agreed to in the lease.
What are the rules for security deposits in Wyoming?
Under Wyoming law (Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1208), landlords must return security deposits within 30 days after the tenant moves out or 15 days after receiving the tenant's forwarding address, whichever is later. The landlord must provide an itemized list of any deductions. Wyoming law does not specify a maximum security deposit amount. The deposit can be used for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and other breaches of the lease agreement. It's recommended to document the unit's condition at move-in and move-out with photos and written documentation. If the landlord fails to return the deposit or provide an itemized list within the required timeframe, the tenant may be entitled to recover the full deposit amount plus court costs.
What are the eviction rules and tenant protections in Wyoming?
Wyoming Statute § 1-21-1002 governs eviction procedures. Landlords must provide: 1) 3-day notice for non-payment of rent, 2) 7-day notice for lease violations, 3) 30-day notice for month-to-month termination. Self-help eviction is illegal - landlords must obtain a court order. Wyoming law (Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1303) provides protections against retaliatory eviction. Tenants can defend against eviction if the landlord failed to maintain the property or retaliated against the tenant for exercising legal rights. All notices must be in writing and properly served. The eviction process requires filing a complaint with the appropriate court and obtaining a writ of possession.
What are the maintenance requirements for landlords in Wyoming?
Wyoming Statute § 1-21-1203 requires landlords to maintain rental properties in a safe and habitable condition. Requirements include: 1) Maintaining essential services including electrical, plumbing, and heating systems, 2) Keeping the property structurally sound and weatherproof, 3) Maintaining common areas in a safe and clean condition, 4) Providing proper waste disposal and pest control, 5) Complying with applicable building, housing, and health codes. Tenants must provide written notice of needed repairs. Wyoming law requires landlords to respond to repair requests within a reasonable time for non-emergency issues and promptly for emergency repairs. If repairs aren't made, tenants may pursue legal remedies including rent withholding or lease termination after proper notice.
What notice is required for landlord entry in Wyoming?
Under Wyoming law (Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1205), landlords must provide reasonable notice before entering a rental unit for non-emergency matters. While the law doesn't specify exact hours, entry should be at reasonable times (typically between 8 AM and 8 PM unless otherwise agreed). Valid reasons for entry include repairs, inspections, or showing the unit to prospective tenants/buyers. The notice should specify the purpose and approximate time of entry. Tenants cannot unreasonably withhold consent to enter. Wyoming law protects tenants' right to quiet enjoyment, and landlords cannot abuse their right of access or use it to harass tenants. Emergency situations may justify immediate entry without notice.
What are the rules for rent increases in Wyoming?
In Wyoming, landlords must provide reasonable written notice before any rent increase for month-to-month tenancies. For fixed-term leases, rent can only be increased at the end of the lease term unless the lease specifically allows for increases during the term. The notice must be in writing and properly delivered to the tenant. Wyoming does not have specific statutes governing rent increase notices or rent control laws, but any rent increase must be reasonable and comply with the terms of the lease agreement. For fixed-term leases, any rent increase during the lease term must be explicitly allowed in the original lease agreement. Landlords cannot increase rent as retaliation for tenants exercising their legal rights under Wyoming Statute § 1-21-1203.
What are my rights regarding repairs in Wyoming?
Under Wyoming Statute § 1-21-1203, tenants have the right to: 1) A habitable living space that meets building, housing, and health codes, 2) Written notice to landlord of needed repairs, 3) Repairs completed within a reasonable time. If the landlord fails to make necessary repairs after proper notice, tenants may: 1) File a complaint with local building inspector, 2) Terminate the rental agreement after proper notice if the landlord fails to remedy the situation, 3) Pursue legal action for damages, 4) Break the lease without penalty if the unit becomes uninhabitable. The warranty of habitability is implied in every residential lease. Tenants should document all repair requests with photos and written communications. Any self-help remedies must be exercised carefully to avoid legal complications.
What are Wyoming's requirements for smoke detectors?
Wyoming state law and local fire codes require working smoke detectors in all rental properties. Requirements typically include: 1) At least one smoke detector in each bedroom, 2) At least one smoke detector outside each sleeping area, 3) At least one smoke detector on each floor, 4) Carbon monoxide detectors required in units with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages. Landlords must: 1) Install and maintain working detectors, 2) Ensure detectors are operational at the start of tenancy, 3) Replace non-functioning detectors promptly when notified, 4) Follow manufacturer guidelines for replacement. Tenants are responsible for testing detectors and replacing batteries. Tampering with detectors is prohibited and may result in fines or criminal charges. Local fire codes may have additional requirements.
What disclosures are required from Wyoming landlords?
Wyoming landlords must disclose under state law and federal regulations: • Lead paint hazards (pre-1978 buildings) with federal forms • Security deposit terms and location • Property owner/manager contact information • Utility arrangements and responsibilities • Known defects or damage • Move-in inspection documentation • Building code violations • Fire safety and protection information • Carbon monoxide and smoke detector locations • Flood hazard areas (if applicable) • Previous methamphetamine contamination • Emergency/maintenance contact information • Foreclosure status • Required insurance coverage • Any local rental regulations • Nonstandard rental provisions • Known pest infestations • Utility charges and how they're calculated. These disclosures must be provided in writing before entering into a rental agreement.
What are the rules about security deposit deductions in Wyoming?
Under Wyoming Statute § 1-21-1208, landlords can deduct from security deposits for: 1) Unpaid rent or utilities, 2) Damage beyond normal wear and tear, 3) Other breaches of the lease agreement. Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days after move-out or 15 days after receiving the tenant's forwarding address, whichever is later, along with an itemized list of any deductions. Wyoming law doesn't limit the amount of security deposit that can be charged. Tenants should document the unit's condition at move-in and move-out with photos and written documentation. If landlords fail to return the deposit or provide an itemized list within the required timeframe, tenants may be entitled to recover the full deposit amount plus court costs.
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Legal Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. While we strive to keep the information up-to-date and accurate, laws and regulations can change frequently. Specific situations may vary, and the application of rental laws can depend on numerous factors. We recommend consulting with a qualified legal professional for advice regarding your specific circumstances.
