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Legal Rights Handbook

Wyoming Renter Rights & Landlord Laws 2025

Everything tenants and landlords need to know about Wyoming housing laws. Eviction rules, deposits, and rights.

Updated January 15, 2026
5 min read

Wyoming Renter Rights & Landlord Laws Guide 2025

Target Audience: Renters and Landlords in Wyoming
Legal Context: Wyoming Statutes Title 1, Chapter 21 (Landlord and Tenant)

This guide provides a balanced overview of Wyoming landlord-tenant laws for 2025. Wyoming is historically recognized as a Landlord-Friendly state, meaning property rights are strongly protected and legal procedures for eviction are streamlined. Both parties must understand these laws to avoid legal disputes and financial loss.

1. Overview: Is Wyoming Tenant-Friendly or Landlord-Friendly?

Verdict: Landlord-Friendly (Score: High)

Wyoming ranks as a highly landlord-friendly state. The legal framework heavily favors property owners in disputes regarding eviction, lease enforcement, and property rights.

  • For Landlords: The state offers relatively low property taxes, minimal regulation on rent pricing, and a fast-track eviction process compared to other states.
  • For Renters: While tenant protections exist (such as the "Warranty of Habitability"), the burden of proof often falls on the tenant. Renters have fewer regulatory protections against rent increases or lease non-renewal than in tenant-friendly states like California or New York.

2. Security Deposits

In Wyoming, security deposits are strictly regulated to ensure fair treatment, though there is no statutory limit on the amount a landlord may charge.

Limits and Amounts

  • Maximum Amount: Wyoming law does not cap the amount a landlord can charge for a security deposit. It is typically equivalent to one month’s rent, but landlords may charge more for pets or higher-risk tenants.
  • Pet Deposits: Non-refundable pet fees are generally permitted, but the concept of a "refundable pet deposit" is treated the same as a standard security deposit.

Return Requirements

  • Timeline: Landlords must return the security deposit (less any lawful deductions) within 30 days after the tenant vacates the property.
  • Itemized Statement: If any portion of the deposit is withheld, the landlord must provide a written, itemized list of deductions along with the remaining balance.

Deductions

Landlords may deduct for:

  1. Unpaid rent.
  2. Damage beyond normal wear and tear.
  3. Cleaning costs (if the property is left significantly dirtier than at move-in).
  4. Costs to restore the property to its original condition (e.g., removing unauthorized alterations).

Warning for Landlords: Failure to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement within 30 days can result in the landlord forfeiting the right to keep any portion of the deposit and potentially paying damages up to the amount of the deposit plus court costs.

3. Eviction Rules

Wyoming law provides a streamlined eviction process (known legally as a "Forcible Entry and Detainer" action). Because the state is landlord-friendly, the timeline is short and strict.

The Process

  1. Notice to Quit: The landlord must serve the tenant with a formal written notice.

    • Non-Payment of Rent: A 3-Day Notice is required. The tenant has three days to pay the full rent owed or vacate the premises.
    • Lease Violation (Non-Rent): A 3-Day Notice is typically used for curable violations (e.g., unauthorized pets, property damage).
    • No Lease / Holdover: A 30-Day Notice to Vacate is required for month-to-month tenancies.

  2. Filing the Complaint: If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord may file a lawsuit in the local circuit court.

  3. Court Hearing: A hearing is usually scheduled within a few days to a week of filing. If the landlord wins, the court issues a writ of restitution.

  4. Physical Removal: Only a sheriff or constable can physically remove a tenant. Landlords cannot lock out a tenant or shut off utilities (self-help eviction), which is illegal.

Critical Data Point:

Eviction Notice Period (Non-Payment): 3 Days
This is a very short window. Tenants must act immediately to avoid eviction filings.

4. Landlord Entry

Wyoming statutes do not explicitly state a required notice period for a landlord to enter a rental unit. However, common law and the implied covenant of quiet enjoyment apply.

Best Practices

  • Notice: Landlords should provide at least 24 hours' notice before entering, except in emergencies.
  • Consent: If the lease agreement specifies a notice period (e.g., 24 or 48 hours), that contractual term governs.
  • Emergencies: In cases of fire, flood, or immediate threat to safety, a landlord may enter without notice.

Warning for Landlords: Entering a unit without proper notice or for non-emergency reasons without permission can be considered "harassment" or trespassing, which can be used as a defense by the tenant in court.

5. Rent Control

Does it exist? No.

Wyoming state law prohibits rent control. There is no cap on how much a landlord can increase rent at the end of a lease term or during a month-to-month tenancy.

  • Major Cities (Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie): No local rent control ordinances exist or are permitted.
  • Notice for Increases: For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide at least 30 days' written notice before increasing rent.

6. Special Warning for Landlords

Topic: Strict Procedural Compliance

Because Wyoming is landlord-friendly, you might assume you have broad leeway; however, the courts strictly enforce procedural rules. If you make a mistake, your eviction case will be dismissed, and you will have to start over, losing time and money.

  • The "Self-Help" Trap: Never change the locks, shut off utilities, or remove a tenant's belongings to force them out. This is illegal eviction. You must use the court system.
  • Retaliation is Illegal: You cannot raise rent, decrease services, or threaten eviction in retaliation against a tenant for complaining to a government agency about code violations.
  • Lease Clauses: Ensure your lease includes a clause allowing you to enter the property for repairs or inspections. Without it, your entry rights are vague.

7. Special Warning for Tenants

Topic: The 3-Day Reality

Wyoming law protects you, but you must be proactive. The legal system moves fast against tenants here.

  • The 3-Day Notice: If you miss a rent payment, you could be served with a 3-day eviction notice very quickly. You do not have a long grace period to catch up.
  • Constructive Eviction: If your landlord fails to provide essential services (heat, water, electricity) and refuses to fix them, you may have the right to move out without penalty. However, you should notify the landlord in writing first and document everything.
  • Discrimination: While Wyoming is landlord-friendly, federal Fair Housing laws still apply. Landlords cannot discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.
  • Lease Terms: Read your lease carefully. In Wyoming, if you break a lease early without a legal justification (like active military duty), you may be liable for the remainder of the rent term until the landlord finds a new tenant.

DISCLAIMER

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change and may be subject to local municipal variations. Always consult with a qualified attorney or legal aid organization in Wyoming for specific legal issues.