Can Wyoming Landlords Ask About Your Criminal History?

Renters in Wyoming often wonder what information landlords are allowed to request during the application process—especially about criminal history. As discrimination concerns and Fair Housing rules have become more prominent across the U.S., it’s important to understand your rights if you’re applying for a rental or already living in one in Wyoming.

Wyoming Law: Can Landlords Check Criminal History?

Wyoming law does not specifically restrict landlords from asking about your criminal history when you apply to rent a home or apartment. Background screening—including questions about prior convictions—is generally allowed, as long as it is applied fairly and does not violate federal anti-discrimination laws.

• Wyoming does not have a statewide law limiting how or when landlords can check an applicant’s criminal history.
• Landlords must apply criminal background policies equally to all applicants to avoid discrimination claims.
• Federal law protects renters from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability, but not based on criminal history alone.^[1]

Federal Fair Housing Protections

The federal Fair Housing Act prevents housing discrimination on specific protected characteristics. However, criminal history itself is not a protected category. That said, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) warns landlords that blanket bans on all applicants with a criminal record may be discriminatory if they result in a disparate impact on certain groups.^[2]

What Does This Mean for Renters?

• Landlords may ask about your criminal record and conduct a background check.
• Decisions must be based on actual risk—not just an arrest record or a broad policy excluding all with a record.
• If you believe a landlord denied your application unfairly due to your criminal history and it affected a protected group, you can file a complaint.

Wyoming Residential Rental Law and Your Rights

The main law governing rental relationships in Wyoming is the Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act (Wyoming Statutes § 1-21-1201 through 1-21-1211). While this act covers deposits, landlord entry, and other key issues, it does not address criminal history checks on tenants.^[3]

• If you are denied housing, you are entitled to a written explanation only if the adverse action was based on information in your consumer report under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
• There are no state-mandated rental application forms. Typically, landlords use their own rental application forms, often requesting permission for a background check.

Wyoming Official Tribunal for Tenancy Disputes

Residential tenancy issues in Wyoming are generally handled in the Wyoming Circuit Courts, particularly for eviction or disputes over rental agreements.

Required and Helpful Forms for Wyoming Renters

• HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form HUD-903:
  Used to file a federal housing discrimination complaint with HUD if you feel you were denied housing due to a protected characteristic. Forms and filing instructions are available on the HUD website. Example: If your application was rejected after a criminal records check and you believe it disproportionately affected you due to race, you may file this form.
• Wyoming Residential Rental Application (no official state form, check with local agencies):
  This is the form landlords usually use to request permission for background and criminal history checks. Obtain it directly from the landlord or management company.
• Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) Consumer Report Request:
  If adverse action (like a denial) is taken based on a background check, ask for a copy of the adverse action notice and the report. See the CFPB site for full rights under FCRA.

For a dispute over tenant rights or discrimination, be prepared to gather documents and communicate with the relevant court or government agency as outlined above.

FAQ: Wyoming Criminal History and Rental Applications

1. Can my landlord deny me simply because I have a criminal record?
   Landlords in Wyoming can consider criminal records, but denial must be based on legitimate safety or property concerns—not just the existence of a record. If a policy impacts a protected group unfairly, it may violate federal fair housing rules.
2. Are there any criminal offenses that always disqualify me from renting in Wyoming?
   No state law specifies certain offenses as grounds for an automatic denial. Policies are up to the landlord but must not violate federal law.
3. How can I challenge a denial I think was unfair or discriminatory?
   You can file a complaint with HUD using Form HUD-903, or request a review with the Wyoming Fair Housing Office if you suspect unlawful discrimination.
4. What if I am already renting and my criminal history comes up later?
   If you honestly completed your application, the landlord generally cannot evict you based solely on learning about an old conviction, unless you violated your lease terms or law after moving in.
5. Where can I find help if I think my background check was misused?
   Contact the HUD Fair Housing Office or, for legal action, your local Wyoming Circuit Court.

Summary: What Wyoming Renters Need to Know

• Landlords in Wyoming may ask about criminal history, but must apply policies fairly and within federal law.
• No Wyoming law currently restricts criminal history questions by landlords.
• You have rights—especially if a criminal record policy disproportionately affects a protected group.

If you have concerns, helpful forms and agencies are available to provide support or address unfair treatment.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• HUD Wyoming Regional Office: Get help with federal housing discrimination claims.
• Wyoming Circuit Courts: Handle rental disputes, evictions, and related matters.
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): Learn about your rights regarding credit or background checks.
• Wyoming Legal Aid (www.lawyoming.org): Free or low-cost legal help for eligible renters.

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1. Fair Housing Act, U.S. Department of Justice, see full text here
2. HUD Guidance on Application of Fair Housing Act Standards to the Use of Criminal Records, read official guidance
3. Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act (W.S. Title 1, Ch. 21, Art. 12), legislation text

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