Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Wyoming

If you believe you have faced housing discrimination as a renter in Wyoming, it's important to know your rights and the process for addressing these concerns. Every renter deserves equal opportunity under the law, and fair housing protections ensure you cannot be treated unfairly due to certain protected characteristics. This guide explains how to file a housing discrimination complaint in Wyoming, including the steps, official forms, and agencies that can help.

What is Housing Discrimination?

Housing discrimination occurs when a landlord, housing provider, or property manager treats you unfairly because of your race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, or familial status. These protections come from the federal Fair Housing Act and are also covered in Wyoming.

Your Rights as a Renter in Wyoming

Under federal law, as well as Wyoming’s basic protections, landlords may not:

• Deny you housing or set different rental terms due to a protected characteristic
• Advertise housing indicating preference or limitation
• Use discriminatory statements or practices regarding rentals or leases

It's vital to recognize these actions, because reporting them can help prevent further unfair treatment for others as well.

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint

If you believe you have experienced discrimination, you have two main options in Wyoming. You can file your complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or, in certain cities, with local fair housing agencies.

Filing with HUD

• HUD is the primary federal agency responsible for investigating housing discrimination nationwide.
• Wyoming does not have a statewide civil rights or fair housing agency, so renters typically file complaints directly with HUD.

Official HUD Form: Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (HUD-903-1)

• Form Name: Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
• Form Number: HUD-903-1
• When and How It's Used: Use this form if you believe a landlord or property manager discriminated against you. Complete the form as soon as possible after the incident. For example, if your rental application was denied after you disclosed a disability, complete and submit this form to start the official investigation process.
• Where to Find It: The official HUD-903-1 form can be accessed on the HUD website.

Complaints can be submitted online, by mail, or by phone. If mailing, send your completed form to HUD’s regional office for Wyoming at:

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Denver Regional Office
  1670 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202

Action Steps: Filing Your Complaint

• Collect any documents or evidence (emails, text messages, lease agreements, notes from conversations).
• Complete the HUD-903-1 form fully and clearly.
• File the complaint with HUD online through the HUD online portal, or send it by mail to their regional office.
• Retain copies of your complaint and any correspondence you send and receive.

Wyoming Landlord–Tenant Legislation

Wyoming does not have its own detailed fair housing laws, but renter relationships are generally governed under the Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act (Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1201 through § 1-21-1211)^[1]. For complaints of discrimination, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is your main official resource.

What Happens After Filing?

Once you file a complaint, HUD will:

• Review your complaint for jurisdiction
• Begin an investigation if the complaint involves covered parties and situations
• Possibly offer mediation to resolve the matter
• Notify you and the other party about their findings and any required actions

If HUD finds discrimination occurred, remedies can include compensation, policy changes, or access to the housing you initially sought.

FAQ: Wyoming Housing Discrimination

1. What are some examples of housing discrimination?
   Examples include being denied a rental due to race, a landlord refusing reasonable accommodations for a disability, or being told a property is unavailable only after your protected status becomes known.
2. Can I file a complaint if my rent was raised after I disclosed a disability?
   Yes. This could be unlawful retaliation if it’s connected to your disclosure or request for accommodation. File a complaint with HUD for review.
3. Is there a deadline to file a housing discrimination complaint?
   HUD requires complaints to be filed within one year of the alleged discrimination.
4. Do I need a lawyer to file a complaint?
   No. HUD’s process is designed for individuals to file complaints on their own, but you may seek legal assistance if you wish.
5. What happens if HUD finds no discrimination?
   If no discrimination is found, your case will be closed, but you may still seek help from advocacy organizations or consider legal action.

Conclusion

• You are protected from housing discrimination under the federal Fair Housing Act in Wyoming.
• Complaints are filed with HUD using the HUD-903-1 form, which is accessible online or by mail.
• Gather all documentation and act within one year of experiencing discrimination.

If you feel you have been treated unfairly, don’t hesitate to document your experience and begin the complaint process.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• File a complaint through HUD's Online Portal
• Download the HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (HUD-903-1)
• Call HUD's Denver Regional Office at 1-800-877-7353 (Wyoming complaints are handled here)
• Wyoming HUD Field Offices
• Consider the Wyoming State Bar for legal referrals or advice

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1. Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act (Wyo. Stat. §§ 1-21-1201 – 1-21-1211)
2. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity

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