Illegal Rental Advertisement Language in Wyoming

Wyoming renters and landlords must follow fair housing laws on rental advertising. Understanding what language is illegal in rental ads can help renters identify and respond to discrimination, ensuring everyone has equal access to housing opportunities.

What Makes Rental Ad Language Illegal in Wyoming?

In Wyoming, rental ads must comply with the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), which protects people from discrimination in housing-related activities, including advertising. It is illegal to state any preference or limitation based on certain protected characteristics.

• Race or color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
• Familial status (families with children under 18)
• Disability

Wyoming’s state law on housing discrimination mostly reflects federal protections but does not currently add additional protected classes beyond the FHA¹. The use of discriminatory language in rental ads—such as "no children," "Christians only," or "no wheelchairs"—is illegal.

Examples of Illegal Language in Rental Ads

• "No children" or "Adults only" (illegal discrimination based on familial status)
• "No wheelchairs" (disability discrimination)
• "Christian home" or "No Muslims" (religion discrimination)
• "White applicants only" or "No Hispanics" (race/national origin discrimination)

Even if a landlord thinks the phrasing is harmless or is trying to target a certain market, such language violates federal law and can result in penalties or legal action.

Who Enforces Rental Ad Laws in Wyoming?

Housing discrimination complaints in Wyoming are handled by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), as Wyoming does not have a state agency certified to enforce the Fair Housing Act. HUD investigates rental discrimination statewide. Additionally, complaints can be made through the official fair housing complaint form (Form HUD-903).

Relevant Wyoming Landlord-Tenant Legislation

For day-to-day rental matters, the Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act covers the basic rights and obligations of landlords and tenants². However, specific anti-discrimination rules come from the federal Fair Housing Act.

How to Report Illegal Language in Rental Ads

If you see illegal language in a rental ad (online, newspaper, flyer, etc.), take the following action:

• Save a copy or screenshot of the advertisement.
• Gather any relevant details (location, landlord/agent contact info, date posted).
• File a complaint through HUD’s online portal or using the official HUD-903 form.

The HUD-903 Form: What Is It and How Is It Used?

• Form Name/Number: Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (HUD-903)
• Use: Report suspected housing discrimination, including discriminatory rental advertising.
• How: You can fill out and submit the form online, or download a PDF version to mail or email to your regional HUD office.
• Example: If you see a rental listing saying "No kids," include the ad image or link when completing and submitting HUD-903.

What Language is Allowed in Wyoming Rental Ads?

Rental ads can describe property features ("two bedrooms," "first floor"), price, or neutral eligibility criteria ("no smoking," "income verification required"), but they cannot mention or imply a preference about the protected classes above.

Summary of What’s Illegal

• Any language barring or preferring certain races, families, or religions
• Requirements that exclude people based on disability, gender identity, or other protected status
• Any code words or phrases that signal a group is unwelcome

FAQ: Rental Advertisement Rules in Wyoming

1. What should I do if I see an illegal rental ad in Wyoming?
   Save the ad, gather landlord info, and file a housing discrimination complaint with HUD.
2. Can landlords ever specify age or family size in ads?
   No—ads cannot state a preference about families with children unless a property qualifies as senior housing under specific federal guidelines.
3. Is it illegal to say 'no pets' in a Wyoming rental listing?
   "No pets" is generally allowed, but landlords must consider exceptions for service animals or emotional support animals for tenants with disabilities.
4. Which agency handles rental ad discrimination in Wyoming?
   The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) processes and investigates these complaints in Wyoming.
5. What if the discrimination is subtle, like 'perfect for single professionals'?
   If you believe a phrase is discouraging certain groups (like families), you can still file a complaint for further review.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity: File a complaint or get help understanding your rights
• Wyoming State Bar Lawyer Referral Service: Find legal assistance if you have experienced discrimination or need tenant advice
• Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act: Read the official tenancy laws governing rentals in Wyoming

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1. Wyoming fair housing and HUD jurisdiction
2. Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act, Wyo. Stat. §§ 1-21-1201 et seq.

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