Is Source of Income Discrimination Illegal for Renters in Wyoming?

Many renters in Wyoming rely on Social Security, child support, or housing vouchers as their source of income. But can a landlord legally refuse to rent to you just because of how you pay your rent? Understanding your rights around source of income discrimination can help you navigate Wyoming's housing market more confidently.

What Is Source of Income Discrimination?

Source of income discrimination happens when a landlord refuses to rent, renew, or sets different terms for a tenant because of where their money comes from – for example, housing choice vouchers (Section 8), disability payments, or other legal income sources.

Wyoming's Laws on Source of Income Discrimination

As of this year, Wyoming does not have a statewide law that prohibits landlords from discriminating against renters based on their lawful source of income. Unlike some states, there are no special protections in Wyoming that would stop a landlord from refusing to accept housing vouchers, Social Security, or other government benefits as rent.

• Wyoming's Residential Rental Property Act does not mention source of income discrimination.
• Federal fair housing laws prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status—but not income source.^[1],[2]

No cities or counties in Wyoming have enacted local “source of income” protections for renters as of 2024.

Impacts for Renters in Wyoming

If your income comes from Child Support, Social Security, SSI, a Housing Choice Voucher, or other similar sources, landlords in Wyoming are generally allowed to set their own policies. They may legally reject these income sources.

If you believe you've faced discrimination for another protected reason (such as disability or race), you may still file a fair housing complaint—but source of income alone is not a protected category in Wyoming.

Who Handles Fair Housing Complaints in Wyoming?

Wyoming does not have a state-level agency specifically for landlord-tenant disputes. However, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the federal agency that handles fair housing complaints nationwide.

• No Wyoming tribunal or board specifically manages rental disputes or discrimination complaints. For federal discrimination issues, you may contact HUD.

Wyoming Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

While source of income is not protected, you are still covered by Wyoming's landlord-tenant laws for:

• Security deposits
• Eviction procedures
• Repairs and habitability

To read the current laws, see the Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act (Title 1, Chapter 21, Article 12).^[3]

Relevant Forms for Wyoming Renters

• Wyoming Notice to Vacate
  Landlords or tenants may use a written notice to start the process of ending a lease. There is no official state form, but you can find guidance in Wyoming’s laws. See the Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act for terminations.
  Practical Example: If you are ending your rental, provide your landlord with the required written notice according to your lease or state law.
• HUD Form 903 Online Complaint
  Tenants nationwide can file discrimination complaints with HUD using Housing Discrimination Complaint Form 903.
  Example: If you believe you were denied housing for a reason protected by federal law, complete the online complaint form with HUD.

How to File a Discrimination Complaint

If you suspect housing discrimination for a protected reason, you can file a complaint with HUD:

• Go to the HUD Fair Housing Complaint page
• Click "File a Complaint" and complete HUD Form 903 online
• Describe what happened and provide as much detail as possible
• HUD will review your complaint and may contact you for more information

There is no specific Wyoming state board or tribunal for landlord-tenant complaints. Disputes may be handled in the local county courts, referenced by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation: Fair Housing page.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is source of income discrimination illegal in Wyoming?
   No, Wyoming law does not ban landlords from rejecting tenants based only on their source of income, like housing vouchers.
2. What protections do I have as a renter in Wyoming?
   You are protected against discrimination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and family status under federal law, but not income source.
3. Can my landlord refuse to accept Section 8 vouchers?
   Yes, in Wyoming, landlords are not required by state law to accept Section 8 or other housing vouchers.
4. How do I file a fair housing complaint in Wyoming?
   If you believe you have been discriminated against for a federally protected reason, file a complaint with HUD using their online form.
5. Does Wyoming have a state agency for tenant complaints?
   No, disputes may be handled by local courts. For protected-class discrimination, contact HUD or the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Fair Housing Unit.

Key Takeaways for Renters in Wyoming

• There is no Wyoming state law banning source of income discrimination.
• You are protected under federal law for discrimination based on certain characteristics, not income source.
• For official disputes, county courts or HUD can help with enforcement if federal protections are involved.

Knowing your rights and where to turn for help can make your renting experience more secure and informed.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• HUD Fair Housing Complaint Portal
• Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation: Fair Housing
• Wyoming Courts: Find Your Local County Court
• Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act

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1. See The Fair Housing Act for federal protections on discrimination.
2. Refer to HUD's Fair Housing Overview for the latest updates.
3. Wyoming landlord-tenant rights: Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act.

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