Wyoming Renters: Protect Your Family from Lead Paint Risks

Living in an older rental property in Wyoming can come with unique safety concerns, especially when it comes to lead-based paint hazards. If you’re renting a home or apartment built before 1978, it’s important to know your rights and protections under both federal and Wyoming law—and how to keep your family safe and healthy.

Understanding Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Rental Properties

Lead-based paint was commonly used in homes built before 1978. Exposure to lead dust or chips, especially for young children and pregnant women, can cause serious health problems. Wyoming renters should know:

• Lead is most dangerous in homes with peeling, chipping, or deteriorating paint.
• Even small amounts of lead dust can lead to developmental and behavioral issues in children.
• Federal laws require disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards before you rent certain properties.

Your Rights: Lead Paint Disclosure and Safety

Landlords in Wyoming must follow important rules regarding lead-based paint hazards, thanks to both federal and state requirements:

• Disclosure: For most properties built before 1978, landlords must provide a lead hazard information pamphlet and disclose any known information about lead-based paint.
• Inspection: While landlords are not required to test for lead, they must notify you of any known lead hazards.
• Maintenance: Landlords are required to keep rental units in a safe, habitable condition, free from lead hazards that may cause harm to renters.

Required Forms: What Should Your Landlord Provide?

• "Disclosure of Information on Lead-Based Paint and/or Lead-Based Paint Hazards" (EPA Form EPA 747-K-99-001):
  This is a federal form your landlord must provide before you sign a lease for a pre-1978 property. It confirms whether the landlord knows of any lead-based paint or hazards in the home.
  View the official EPA lead-based paint disclosure form.
• Environmental Protection Agency's pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home":
  This resource explains lead risks and how to protect your family. You should receive this along with your lease documents.
  Read the EPA pamphlet.

For example, if you sign a lease for a Cheyenne apartment built in 1970, your landlord must give you both the disclosure form and the pamphlet before your lease is finalized.

Wyoming Health & Safety Standards: What Landlords Must Do

Wyoming law requires landlords to provide a "fit premises," meaning rental units should be safe and healthy. If there is chipped or peeling paint in your older rental and you are concerned about lead exposure, your landlord must respond when notified.

• Report any peeling, chipping, or deteriorating paint in your unit promptly.
• Your landlord should repair or remediate these issues to prevent lead hazards, according to their duty of maintenance under Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act (§1-21-1202 et seq.).

What Can You Do If You Suspect a Lead Hazard?

• Notify your landlord in writing if you notice peeling paint or suspect lead hazards.
• If your landlord does not respond, you may contact Wyoming’s Department of Health’s Lead Prevention Program for guidance.
• If you believe your home is unsafe and the landlord will not fix the issues, you can seek help through the Wyoming Judicial Branch.

Filing a Complaint or Taking Action

If your landlord fails to address serious lead hazards, renters in Wyoming may seek help through local health departments or file a complaint in state court. The Wyoming Judicial Branch is the main authority handling rental disputes.
It’s a good idea to keep written records of your communications and requests.

FAQ: Common Questions About Lead-Based Paint and Renting in Wyoming

1. Do all rental homes in Wyoming have to follow lead disclosure rules?
   Most rentals built before 1978 must provide lead disclosures, but some exemptions apply for units not used for residential purposes or for very short-term leases.
2. What should I do if my landlord won’t fix peeling paint?
   Document the issue, request repairs in writing, and if there’s no response, contact Wyoming’s Department of Health or seek help from the courts.
3. Can I test my apartment for lead myself?
   You can use home lead test kits or ask the local health department for testing advice. If a hazard is found, notify your landlord immediately.
4. Are landlords required to remove all lead paint?
   Landlords must repair or remediate areas where paint is deteriorating or poses a health risk, but removal of all lead paint is not always required unless it’s chipping or causing dust.
5. What official forms should I receive about lead paint when I rent?
   You should receive the EPA lead-based paint disclosure form and the EPA lead hazard information pamphlet before signing a lease for any pre-1978 home.

Key Takeaways for Wyoming Renters

• Rentals built before 1978 require lead hazard disclosures and informational handouts for your safety.
• Landlords must address serious lead paint risks to keep your home safe and habitable under Wyoming law.
• If concerns aren’t resolved, official complaint channels and courts can help protect your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Wyoming

• EPA Lead Information for Renters— Learn about federal protections and health resources.
• Wyoming Department of Health Lead Prevention Program— Local information and support on lead hazards.
• Wyoming Judicial Branch— Handles rental disputes and tenant applications.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Renting in Wyoming

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1. EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form & Pamphlet
2. Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act (§1-21-1202 et seq.)
3. Wyoming Department of Health Lead Prevention Program
4. Wyoming Judicial Branch – Residential Tenancy Disputes

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