Understanding Rent Increases and Rent Control in Wyoming

If you're renting in Wyoming, you might wonder what protections you have against sudden rent increases or changes if your rental moves from a rent-controlled situation to a market rate. This guide explains your rights, Wyoming laws, and steps you can take if your landlord raises your rent, with clear links to official government sources.

Does Rent Control Exist in Wyoming?

Wyoming currently does not have statewide or local rent control or rent stabilization laws. This means that, unlike some other states, there are no caps on how much a landlord can increase the rent when a lease ends or for month-to-month tenants. While some renters may have benefited from informal arrangements or special programs (such as subsidized housing), most rentals in Wyoming are considered market rent by law.

How Are Rent Increases Handled in Wyoming?

Since there is no official rent control, landlords in Wyoming can generally set and increase rents as they choose. However, they still must follow proper legal notice requirements when increasing rent.

• Notice Requirement: For month-to-month tenants, landlords must provide written notice at least one full rental period in advance before increasing the rent.
• Fixed-Term Leases: If you have a lease (for example, 12 months), rent cannot be increased until the lease expires unless the agreement allows mid-term increases.

You can review Wyoming's notice rules by consulting the relevant section of the Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act.^[1]

Moving from Subsidized Rent to Market Rent

If you've been living in housing where your rent was subsidized by a local agency or program and that subsidy ends, your landlord may set your rent to a new, market-based amount. This process is not considered "rent control," and Wyoming law does not restrict these increases. However, landlords are required to:

• Follow notice requirements (see above)
• Honor the terms of any written lease until it ends

What Official Forms and Tribunals Are Involved?

Wyoming does not have a statewide tenant tribunal or a standardized official form for disputing a rent increase. However, tenants can take the following steps:

• If you receive a rent increase you believe is unlawful (not enough notice), document it and notify your landlord in writing.
• If an agreement can’t be reached, disputes are generally handled in Wyoming Circuit Courts.

You may wish to use the template "Notice of Objection to Rent Increase" (not an official state form), which can help start a dialogue in writing.

Wyoming's Key Legislation

• Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act (Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 1-21-1201 et seq.) – Defines landlord and tenant rights, notice, and eviction procedures.

For comprehensive statutes, see the Wyoming Legislature's full text of Title 1, Chapter 21.^[1]

FAQ: Rent Increases and Rent Control in Wyoming

1. Is there any rent control in Wyoming?
   Wyoming does not have any state or local rent control laws. Landlords can set rent amounts as they choose but must give required notice before increasing rent.
2. How much notice must my landlord give before raising my rent?
   For month-to-month tenants, one full rental period’s written notice is required. For fixed-term leases, rent cannot increase until the lease expires unless stated otherwise in the lease.
3. What can I do if I receive too short a notice for a rent increase?
   Contact your landlord in writing to dispute the notice. If not resolved, you may file a claim in your local circuit court.
4. Is there a government agency or board that handles tenant complaints?
   Wyoming does not have a state-level tenant-landlord board; disputes are handled by local courts. See the Wyoming Circuit Courts for details.
5. Can my landlord increase rent immediately after federal or local subsidies end?
   Yes, unless restricted by your lease, but your landlord still needs to give you written notice as required by Wyoming law.

Key Takeaways for Wyoming Renters

• Wyoming has no rent control, but your landlord must give proper notice before rent increases.
• All disputes are handled by local circuit courts rather than a dedicated rental housing board.
• You should always document communications and know your notice rights under the Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act.

If your rental situation changes, carefully review your lease and consult Wyoming laws to understand your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Wyoming Attorney General Consumer Protection – Landlord-Tenant Resources
• Wyoming Legislature – State Statutes
• Wyoming Circuit Courts – Find Your Local Court
• Wyoming State Bar – Find a Lawyer

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1. Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act (full legislation PDF)

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