Wyoming Emergency Exit Lighting: Renters' Rights & Standards

Feeling safe in your Wyoming rental means more than just locking your doors. One critical—but often overlooked—safety feature is emergency exit lighting. Knowing the rules helps ensure your building's exits are visible and safe during power outages or emergencies, protecting you and your neighbors.

What Are Emergency Exit Lighting Standards?

Emergency exit lighting refers to illuminated signs and lights that show you the way out of a building when regular power goes out. These are required by safety codes, helping everyone safely evacuate in a fire, power loss, or other urgent situations. While exit lighting might seem like a small detail, it's essential for your safety as a renter.

Wyoming Laws and Building Codes for Exit Lighting

Wyoming follows national safety standards through its adoption of the International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC), which require:

• All required exits must have visible, illuminated exit signs
• Emergency lighting must provide at least 90 minutes of illumination during power failures
• Lighting maintenance and testing must be done regularly by the landlord or property manager

Wyoming does not have a separate, statewide landlord/tenant board. However, all rental properties must comply with safety requirements specified in state and local codes and Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act.¹

Who Is Responsible for Emergency Lighting?

• Landlords are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing emergency exit lighting and exit signs.
• Renters should notify their landlord immediately if lights are out, signs are missing, or batteries are low.

Official Forms and How to Report Lighting Issues

Wyoming does not have a statewide tenant complaint form, but renters can use the following actions to report safety hazards:

• Written Request for Repairs: Write a letter or email describing the issue. State the date, details, and request repairs within a "reasonable time" (often up to 14 days).
• Local Code Enforcement Complaint: Contact your city or county local health department or code inspector to file a formal complaint about unsafe exit lighting. Municipalities may have forms on their official websites.

Practical example: If your apartment’s exit signs go out after a storm, send your landlord a dated written request and keep a copy. If no action is taken within a reasonable time, contact your local code enforcement office using their inspection request or complaint form.

Relevant Legislation and Oversight

• Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act: Outlines landlord and tenant responsibilities.¹
• International Building Code and Fire Code (as adopted by Wyoming): Sets detailed safety and exit lighting requirements.²

Oversight: Rental housing issues are handled in Wyoming Circuit Courts if disputes require legal action.

What If Repairs Aren’t Made?

If the landlord does not fix broken exit lighting after reasonable notice:

• Contact local health or building code enforcement for an inspection.
• Consider contacting the Wyoming court system for legal remedies if conditions remain unsafe.

Court action should be a last resort. Always seek to resolve repair issues with your landlord first, and keep records of all communications.

FAQ: Wyoming Emergency Exit Lighting for Renters

1. Are landlords in Wyoming required to provide emergency exit lighting?
   Yes, under adopted building and fire codes, landlords must provide and maintain reliable emergency exit lighting in rental properties.
2. What should I do if the exit signs in my building are not working?
   Report the issue in writing to your landlord and ask for repairs within a reasonable time. If no action is taken, contact local building code enforcement.
3. Where do I file a complaint if my landlord ignores requests for lighting repairs?
   Contact your local municipal code enforcement office or health department. You can also bring the issue to the Wyoming Circuit Court if necessary.
4. Does Wyoming have a specific tenant complaint form?
   There is no statewide form, but many cities and counties have inspection or complaint forms on their official websites.
5. Which courts handle housing safety disputes in Wyoming?
   The Wyoming Circuit Court usually handles rental disputes, including safety and maintenance issues.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Landlords must ensure exit signs and emergency lights work and comply with safety codes.
• Always document and report safety or maintenance concerns in writing.
• If repairs are ignored, reach out to local code enforcement, then court as a last step.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Wyoming Department of Health – Environmental Health: For local rental safety or public health concerns.
• Wyoming Circuit Courts: Handles landlord-tenant disputes and legal actions.
• State Building and Fire Codes: Review code details or check your local code enforcement office.
• HUD Wyoming Renters Resource: General help and tenant advice for Wyoming residents.

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1. Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act
2. Wyoming State Codes and Standards (IBC, IFC)

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