Wyoming Fair Housing Testing & Enforcement Agencies

Every renter in Wyoming deserves equal treatment when searching for or living in a rental home. Fair Housing laws protect against discrimination due to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or familial status. This guide explains how Wyoming’s Fair Housing testing and enforcement agencies work, what your rights are, and what steps you can take if you believe you’ve experienced discrimination.

Fair Housing Rights for Wyoming Renters

The federal Fair Housing Act and the Wyoming Fair Housing laws make it illegal for a landlord to refuse to rent, to treat renters differently, or to harass someone because of protected characteristics. These rights apply to apartment buildings, houses, mobile homes, and most rental situations.

What is Fair Housing Testing?

Fair Housing “testing” refers to investigations (often by sending trained testers posing as renters) to see whether landlords or property managers are complying with anti-discrimination laws. These tests can uncover hidden discrimination, such as steering, different rental terms, or denial of housing.

Enforcement and Testing Agencies in Wyoming

While Wyoming does not have a dedicated state housing enforcement board, complaints can be filed with federal agencies. Testing services are typically coordinated by:

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
• U.S. Department of Justice - Housing and Civil Enforcement
• Wyoming Department of Workforce Services: For Equal Rights and Human Rights complaints (Equal Rights Division)

Some private nonprofit agencies, such as legal aid organizations, may also conduct Fair Housing testing in Wyoming with federal support.

How to Report Housing Discrimination in Wyoming

If you suspect you’ve been treated unfairly, you can take immediate action. Reporting helps agencies enforce the law and prevent further discrimination.

• Document what happened: Keep records of conversations, applications, emails, and any advertising you’ve seen.
• Use official complaint forms to report violations.

Official Forms to File a Fair Housing Complaint

• HUD Form 903 Online Complaint
  HUD Discrimination Complaint Form (Form 903)
  When and how it’s used: If you believe your rights have been violated (for example, you were denied an apartment because of your race), you can fill out and submit this form online or by mail to HUD. HUD investigates, and may use testing to validate your claims.
• Wyoming Department of Workforce Services - Equal Rights Complaint Form
  ERD Pre-Complaint Questionnaire (PDF)
  When and how it’s used: You can use this form to file a complaint of discrimination in housing with the Wyoming Equal Rights Division, which will review your claim and may coordinate with federal agencies. For example, if you feel a landlord refused your application based on family status, you submit this form as the first step.

What Happens After You File a Complaint?

Once your complaint is received, HUD or the Equal Rights Division may:

• Contact you for more information or ask for supporting evidence
• Open an investigation (which may involve on-site testing or inquiries)
• Try to resolve the issue through mediation or, if necessary, further legal action

Wyoming does not have a rental housing tribunal. If litigation proceeds, cases are heard through Wyoming state courts. HUD may also refer serious violations to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Key Laws Protecting Renters in Wyoming

• Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act
• Federal Fair Housing Act

The Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act describes the general rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants, including anti-discrimination policies.

Frequently Asked Questions: Fair Housing Testing and Enforcement in Wyoming

1. What forms of housing discrimination are illegal in Wyoming?
   It is illegal for landlords to discriminate in renting, setting terms, or providing services based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or family status under federal and state law.
2. Who enforces Fair Housing rules in Wyoming?
   Primary enforcement is through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Equal Rights Division.
3. How do I file a Fair Housing complaint in Wyoming?
   You can file online using HUD’s Fair Housing Complaint Form or through the state Pre-Complaint Questionnaire.
4. Is Fair Housing testing available to individual renters?
   Testing is typically initiated by federal or nonprofit agencies investigating patterns, but evidence from renters is critical to launching an investigation.
5. What happens if a landlord retaliates against me for filing a complaint?
   Retaliation is illegal. If this occurs, you should report it immediately through the same complaint process.

Conclusion: Your Protections and Next Steps

• Wyoming renters are protected by federal and state Fair Housing laws.
• If you face discrimination, use the official complaint forms and document everything.
• Enforcement is handled by HUD and the Equal Rights Division, with investigations often including Fair Housing testing.

Understanding and using your rights helps create fairer housing for everyone.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• HUD – Wyoming Field Office: Get Fair Housing advice and support.
• Wyoming Department of Workforce Services: Equal Rights Division: File a state discrimination complaint, or call (307) 777-7981.
• U.S. Department of Justice: Report egregious or criminal housing discrimination.
• Wyoming Legal Services: Free legal advice for low-income tenants facing housing issues.
• Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act (official statute text)

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1. Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 3601-3619)
2. Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act, Wyo. Stat. §§ 1-21-1201 to 1-21-1211
3. HUD Fair Housing Online Complaint Process
4. Wyoming Department of Workforce Services – Equal Rights Division

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