Wyoming Off-Base Military Housing: Renter Rights & Protections

Renting a home off-base in Wyoming provides flexibility for military families, but it can also raise questions about your rights and protections as a tenant. Whether you’re stationed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base or elsewhere in the state, it’s important to know how Wyoming’s landlord-tenant laws apply to off-base military renters. This guide covers rent increases, eviction protections, official forms, and where to turn if you need help with your rental situation in Wyoming.

Understanding Off-Base Military Rentals in Wyoming

In Wyoming, renting a home or apartment off-base falls under the state’s regular residential landlord-tenant laws, just like for civilian tenants. However, active-duty military members and their families may have federal protections as well, such as those provided by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).

Key Rights and Considerations for Military Renters

• State laws apply: Your rental is governed by the Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act (Wyo. Stat. §§ 1-21-1201 to 1-21-1211).
• Federal protections: The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act adds extra protections for military renters, such as the right to break a lease early if you receive new orders.
• Rental agreements: Whether you have a written lease or a verbal rental agreement, you’re entitled to the same state protections.

Military renters are often concerned about what happens if they receive new PCS (Permanent Change of Station) orders or are deployed. The SCRA may allow you to terminate a lease early without penalty in certain circumstances. Always provide written notice to your landlord, along with a copy of your military orders.

Rent Increases and Eviction Rules

As a renter in off-base military housing, you have the right to advance notice for rent increases or evictions, just like other Wyoming tenants.

• Rent Increases: Wyoming law does not restrict the amount your landlord can raise rent, but they must wait until the rental period ends and give you proper notice (typically 30 days for month-to-month leases).
• Eviction Procedures: Landlords must follow state law for any eviction, generally beginning with a formal notice and, if unresolved, filing through the county court system.
• Military exceptions: If you’re called to active duty or deployed, the SCRA can put certain eviction protections in place.

For more details about evictions and procedures, visit the Wyoming Judicial Branch Landlord/Tenant Self-Help Center.

Official Forms for Wyoming Renters

When renting off-base, you may need to use certain forms, especially when ending a rental agreement due to military orders or addressing disputes.

• Notice to Terminate Rental Agreement (No Official Statewide Form):
  • Use: To notify your landlord in writing that you are ending your lease because you have received new military orders.
  • How to Use: Attach a copy of your PCS or deployment orders to your written notice. Deliver the notice according to your lease terms (usually by mail or personal delivery).
  • Sample Template: See the Justice Department’s sample military lease termination letter.
• Answer and Counterclaim (Form for Eviction Response):
  • Form Name: Answer and Counterclaim (No official number)
  • Use: To formally respond if your landlord files for eviction in court.
  • How to Use: File the form with the county court listed in your eviction documents before your court date. Indicate if you have defenses relating to military service, lease compliance, or rental payments.
  • Official Source: Wyoming Judicial Branch Self-Help Forms

No universal form exists for all landlord-tenant actions in Wyoming, so always check your local county court for acceptable templates. For official forms, use the Wyoming Judicial Branch Self-Help Center.

Where to Go for Rental Disputes or Eviction Hearings

Wyoming does not have a statewide landlord-tenant tribunal or board. Instead, all residential tenancy matters—including off-base military rentals—are handled by the Wyoming Judicial Branch, typically in your local county court.

If you need to file a complaint about housing conditions, rent disputes, or believe your rights under the SCRA have been violated, you may:

• File a case in county court
• Contact a military legal assistance office
• Reach out to the Wyoming Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit for rental scams or deceptive practices

Summary: Renting Off-Base as a Military Tenant in Wyoming

Military renters in Wyoming have all the rights of civilian renters, in addition to unique federal protections. Always communicate in writing, retain records, and seek legal advice if you’re unsure about your situation. If faced with a housing dispute, Wyoming’s court system and base legal offices are your best sources of guidance and advocacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I break my rental lease early if I get new orders?
   Yes. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act allows active-duty military personnel to legally terminate a residential lease with written notice and a copy of official orders.
2. How much notice does my landlord need to give before raising my rent?
   Generally, your landlord must provide at least 30 days’ written notice prior to the end of the rental period for a month-to-month lease.
3. Where do I file a complaint if my landlord isn’t making repairs?
   You can contact your county court or the Wyoming Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit for help with unaddressed habitability issues or unsafe conditions.
4. Are there special eviction protections for military renters?
   Yes. Under federal law, service members may be protected from certain evictions when on active duty. The landlord must get a court order and may need special permission in some cases.
5. What law governs rental agreements in Wyoming?
   The Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act (Wyo. Stat. §§ 1-21-1201 to 1-21-1211) applies to most residential leases in the state.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Wyoming Judicial Branch Landlord/Tenant Self-Help Center
• Air Force Legal Assistance (JAG) Locator
• Wyoming Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit
• U.S. Department of Justice Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative

---

1. Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act (Wyo. Stat. §§ 1-21-1201 to 1-21-1211)
2. Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
3. Wyoming Judicial Branch Self-Help Forms
4. Wyoming Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations