What should I do if my building’s elevator is out of order in Wyoming?

Notify your landlord in writing as soon as possible, explain how it affects you—especially if you have a disability—and keep records of all communications.

Are landlords required to repair elevators in Wyoming high-rises?

Yes, Wyoming law requires landlords to maintain all essential services, including elevators, in a habitable condition and to repair them within a reasonable time.

Can I request a reasonable accommodation if I can’t use the stairs?

Yes, you may request reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act, such as priority repairs or assistance, by notifying your landlord in writing and providing supporting documentation.

What if my landlord doesn’t fix the elevator after my notice?

If repairs are not made and the outage seriously impacts your access or safety, you may seek remedies through Wyoming Circuit Court or file a complaint with HUD for discrimination.

Is there an official form for reporting elevator outages in Wyoming?

There is no statewide official form, but you can use a written letter or sample notices from the Wyoming State Bar to document and report the issue.

Wyoming Renters’ Rights: Elevator Outages in High-Rises

Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Wyoming published: June 21, 2025

If you’re renting an apartment in a Wyoming high-rise, functioning elevators aren’t just convenient—they can be essential, especially for people with disabilities or mobility needs. When elevator outages happen, tenants may face challenges accessing their homes, getting groceries, or receiving medical care. Knowing your rights and protections under Wyoming law can help you resolve these issues effectively and ensure your safety and comfort.

Understanding Wyoming Tenant Rights When Elevators Break

For multi-story buildings, elevators are often considered part of the building’s “essential services.” This is especially true if you or someone in your household has a disability. Wyoming law requires landlords to provide rental housing that is “fit for human habitation” and to keep all services in good working order. This includes necessary repairs to elevators.

Essential Services: Heat, running water, plumbing, and—for high-rises—elevators, especially where required for accessibility
Landlord Duties: Under the Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act^[1], landlords must make needed repairs in a reasonable time after being notified
Reasonable Accommodation: Landlords must provide equal access for tenants with disabilities under the federal Fair Housing Act^[2]

What to Do When the Elevator Stops Working

If your building’s elevator is out, here are important steps to follow to protect your rights and ensure prompt repair:

Notify your landlord or property manager in writing right away. Keep a copy of your notice.
State exactly how the outage is affecting you—especially if you have mobility challenges or a disability.
If repairs are not made promptly, you may have additional options (see below).

For renters with disabilities, elevators are not just convenient—they can be a legal requirement for accessing your home safely. Always document how the outage impacts your daily activities and health.

Requesting Reasonable Accommodations for Accessibility

If you need the elevator for a medical reason or disability, you have the right to request an accommodation. This might include:

Priority repair service
Temporary relocation (if no other solution is possible)
Assistance with groceries or essential needs during the outage

Make any accommodation request in writing and include medical documentation if possible. Learn about your rights to reasonable accommodation through the HUD Wyoming Tenant Rights page.

How Wyoming Law Handles Habitability and Repairs

Wyoming’s Residential Rental Property Act^[1] sets out what counts as “fit for habitation.” Landlords must maintain all common areas and essential equipment. If the landlord does not fix an elevator within a “reasonable time” after being notified, you may be able to:

Ask the landlord in writing to fix the problem within a set time (typically 3-5 days, unless it’s an emergency)
Consider options such as withholding a portion of rent or moving out, but only after providing written notice and allowing reasonable repair time

Always follow formal procedures before taking any action affecting your rent or tenancy.

Tip: If you need to break your lease due to ongoing accessibility problems or repeated elevator failures, get legal advice and keep thorough records of all communications.

Using Official Forms for Notices and Repairs

Wyoming provides official forms that can help you communicate with your landlord or document habitability issues:

Notice of Failure to Maintain Premises (No Statewide Form)
When to use: Write a dated notice describing the elevator outage, its impact, and request timely repair. There is no statewide official government form. Use a written letter or email for documentation. Refer to sample templates via the Wyoming State Bar – Forms & Publications page.
Reasonable Accommodation Request (HUD Form 903)
When to use: If you have a disability and the elevator outage limits your access, you may request accommodations. Use HUD Form 903 Online Complaint to document discrimination concerns.

Always keep copies of any forms, letters, or emails for your records. Responses from your landlord should be kept as well.

The Tribunal Handling Rental Disputes in Wyoming

Wyoming does not have a specific residential tenancies tribunal. Instead, disputes go to the Wyoming Circuit Court system. If negotiation fails, tenants may file small claims actions or seek court remedy for habitability problems.

FAQ: Wyoming Elevator Outages and Tenant Rights

What is the landlord’s responsibility if the elevator breaks?
Your landlord must make timely repairs to all essential services, including elevators in high-rise buildings, to keep the premises habitable for tenants.
Can I withhold rent if the elevator is out of service?
Wyoming law does not grant automatic rent withholding rights. Always provide written notice first and consider legal advice before withholding rent.
What should I do if the elevator outage affects my disability?
Request a reasonable accommodation in writing and provide documentation. If unresolved, file a complaint with HUD or seek help from local advocacy groups.
How quickly must my landlord repair the elevator?
The law says repairs must occur in a “reasonable time,” depending on the outage’s severity and the impact on health and safety.
Where do I file a complaint if my landlord won’t address elevator problems?
You can bring your case in Wyoming Circuit Court and may also file discrimination complaints with HUD for accessibility issues.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Wyoming Renters

Landlords must keep elevators functioning, especially for tenants needing disability access.
Always notify landlords of outages in writing, keep documentation, and request accommodations as needed.
If issues are unresolved, Wyoming courts and federal agencies offer further remedies.

Understanding your rights empowers you to resolve elevator outages quickly and ensure safe access to your home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Wyoming Circuit Court: Handles landlord-tenant and habitability disputes.
HUD – Wyoming Tenant Rights: Official federal information on tenant protections and accommodations.
Wyoming State Bar – Forms & Publications: Sample tenant letters and legal resources.
U.S. Department of Justice – Fair Housing Act: Guidance on accessibility and discrimination issues.