Wyoming Renters: Security Deposit and Damage Deposit Laws

As a Wyoming renter, understanding the difference between security deposits and damage deposits is essential—especially before you sign a lease or move out. Wyoming law has clear rules about what landlords can collect, how deposits must be handled, and your rights if there’s a dispute. This guide explains your protections, what to expect, and where to get help using plain language and official sources.

Security Deposits vs. Damage Deposits: What’s the Difference?

In Wyoming, the terms "security deposit" and "damage deposit" are often used interchangeably. Legally, the term security deposit is used for any money held by a landlord to cover unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, or other breaches of the lease. There is no separate category called a "damage deposit" under Wyoming law; both concepts are governed by the same deposit rules.

• Security deposit: Money paid to protect the landlord against unpaid rent, repairs beyond ordinary use, or lease violations.
• Landlords cannot collect a separate "damage deposit" with different rules—any such amount counts as part of the security deposit.

Wyoming does not limit the amount a landlord may require as a security deposit. However, landlords must follow specific rules on how it’s used, returned, and when deductions can be made.

When Can a Landlord Keep Part of Your Deposit?

After you move out, your landlord may deduct from your security deposit only for:

• Unpaid rent
• Repairing damage beyond normal wear and tear
• Other costs mentioned in the lease agreement (for example, cleaning if agreed in writing)

Landlords cannot deduct for normal wear, such as minor carpet stains or faded paint. For a full explanation of legal deductions, see the Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act (WY Stat § 1-21-1207).

Timeline for Returning Your Deposit

Wyoming law requires landlords to return your deposit within:

• 30 days after you move out and request your deposit, or
• within 60 days if deductions are being made for repairs or other lease breaches

Landlords must provide an itemized list of any deductions.

How to Request Your Security Deposit Back

• Submit a written request to your landlord after you vacate the premises.
• Include your forwarding address.
• If the landlord fails to return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within the legal period, you can pursue action in court.

Wyoming Tenancy Forms Relevant to Deposits

• Ejectment Complaint (Form 1-101)
  Used if a landlord fails to return your security deposit and you seek to recover it through court. As a renter, you may file this complaint with your local circuit court if informal attempts fail. For more information and the latest forms, visit the Wyoming Judicial Branch - Court Forms page.
• No official security deposit dispute form exists—requests are typically made by letter to the landlord. If suing in court, use circuit court complaint forms above.

Who Oversees Tenant-Landlord Issues in Wyoming?

In Wyoming, rental disputes—including those over deposits—are handled by the state’s Circuit Courts. The state does not have a separate housing tribunal or landlord-tenant board.

Relevant Legislation

The Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act (Wyoming Statutes §§ 1-21-1201–1-21-1211) contains all rules for security deposits, landlord-tenant obligations, and timelines regarding rental properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Wyoming?
   Wyoming law does not set a limit—a landlord can charge any amount but must follow proper deposit rules.
2. What kind of damage allows my landlord to keep part of the deposit?
   Landlords may keep amounts for repairing damage beyond normal wear and tear or to cover unpaid rent, but not for minor aging and regular use.
3. How do I ask for my deposit back?
   Write a letter to your landlord with your forwarding address after moving out, then wait for the legal response period.
4. What should I do if my landlord won’t return my deposit?
   If your landlord does not comply, you may file a complaint in Wyoming Circuit Court to seek recovery of your deposit.
5. Is there a separate damage deposit in Wyoming?
   No. All "damage deposits" are treated as part of the security deposit under Wyoming law—no separate rules apply.

Key Takeaways for Wyoming Renters

• Security deposits are regulated by state law—there’s no separate damage deposit for residential rentals.
• Landlords must return your deposit, minus valid deductions, within 30–60 days after move-out.
• You must make a written request and include your forwarding address to receive your deposit back.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Wyoming Circuit Courts (Deposit disputes and filings)
• Wyoming State Bar – Find a Lawyer (Free or low-cost legal help)
• Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act (PDF)
• Wyoming Judicial Branch – Court Forms

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1. Wyoming Statutes §§ 1-21-1207, 1-21-1208 – Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act
2. Wyoming Circuit Courts official role and information
3. Wyoming Judicial Branch – Forms and Information

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