Wyoming Renters: Your Rights Against Familial Status Discrimination

Every renter deserves fair treatment, regardless of family makeup. In Wyoming, both federal and state housing laws protect tenants from familial status discrimination. This means it is illegal for landlords to treat you unfairly because you have children, are pregnant, or are in the process of obtaining custody of a child.

What Is Familial Status Discrimination?

Familial status discrimination happens when a landlord treats a renter or applicant differently because they are:

• Pregnant
• Living with children under 18
• Seeking custody of a child
• Fostering or adopting a child

This type of discrimination is illegal under the federal Fair Housing Act and is recognized in Wyoming Fair Housing Law. Examples include refusing to rent to families with children, charging higher deposits for families, or offering different lease terms to families compared to other renters.

Your Rights as a Renter in Wyoming

• Landlords cannot ask if you have or plan to have children.
• You cannot be denied housing, charged more, or given different terms because of children or pregnancy.
• Housing rules cannot unfairly limit children's use of common areas (unless for safety or health reasons).

Exceptions to the Rule

Some housing is legally allowed to set age restrictions, such as "55 and older" communities complying with the Housing for Older Persons Act. Otherwise, most rental units must comply with familial status protections.

What To Do If You Face Discrimination

If you suspect familial status discrimination, you have the right to file a complaint. In Wyoming, complaints can be made to the regional office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or the Wyoming Civil Rights Division.

Relevant Official Forms

• HUD Form 903
  Title: Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
  When and How to Use: Use this form to officially report suspected housing discrimination. For example, if a landlord refused to rent to you after learning you have children, fill out and submit this form.
  Submit a Housing Discrimination Complaint to HUD

After you file, HUD or the Civil Rights Division will investigate and may take legal action if discrimination is confirmed.

Who Handles Tenant Complaints in Wyoming?

The official tribunal handling housing discrimination in Wyoming is the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services – Labor Standards/Fair Housing Office. They investigate complaints and help enforce fair housing laws.

Wyoming Tenancy Legislation

Wyoming follows the Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act and federal Fair Housing Act. These laws outline the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords and set out protections against discrimination based on familial status.

1. What evidence should I gather if I believe I’ve experienced familial status discrimination?
   Keep detailed notes of landlord communications, advertisements, lease offers, and any statements about your family or children. Save copies of emails, texts, and letters.
2. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because my children might be noisy?
   No. While landlords can enforce reasonable noise rules for all tenants, they cannot refuse to rent to you solely because you have children.
3. How long do I have to file a discrimination complaint?
   You generally have one year from the date of the discriminatory act to file a complaint with HUD or Wyoming authorities.
4. Are there any types of housing exempt from these rules?
   Some properties reserved for older adults (like certain retirement communities) may be exempt if they comply with federal requirements.
5. Is my lease still valid if my landlord discriminated against my family?
   If discrimination occurred, your lease remains legally binding, but you may have remedies (like damages or corrective action) through the complaint process.

Conclusion: What Wyoming Renters Should Remember

• Wyoming and federal laws protect renters from familial status discrimination.
• If you’re treated unfairly because of your family, you can file a complaint with HUD or Wyoming’s Civil Rights Division.
• Keep copies of all communications and submit the proper forms to start the investigation process.

Staying informed helps ensure that you and your family are treated fairly in your search for or experience within rental housing.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Wyoming Department of Workforce Services – Fair Housing Office: Investigates housing discrimination complaints in Wyoming.
• HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity: Submit complaints and learn more about your rights.
• Wyoming Labor Standards: Additional tenant resources and complaint forms.
• Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act: Full text of Wyoming's rental law.

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1. Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of Civil Rights Act)
2. Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act
3. Wyoming Department of Workforce Services – Fair Housing Office
4. HUD Complaint Submission

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