Wyoming Renters: Your Rights When Living in Hotels or Motels

If you’re living in a hotel or motel in Wyoming for more than a short stay, you may be wondering if you’re considered a tenant—and what rights you have. This guide explains how Wyoming law treats hotel and motel stays, including the differences between guests and tenants, and what happens if you face eviction or need repairs. Understanding these rules can help you protect your housing security and know what steps to take if issues arise.

Hotel and Motel Stays: Are You a Tenant or a Guest?

Wyoming law treats people staying in hotels or motels either as guests (short-term, typically nightly or weekly) or as tenants (long-term, with a right to occupy the unit).

• Guests can usually be asked to leave with little notice.
• Tenants have more legal protections, including notice before eviction and the right to a safe, habitable space.

Whether you’re a tenant depends on:

• How long you’ve stayed at the hotel or motel
• Whether you pay rent weekly/monthly
• If this is your only or main home

Protections and Obligations for Hotel/Motel Tenants in Wyoming

Once you are considered a tenant under Wyoming’s Residential Rental Property Act^[1], you gain rights common to renters, such as:

• Reasonable notice before asking you to leave (usually at least 3 days for nonpayment of rent or lease violations)
• The right to a safe and habitable room (working locks, heat, plumbing, no dangerous conditions)
• Formal eviction procedures if you refuse to leave

Hotel and motel owners still have the right to set rules about conduct, payment, and use of rooms, but must follow proper legal steps for eviction if you are recognized as a tenant. Evictions cannot be done by "self-help"—the owner should not lock you out or remove your belongings without a court order.

Notice and Eviction Process

If you become a tenant, your landlord (the hotel/motel owner or manager) must provide legal notice before starting eviction. Common notices include:

• 3-Day Notice to Quit: For nonpayment of rent or rule violations. This gives you 3 days to pay or fix the issue.
• Unlawful Detainer Complaint: If you don’t move out after proper notice, the owner can file this official form in county Circuit Court to begin legal eviction. View details and forms on the Wyoming Circuit Courts page.

Common Tenant Forms in Wyoming Motels and Hotels

• 3-Day Notice to Quit
  When and how used: Given if you’re behind on payment or broke hotel rules, giving you a short window (3 days) to fix the problem or move out. See sample Wyoming notice forms.
• Complaint for Forcible Entry and Detainer (Eviction)
  When and how used: Filed by the hotel/motel owner in court after proper notice, to seek a court order for eviction. For more, visit the Wyoming Circuit Court eviction resources.

If you receive a notice or court papers, read them carefully and seek legal help. Renting in a hotel or motel does not automatically take away your rights.

Which Tribunal Handles Disputes?

Residential eviction and rental disputes in Wyoming—including those from hotels or motels—are handled by the Wyoming Circuit Courts.

Practical Steps for Hotel/Motel Renters Facing Eviction

• Ask the manager or hotel owner about your status—are you a guest or a tenant?
• If given a notice, act quickly: pay overdue rent, fix any lease problems, and keep written evidence.
• If you receive court documents, respond in writing, and attend your hearing. If possible, consult legal aid.
• If you feel your eviction wasn’t legal, or you were locked out without a court order, contact the Wyoming judicial branch or legal services as soon as possible.

Eviction from a hotel or motel can feel overwhelming, but you do have rights—especially for longer stays. When in doubt, seek legal support.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I become a tenant in Wyoming if I stay at a hotel or motel long-term?
   Yes. If your stay is your main residence, and you pay rent weekly/monthly, you may be recognized as a tenant under Wyoming law, which offers eviction protections.
2. Can a hotel or motel owner lock me out without notice?
   No. Once you are a tenant, hotel or motel owners must follow legal eviction processes and provide notice. Lockouts without court orders are not allowed.
3. What can I do if my hotel/motel room is unsafe or needs repairs?
   Let the owner know in writing and keep copies. Tenants have the right to safe and habitable living conditions under Wyoming law.
4. Do I have to go to court if I get eviction papers in a hotel or motel?
   Yes. You should respond to court papers and attend your hearing. Missing court may result in losing your housing by default.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Wyoming Circuit Courts – Handles eviction actions and tenant-landlord complaints.
• Wyoming Consumer Protection Unit – Report unfair business practices by hotels, motels, or landlords.
• Wyoming Legal Aid Directory – Find free or reduced-cost legal help for renters facing eviction.
• Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act (Legislation)

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1. Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act
2. Wyoming Circuit Courts
3. State of Wyoming: Example Eviction Forms

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