Wyoming Requirements for Accessible Rental Units in New Buildings

If you’re a renter in Wyoming with a disability or mobility issue, finding housing that meets your needs is important. New construction apartment complexes are required by federal law to have accessible units, but what does that mean for you as a Wyoming renter? This guide explains your rights, the legal requirements for accessible units in new builds, and how to request accommodations if your needs aren’t met.

Accessible Unit Standards: What Applies in Wyoming?

The main laws that set out accessibility rules for new construction are the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These laws require newly built multifamily buildings—like apartment complexes started after March 13, 1991—to follow specific accessibility standards.

  • All ground floor units (in buildings without an elevator) must be accessible or adaptable
  • If there’s an elevator, every unit must meet accessibility standards
  • Common areas, entrances, and amenities like mail rooms must also be accessible
  • Features include wider doors and hallways, accessible routes, reinforced bathroom walls for grab bars, and environmental controls within reach

Wyoming follows these federal guidelines. State law does not add additional requirements, so the federal rules set the baseline.

How Many Accessible Units Are Required?

For newly constructed multifamily housing (four or more units), the federal Fair Housing Act requires accessibility features in all ground-floor units and all units served by an elevator. This ensures renters with mobility needs have real options throughout the building.

What Buildings Are Covered?

  • Apartment buildings with 4+ units constructed after March 13, 1991
  • Condominiums (if intended for residential rental)
  • Student housing, with certain exceptions
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Your Rights to Request Accommodations

Even if an accessible unit does not fit all your needs, you have the right to request a reasonable modification or reasonable accommodation under the FHA. This may include permission to install grab bars, ramps, or other changes to make your unit usable.

If you live in a new building and notice that features—like low countertops or step-free entryways—are missing from your ground-floor unit, you can bring this up with your landlord or property manager and request compliance.

How to Request an Accommodation or Report Non-Compliance

  • Make your request in writing to your landlord or property manager
  • If they refuse or ignore your request, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Form: Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (HUD Form 903.1)

  • When to Use: If you believe your rights under the Fair Housing Act have been violated (for example, if your landlord refuses to provide necessary accessibility features in new construction)
  • How: Fill out the form with information about your situation and submit by mail, email, or online via the HUD complaint portal.
  • Example: A wheelchair user applies for a ground-floor unit in a new building and is told no such unit exists, or that the unit’s entryways are not accessible as required by law.

Who Handles Housing Complaints in Wyoming?

Wyoming does not have a state housing tribunal or board that specifically governs residential tenancies or accessibility issues. However, complaints about accessible housing in new construction can be filed with the HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.

For legal disputes between landlords and tenants—including accessibility issues—Wyoming’s State Courts have jurisdiction.

Relevant Legislation: Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act (Title 1, Chapter 21, Article 12) and the Federal Fair Housing Act govern your rights as a renter and person with a disability.

FAQ: Accessibility in New Wyoming Rental Construction

  1. What features must an accessible unit include in Wyoming? Every accessible unit must have step-free entries, wide doorways and hallways, accessible controls (like light switches), reinforced bathroom walls, and kitchens and bathrooms usable by people in wheelchairs.
  2. Are landlords required to offer accessible units in every new building? Yes. All new multifamily projects (4+ units) built after March 13, 1991 must comply with federal accessibility mandates.
  3. Can I request additional changes if the unit isn’t fully accessible for my needs? Yes. You may request reasonable modifications at your expense, or reasonable accommodations (such as changing building rules) under federal law.
  4. How do I report a violation of accessible unit requirements? File a complaint using HUD Form 903.1 or through the official HUD portal.
  5. Does Wyoming have special state laws about accessible units? Wyoming follows the federal standards. There are no additional state mandates for accessibility in new rental construction.

Key Takeaways for Renters in Wyoming

  • All new multifamily rental buildings (4 or more units) in Wyoming must meet federal accessibility standards
  • You can request reasonable modifications or accommodations for your disability
  • If you face barriers, file a complaint with HUD or seek help from your landlord or legal aid

Know your rights—if your needs aren’t being met in a new Wyoming rental, there is help available.

Need Help? Resources for Renters


  1. Fair Housing Act (FHA) Overview – U.S. Department of Justice
  2. Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act
  3. HUD Office of Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity
  4. HUD Form 903.1
  5. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II/III Regulations
Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights USA

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for renters everywhere.