Wyoming Rules on Late Rent Fees: What Renters Need to Know

If you’re renting a home or apartment in Wyoming, you might be concerned about what happens if your rent is late. Understanding the rules for late rent fees helps you avoid surprises, protects your rights, and supports productive conversations with your landlord. Here’s a clear guide to Wyoming’s late fee rules and what renters should know in 2024.

What Counts as ‘Late Rent’ in Wyoming?

In Wyoming, rent is considered late if it’s not paid on or before the due date set in your lease agreement. Some leases allow a ‘grace period’—a short period after the due date when rent can still be paid without a penalty. If your lease includes a grace period, landlords cannot charge a late fee until after it ends.

Are Late Rent Fees Allowed in Wyoming?

Wyoming state law does not set a specific limit on late rent fees. This means your landlord can only charge a late fee if your lease or rental agreement clearly mentions it, including the amount and when it applies.¹

• If your lease does not mention late fees, the landlord cannot charge one.
• Any fee must be ‘reasonable’—excessive fees could be challenged as unfair, but state law does not define an amount.
• Late fee terms and any grace period should be written in your lease. If you’re unsure, check your signed agreement or request a copy from your landlord.

Typical Late Fee Practices

While Wyoming law leaves late fees up to the lease agreement, landlords commonly set a flat fee (for example, $25–$50) or a percentage of the overdue rent (such as 5%). Always confirm the amount in your own rental contract.

How and When Can Late Rent Fees Be Charged?

Landlords must follow the lease agreement. Most leases specify:

• The due date for rent
• Any grace period (if given)
• When the late fee applies (e.g., immediately after the due date, or after a grace period)
• The dollar amount or percentage charged for a late fee

What to Do If You Disagree with a Late Fee

If you believe your landlord is charging an unauthorized or unreasonable late fee:

• Review your lease agreement to confirm the late fee terms.
• Communicate in writing with your landlord, stating your concerns and referencing your lease.
• If issues persist, you may file a complaint or seek mediation support. The Wyoming Circuit Court handles disputes related to residential tenancies.

Relevant Official Forms for Renters

• Notice to Quit or Vacate (No Official Statewide Form): If you receive a formal notice for unpaid rent (after late fees), it must comply with Wyoming law. While Wyoming does not offer an official form, you can view general requirements on the Wyoming Judicial Branch website.
  Example: If you are served with an eviction notice for nonpayment, check that any late fees match your lease and that you receive proper notice as required under the Wyoming Residential Rental Property statutes (see Title 1, Chapter 21).
• Court Filing Forms: Should you need to respond to an unlawful eviction or dispute in court, local Circuit Courts provide tenant response forms in-person or online. Check the Wyoming Circuit Courts Forms page for details.

Which Agency or Tribunal Handles Rental Disputes?

Wyoming does not have a specialized landlord-tenant board. The Wyoming Circuit Courts handle most residential tenancy disputes, including eviction and fee disputes.

Relevant Wyoming Legislation

Late rent fee issues are governed by Wyoming Statutes Title 1, Chapter 21 - Landlord and Tenant.²

1. Is there a maximum late fee a landlord can charge in Wyoming?
   There is currently no state law setting an upper limit on late fees in Wyoming. However, the amount must be written into your lease agreement to be enforceable.
2. Can my landlord add a late fee if it’s not in my lease?
   No. If your lease does not mention late rent fees, your landlord cannot legally require or collect one.
3. Do I get a grace period for late rent?
   Wyoming law does not require landlords to offer a grace period. If your lease provides one, it will specify the number of days after the due date before a fee applies.
4. What if I can’t pay the late fee right away?
   Communicate with your landlord as soon as possible and document your conversation in writing. Repeated late payments and unpaid fees may lead to a formal eviction notice if not resolved.
5. Where can I get help if I think my landlord is charging unfair late fees?
   You can contact the Wyoming Circuit Court for legal information and dispute resolution support, or reach out to local tenants’ rights organizations for advice.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Wyoming Circuit Courts: Handles landlord-tenant cases and provides filing forms.
• Wyoming State Bar – Find a Lawyer: Search for legal support or free/low-cost legal aid near you.
• Public Resources from the Wyoming State Bar: Guides on rental law and tenant protections.
• Wyoming Landlord-Tenant Statutes: Read the full text of current rental laws.

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1. Wyoming Statutes Title 1, Chapter 21 (Landlord and Tenant)
2. Wyoming Circuit Courts information: official court website

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