Wyoming Tenant Rights in Short-Term Vacation Rentals

If you’re a renter using a short-term vacation rental in Wyoming, it’s important to know your legal rights. Whether you’ve found a property through a site like Airbnb, VRBO, or a local platform, Wyoming’s laws treat short-term tenancies differently than year-long leases. This article explains key protections, where to turn for help, and how to address disputes, maintenance, or unexpected evictions.

What is a Short-Term Vacation Rental?

Short-term vacation rentals typically refer to stays of less than 30 days. These arrangements might cover homes, apartments, or individual rooms that are rented for temporary stays, often for vacation, work trips, or transitional housing. In Wyoming, state landlord-tenant laws cover most residential rentals, but short-term vacation rentals are sometimes treated as hotel or lodging accommodations.

Do Wyoming Tenant Rights Apply to Short-Term Vacation Rentals?

The Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act generally covers tenants renting a property for a fixed period. However, many short-term rentals (under 30 days) may not be governed by these laws, and may instead follow local lodging or hotel rules.

• Longer stays (over 30 days): You may be considered a "tenant" with protections under state law.
• Shorter stays (less than 30 days): Your rights may depend on your agreement and local ordinances rather than state tenant law.

Always review your written rental agreement and clarify your legal status with the property owner.

Your Basic Rights in a Wyoming Short-Term Rental

Even in a short-term arrangement, you have certain expectations. Here’s what’s important:

• Safe and Habitable Conditions: The property should be free from serious hazards and have essential services like heat, water, and electricity.
• Privacy: Landlords or hosts typically should not enter your unit without notice, except in emergencies.
• Fair Charges: You’re entitled to an itemized statement if your deposit is withheld for damages or cleaning (for stays 30+ days).

Important Legislation for Renters

Wyoming’s main law for residential rentals is the Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act (W.S. § 1-21-1201 to 1-21-1220)^[1].

If Things Go Wrong: Eviction or Problems in Your Rental

Short-term guests can sometimes be removed with little notice, especially if the stay is under 30 days and treated as a lodging agreement. If you believe you are a "tenant" under Wyoming law (usually if you’ve lived there over 30 days or have a lease), landlords must give you proper written notice before eviction.

• 3-Day Notice to Quit: For lease violations or unpaid rent, your landlord typically must serve you a 3-Day Notice to Quit. This is required by the Residential Rental Property Act for covered tenancies.

Official Tribunal Handling Rental Disputes

Wyoming does not have a dedicated state housing board; rental disputes are resolved through Wyoming Circuit Courts. If you need to file an eviction response or other dispute, your local Circuit Court processes these cases.

Official Forms for Wyoming Renters

• "Notice to Quit" (No Official Statewide Form):
  • Used when a landlord alleges a lease violation or unpaid rent, and wants you to vacate. The notice must specify at least 3 days to move out.
  • For example, if your short-term rental becomes a month-to-month lease, and you fall behind on rent or break important house rules, your landlord must provide this notice before filing for eviction in court.
• "Complaint for Forcible Entry and Detainer" (Form available at local courts):
  • Landlords must file this with the circuit court to begin a formal eviction if you do not leave after notice.
  • If you receive this document, you may respond with a written answer or appear in court to contest the eviction.
  • Form: See Wyoming Landlord-Tenant Forms from the Wyoming Judicial Branch.

FAQ: Short-Term Rental Tenant Rights Wyoming

1. Are Airbnb guests protected by Wyoming tenant laws?
   Short-term guests (under 30 days) are usually considered "licensees" or guests, not tenants, so state tenant protections generally do not apply. If you have questions, check your agreement and length of stay.
2. Can I be evicted without notice from a short-term rental in Wyoming?
   For stays under 30 days, you may be removed quickly, similar to hotel guests. For longer-term rentals (over 30 days), landlords must serve a 3-day written notice before court eviction.
3. Who handles disputes in Wyoming between renters and landlords?
   Disputes, including evictions, are handled by your local Wyoming Circuit Court. There is no state housing tribunal, so court is the main option.
4. What if my security deposit is not returned?
   If you stayed longer than 30 days, Wyoming law requires the landlord to return your deposit within 30 days (with itemization, if deductions were made). File a complaint in Circuit Court if not resolved.
5. Is there a formal complaint form for renters in Wyoming?
   There’s no statewide complaint form. Disputes are resolved through the local Circuit Court where you file using landlord-tenant forms provided by the court.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Wyoming Short-Term Renters

• Your rights depend on whether you’re a "guest" (short-term, under 30 days) or a "tenant" (typically 30+ days or have a lease).
• Formal notices and court protections increase with longer stays.
• Always check your rental agreement and local rules, and ask for help from Circuit Court or local legal services if you have issues.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Wyoming Circuit Courts Directory
• Wyoming Judicial Branch: Landlord-Tenant Forms
• Legal Aid of Wyoming for free or low-cost legal assistance
• Wyoming Community Development Authority – housing resources and renter help

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1. Wyoming Residential Rental Property Act (W.S. § 1-21-1201 to 1-21-1220)
2. Wyoming Landlord/Tenant Forms – Wyoming Judicial Branch
3. Wyoming Circuit Courts – Official Website

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