Deposit laws by state › Wyoming
State law · Wyoming
Wyoming security deposit law
How long your landlord has to return your deposit, what they can deduct, and what happens if they get it wrong.
Short answer: The landlord must return the deposit with a written itemization within 30 days after the rental agreement ends, or 15 days after receiving the tenant's mailing address, whichever is later, and 30 days more when deducting for damage.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Wyoming?
- Return deadline
- The landlord must return the deposit with a written itemization within 30 days after the rental agreement ends, or 15 days after receiving the tenant's mailing address, whichever is later, and 30 days more when deducting for damage.Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1208
- Itemized list
- The written itemization of deductions follows the same schedule.Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1208
- Forwarding address
- Within 30 days after the rental agreement ends, the tenant must tell the landlord where to send the refund and notice.Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1208
Prefer a full page? Use the security deposit deadline calculator.
What happens if a Wyoming landlord misses the deadline?
- If the landlord misses it
- If the landlord unreasonably fails to comply, the tenant may recover the full deposit; a judge decides reasonableness, so it is not applied automatically.Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1208
- Penalty
- If the landlord unreasonably fails to comply, the tenant may recover the full deposit and court costs. Wyoming has no double or triple damages.Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1208
Penalties that depend on bad faith or willfulness are possible, not automatic. Only a judge can make that finding.
What can a Wyoming landlord deduct from your deposit?
What can be deducted: Accrued rent, damage beyond reasonable wear and tear, cleaning the unit to its move-in condition, and other costs in the contract. (Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1208(a))
Normal wear and tear: Damage within reasonable wear and tear cannot be charged. (Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1208(a))
Cleaning: Cleaning may be charged to return the unit to its condition at the start of the lease. (Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1208(a))
What the itemized list must include: A written itemization of each deduction with the reasons for it. (Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1208)
More on common charges: normal wear and tear, cleaning, painting, and a missing itemized list.
Taking a deposit case to small claims court in Wyoming
Small-claims limit: Wyoming small claims covers money damages up to $6,000. (Wyoming Judicial Branch)
Most deposit disputes never get that far. A clear demand letter, sent by certified mail, often settles them first.
What to do if your Wyoming landlord kept your deposit
- Pin down your dates. When you moved out, returned the keys, and gave a forwarding address in writing. Compare them with the deadline above.
- Gather your evidence. Move-in and move-out photos, the lease, the landlord's list of deductions, receipts and messages. The case checklist covers what matters.
- Send a demand letter by certified mail. Ask for the money, cite Wyoming's rules, and give a deadline to pay. What a demand letter does.
- If they still don't pay, consider small claims court. You don't need a lawyer there.
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Sources
These rules come from the same verified table the Demand Letter Companion uses, checked against the sources below on October 25, 2026. Laws change; check the current official text before relying on a date.
- Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1208: wyocourts.gov
- Wyoming Judicial Branch: wyocourts.gov
Other states: see the guides for all 50 states and DC
This page is general legal information, not legal advice. Local ordinances can add rules, and your lease and facts matter. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed attorney in Wyoming.