Breaking a Lease in Wyoming

Wyoming Security Deposit Law — Limits & Deadlines (2026)

By Oleg Kachko · Updated June 10, 2026

✓ Law Verified June 2026

This guide explains wyoming security deposit law in plain English — how much your landlord can charge, when they must return it, what they can and cannot deduct, and what to do if they do not give it back. All figures are from Wyoming law, verified as of June 2026.

Wyoming Security Deposit Rules at a Glance

Maximum deposit No statutory limit. Wyoming law does not cap the amount a landlord can charge as a security deposit. In practice, most landlords charge 1 to 2 months of rent, but there is no legal maximum.
Return deadline 30 days after termination of the rental agreement, or 15 days after the landlord receives the tenant’s new mailing address, whichever is later. If the landlord claims damage beyond normal wear and tear, the landlord may have an additional 30 days (up to 60 days total) to return the deposit with an itemized statement.
Itemized deductions required YES. Under Wyoming Statute 1-21-1208, the landlord must deliver or mail a written itemization of any deductions from the deposit together with the reasons for each deduction, along with the remaining balance, within the return deadline.
Interest on deposit required NO. Wyoming law explicitly states the deposit balance shall be returned “without interest.” Landlords are not required to place the deposit in an interest-bearing account or pay any interest to the tenant.
Penalty for late/bad-faith return If the landlord unreasonably fails to return the deposit or provide the required itemized statement within the deadline, the tenant may recover the full deposit amount plus court costs under Wyoming Statute 1-21-1208. Wyoming does not provide for double or triple damages — the remedy is recovery of the entire deposit and court costs.

Move-in/move-out walkthrough: Wyoming law does not mandate a move-in or move-out walkthrough inspection. However, tenants have the right to request a joint pre-move-out inspection with the landlord. Tenants are strongly encouraged to document the condition of the unit with dated photos or video at both move-in and move-out to protect against wrongful deductions.

Separate deposit account: NO. Wyoming law does not require the landlord to hold the security deposit in a separate bank account, a trust account, or an escrow account. There is no requirement to disclose where the deposit is held.

What Your Landlord Can and Cannot Deduct in Wyoming

Under Wyoming Statute 1-21-1208, a landlord may deduct for: (1) accrued unpaid rent, (2) damage to the rental unit beyond reasonable wear and tear, (3) the cost to clean the unit to the condition it was in at the beginning of the rental agreement, and (4) any other costs specifically provided for in the lease contract.

Any fee collected beyond the application fee — even if labeled a cleaning fee, key fee, pet fee, or new tenant fee — is legally considered part of the security deposit and must be returned unless a valid deduction applies.

Normal wear and tear vs damage: Wyoming does not have a statutory definition of normal wear and tear. Generally, deterioration that occurs naturally from regular, proper use of the property without tenant negligence is considered normal wear and tear. Examples typically include minor scuff marks on walls, small nail holes from lightweight decor, faded paint from sun exposure, and minor carpet wear from foot traffic.

Damage such as large holes in walls, broken fixtures, stained or burned carpet, or broken furniture is considered beyond normal wear and tear and may be deducted.

How to Get Your Deposit Back in Wyoming

(1) Send a written demand letter to the landlord requesting return of the deposit, stating the amount owed and why the deductions are improper, and setting a deadline for response. The Wyoming Judicial Branch website at wyocourts.gov provides sample demand letter forms under Self-Help Forms for Tenants.

(2) If the landlord does not respond or refuses, you may file a claim in Wyoming small claims court (called Circuit Court – Small Claims) in the county where the rental property is located.

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The small claims limit in Wyoming is 6000 dollars. Filing fees are typically 10 to 20 dollars. (3) Bring your lease, move-in and move-out photos, the itemized deduction statement (if any), correspondence with the landlord, and receipts. (4) If the landlord unreasonably failed to return the deposit, the court may award you the full deposit plus court costs.

Other Wyoming deposit rules: (1) Non-refundable deposits: The landlord must give written notice at the time of payment if any portion of the deposit is non-refundable, per Wyoming Statute 1-21-1207. If the landlord fails to provide this notice, the entire deposit is considered refundable. (2) Utilities deposit: Any separately identified utilities deposit must be refunded within 10 days of the tenant showing that all utility charges have been paid.

(3) Forwarding address: If the tenant does not provide a new mailing address within 15 days of move-out, the landlord’s 30-day return deadline is extended until 15 days after receiving the forwarding address.

Tenants should always provide a forwarding address in writing promptly. (4) Broad deposit definition: Wyoming law treats any fee collected beyond an application fee as a security deposit regardless of what the landlord calls it, including cleaning fees, key fees, pet fees, and last month’s rent deposits.

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Official Wyoming Sources & Resources

Understanding Wyoming Security Deposit Law

Your Wyoming security deposit is your money until the landlord proves a lawful deduction. Wyoming security deposit law sets clear limits on how much can be charged, what can be deducted, and when the balance must be returned. If your landlord misses the Wyoming security deposit return deadline or takes deductions that are not allowed, you may be entitled to penalties.

Document the condition of your unit at move-in and move-out — photos are the best protection for your Wyoming security deposit.

This Wyoming security deposit guide was last verified against official sources in June 2026. Laws change — verify with your state or a local legal-aid office.

More Wyoming Tenant Rights Guides

Disclaimer: This guide is informational only and is not legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws change and vary by city and county within a state. Verify current rules with your state, your local court, or a free legal-aid office before acting. If you are facing eviction, contact a local tenant attorney or legal-aid organization right away.

Renting? Protect your belongings — compare renters insurance at Home Insure Guide. Divorce involving a lease? See Divorce Help Guide. Unsafe housing / toxic mold injury? Some cases qualify — see Mass Tort Info.