Wyoming Statewide Rule
Wyoming Security Deposit Law: No Cap, 30-Day Return
Key Facts
- Deposit cap
- No statutory limit
- Return deadline
- 30 days after termination or 15 days after getting the tenant's new address, whichever is later; +30 days if there is damage
- Itemized statement
- Required: written itemization of each deduction with reasons
- Statute
- Wyo. Stat. §§ 1-21-1207, 1-21-1208
- Penalty
- Renter recovers full deposit and court costs (§ 1-21-1208(d))
Summary
Wyoming sets no statutory limit on a residential security deposit. Under Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1208, a landlord must return the balance plus a written itemization of deductions within 30 days after the rental agreement ends, or within 15 days after receiving the tenant's new mailing address, whichever is later.
1-21-1208. Deductions from deposit; written itemization; time limits; failure to give notice; recovery by renter; utilities deposit; penalty. (a) Upon termination of the rental agreement, property or money held as a deposit may be applied by the owner or his agent to the payment of accrued rent, damages to the residential rental unit beyond reasonable wear and tear, the cost to clean the unit to the condition at the beginning of the rental agreement and to other costs provided by any contract. The balance of any deposit and prepaid rent and a written itemization of any deductions from the deposit together with reasons therefor, shall be delivered or mailed without interest to the renter within thirty (30) days after termination of the rental agreement or within fifteen (15) days after receipt of the renter's new mailing address, whichever is later. If there is damage to the residential rental unit, this period shall be extended by thirty (30) days. The renter shall within thirty (30) days of termination of the rental agreement, notify the owner or designated agent of the location where payment and notice may be made or mailed. (b) After termination of the rental agreement, property or money held and separately identified as a utilities deposit shall be refunded by the owner to the renter within ten (10) days of a satisfactory showing that all utility charges incurred by the renter have been paid.
Full Breakdown
Wyoming's Residential Rental Property article (Wyo. Stat. §§ 1-21-1201 to -1211) places no dollar cap on a deposit, and § 1-21-1207 requires only that the lease state in writing whether any portion is nonrefundable. Under § 1-21-1208(a), a deposit may be applied to accrued rent, damage beyond reasonable wear and tear, cleaning to the move-in condition, and other contract costs. The balance and "a written itemization of any deductions from the deposit together with reasons therefor, shall be delivered or mailed without interest to the renter within thirty (30) days after termination of the rental agreement or within fifteen (15) days after receipt of the renter's new mailing address, whichever is later." If there is damage to the unit, that period is extended by another 30 days. A utilities deposit is refunded within 10 days of proof all utility charges are paid.
Violations & Penalties
If the owner or agent unreasonably fails to comply with the itemization and time-limit requirements of Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1208(a) or (b), the renter may recover the full deposit and court costs. There is no separate multiple-damages penalty; the statute's remedy is return of the entire deposit plus costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Wyoming?
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Wyoming?
What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit in Wyoming?
Sources
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