Wyoming security deposit rules
Wyoming sets no statutory limit on the size of a security deposit. The deposit must be returned balance of the deposit, prepaid rent and written itemization delivered or mailed without interest within 30 days after termination of the rental agreement or within 15 days after receipt of the renter's new mailing address, whichever is later; extended by 30 days if there is damage to the unit. No interest is owed on the deposit under state law.
What the law requires
No statutory limit. Returned Balance of the deposit, prepaid rent and written itemization delivered or mailed without interest within 30 days after termination of the rental agreement or within 15 days after receipt of the renter's new mailing address, whichever is later; extended by 30 days if there is damage to the unit. The renter must notify the owner within 30 days of termination where payment and notice may be sent. Unreasonable failure to comply lets the renter recover the full deposit and court costs. Separately identified utility deposits are refunded within 10 days of proof utilities are paid.
- Deductions: unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, itemised in writing. Cleaning and repainting after ordinary use are normal wear in most states.
- Deadline: the 30-day clock usually starts when the tenant moves out and, in many states, when a forwarding address is provided. Missing it typically forfeits the landlord’s right to keep any of the deposit and can add statutory damages.
- Interest: none required under state law. Cities in some no-interest states have their own ordinances, so check the municipal code where you rent.
Move-out checklist
- Give written notice of the move-out date and a forwarding address; many deadlines only start when the landlord has the address.
- Photograph every room after cleaning, with a timestamp. Request a joint inspection where the state allows one.
- If the deadline passes, send a written demand citing Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1208(a). Small-claims court handles deposit disputes in every state and most cap the claim well above a typical deposit.
Related Wyoming rules
- Late fees: No statutory cap or grace period for residential late fees in Wyoming; the lease controls. Late fee calculator.
- Notice to end a tenancy: No Wyoming statute sets a notice period for ending a month-to-month tenancy; the rental agreement and common law (reasonable notice, customarily one rental period) govern Notice calculator.
- All rules on one page: Wyoming landlord and tenant law.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Wyoming?
There is no statutory cap in Wyoming; the market and the lease decide. The renter must notify the owner within 30 days of termination where payment and notice may be sent. Unreasonable failure to comply lets the renter recover the full deposit and court costs. Separately identified utility deposits are refunded within 10 days of proof utilities are paid.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Wyoming?
Balance of the deposit, prepaid rent and written itemization delivered or mailed without interest within 30 days after termination of the rental agreement or within 15 days after receipt of the renter's new mailing address, whichever is later; extended by 30 days if there is damage to the unit. The statute is Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1208(a).
Does a Wyoming landlord have to pay interest on the security deposit?
No. Wyoming law does not require interest on residential security deposits.