DisputeKit / Wyoming
How long does a Wyoming landlord have to return a security deposit?
30 days to return the deposit in full, or 60 days to send an itemized claim. Under Wyoming Statutes § 1-21-1208(a), a landlord must return the balance of the deposit together with a written itemization of any deductions and the reasons for them within 60 days. The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit. If your landlord got your new address late, the deadline is 15 days after they received it, if that is later.
I moved out of my place in on and my landlord still has my $ deposit.
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Conditions that change the deadline
- The base deadline is 30 days after the rental agreement ends; it is extended by 30 days (to 60 days) if there is damage to the unit. The 60-day figure is used here because disputed deductions usually involve claimed damage; if the landlord claims no damage, the 30-day deadline applies.
- If the landlord receives the tenant's new mailing address late, the deadline is 15 days after receiving it, if that is later (plus the damage extension where it applies).
- The tenant should tell the landlord, within 30 days after the rental agreement ends, where the payment and itemization can be delivered or mailed.
What Wyoming law says about deductions and your rights
- Deductions are limited to accrued rent, damage beyond reasonable wear and tear, cleaning the unit to its condition at the start of the rental agreement, and other costs provided in the contract.
- A separately identified utilities deposit must be refunded within 10 days after the tenant shows all utility charges were paid.
- If the landlord wins and the court finds the tenant acted unreasonably in bringing the case, the landlord may be awarded court costs.
- If a court finds the landlord unreasonably failed to comply, the tenant may recover the full deposit plus court costs (W.S. 1-21-1208(c)).
If the deadline has passed
Send a written demand letter. State the dates and amounts, the law and the deadline, and a date by which you expect payment. Keep proof that you sent it.
If they still don't pay, you can file in small claims court. The limit in Wyoming is $6,000 in small claims in circuit court, and the filing fee is $10, plus a sheriff or process server fee for serving each defendant.
Steps
- Find your move-out date and deposit amount
- Give your landlord your forwarding address in writing (your demand letter can do this)
- Work out when the clock started: The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit. If your landlord got your new address late, the deadline is 15 days after they received it, if that is later
- Count 60 days from that date to find the deadline (30 days if the landlord deducts nothing)
- Send a written demand letter citing the law
- File in small claims court if unpaid
Common questions
When does the clock start in Wyoming?
The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit. If your landlord got your new address late, the deadline is 15 days after they received it, if that is later.
What if I got part of my deposit back?
You can still ask for the rest. Your claim is the deposit minus what was returned and minus any deductions you agree were allowed.
Do I need a lawyer?
Not usually. Small claims court in Wyoming is designed for people without lawyers. For advice about your situation, talk to a licensed attorney.