Wyoming Rent Increase Laws 2025: What Tenants Should Know

Updated On: February 10, 2025

Absence of Rent Control

Wyoming does not have any statewide rent control laws that limit how much landlords can raise rents. This means landlords have significant discretion in setting and increasing rental prices, allowing them to adjust rents to reflect current market conditions.

Landlord Rights

In Wyoming, landlords can raise the rent by any amount. There is no legal limit or cap on the amount of a rent increase. Landlords can increase the rent as often as they choose, as long as they don’t increase it during the lease term.

Notice Requirements

While there is no state statute regarding required notice periods for raising rent in Wyoming, it is considered best practice for landlords to provide adequate notice. Many recommend giving at least 30 days’ written notice to increase the rental amount or change any other terms in a month-to-month lease agreement.

Timing of Rent Increases

Landlords in Wyoming can raise the rent at any time, provided they comply with the following conditions:

They are not raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons
They give reasonable notice
They wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease)

For long-term leases, it is recommended that landlords not increase the rental amount until the lease agreement has terminated.

Restrictions on Rent Increases

While Wyoming laws grant landlords broad authority to increase rents, certain restrictions are in place:

Non-discrimination: Under federal and state fair housing laws, landlords are prohibited from increasing rent based on race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics.
Non-retaliation: Landlords are not permitted to increase rent in retaliation against a tenant if the tenant has exercised a legal right, such as filing a legitimate complaint to a local housing authority concerning their tenancy.
Lease terms: Landlords cannot raise the rent during the middle of a lease’s fixed term unless stated otherwise in the lease agreement.

Tenant Rights and Protections

Although Wyoming’s rental laws are generally favorable to landlords, tenants do have some protections:

Tenants are legally entitled to a unit that meets basic health, structural, and safety standards, and is in good repair.
If a tenant is a victim of domestic violence, they may terminate the lease agreement with a seven-day notice.
Landlords must return security deposits within 30 days of lease termination, or up to 60 days if disputes arise.

Recommendations for Tenants

Given the flexibility landlords have in increasing rent, tenants in Wyoming should:

Carefully review their lease agreements, paying attention to any clauses related to rent increases.
Be prepared for potential rent increases, especially when lease renewal time approaches.
Stay informed about local market trends to understand what constitutes a reasonable rent increase.
Consider negotiating longer-term leases to lock in rent rates for extended periods.
Maintain open communication with landlords to discuss any concerns about rent increases.

In conclusion, while Wyoming’s rent increase laws offer significant freedom to landlords, tenants should be proactive in understanding their rights and the terms of their lease agreements. By staying informed and prepared, tenants can better navigate the rental landscape in Wyoming.

Sources:

[1] https://ipropertymanagement.com/laws/wyoming-rent-increases
[2] https://www.landlordstudio.com/landlord-tenant-laws/wyoming-landlord-tenant-laws
[3] https://www.doorloop.com/laws/wyoming-eviction-process
[4] https://www.american-apartment-owners-association.org/landlord-tenant-laws/wyoming/