Wyoming has many rules and statutes regulating its housing market. These must be fully considered when preparing an application for rental properties in the state.
Application Fee
There is no limit in terms of what application fee can be charged by Wyoming landlords. Furthermore, the application fee is non-refundable regardless of its amount.
Security Deposit
Wyomingdoesn’t set any limits on how much you can charge as a security deposit (§ 1-21-1208). However, it is recommended not to charge more than 1-2 months’ rent for this amount.
Housing Discrimination Law
All states must adhere to the Fair Housing Act (FHA). The FHA is a federal law that prevents landlords from discriminating against tenants based on their:
- Race
- Nationality
- Religion
- Sex
- Familial status
- Disability
- Criminal history
However, Wyoming has a few local laws exempting some of these conditions. For example, it is possible to ask a person’s age if you are renting housing for seniors. It is also possible to request information on whether prospective tenants have any children before accepting their application.
Notice of Eligibility
Potential tenants should be informed about the screening criteria and reasons for possible denial or approval in advance. To prove that this information has been shared, a signature of acknowledgment must be provided within the application or alongside it.
Consent Credit Check
Under the Federal Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), tenants being screened in Wyoming must consent to any credit checks you wish to carry out. To make sure you comply with the law, the applicant must provide written acknowledgment of the screening on the application form.