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Wyoming security deposit law

Source: Wyo. Stat. §§ 1-21-1207, 1-21-1208 · Checked against the statute

Maximum deposit
No statutory limit.
Return deadline
30 days after the tenancy terminates; 15 days after the tenant gives a forwarding address (If later than 30 days after termination); 30 days (see details) (There is damage to the unit)
If the landlord keeps it wrongly
If the owner unreasonably fails to comply, the renter may recover the full deposit and court costs. If the renter acted unreasonably in suing, the court may award costs to the owner (§ 1-21-1208(c)).

Calculate your Wyoming deadline

Choose your state and move-out date to see when your landlord must return the deposit.

When the deposit must be returned

  • Deliver or mail the deposit balance, prepaid rent, and an itemized list of deductions within 30 days after the rental agreement terminates, or within 15 days after receiving the renter's new mailing address, whichever is later (§ 1-21-1208(a)).
  • 15 days after the owner receives the renter's new mailing address, if that date is later than the 30-day deadline (§ 1-21-1208(a)).
  • If there is damage to the unit, the applicable deadline (30 days after termination or 15 days after the new address) is extended by an additional 30 days (§ 1-21-1208(a)).

Within 30 days of termination, the renter must tell the owner where the payment and notice can be sent. The owner's deadline runs to 15 days after getting the new address if that is later (§ 1-21-1208(a)).

Itemized list of deductions

Required: Yes. Written itemization of any deductions, with reasons (§ 1-21-1208(a)).

What can and can't be deducted

Deductions may cover accrued rent, damage beyond reasonable wear and tear, cleaning to the move-in condition, and other costs in the contract (§ 1-21-1208(a)). The statute doesn't define reasonable wear and tear.

Nonrefundable fees

Allowed. The rental agreement must state whether any part of the deposit is nonrefundable, and the renter must get written notice when the deposit is taken (§ 1-21-1207).

Interest, bank account and move-in inspection

  • Interest required: No. Not required. The balance is returned 'without interest' (§ 1-21-1208(a)).
  • Separate account required: No. No separate-account requirement.
  • Move-in inspection required: No. No move-in inspection requirement.

Penalties and bad faith

If the owner unreasonably fails to comply, the renter may recover the full deposit and court costs. If the renter acted unreasonably in suing, the court may award costs to the owner (§ 1-21-1208(c)).

No presumption. The remedy applies when the owner 'unreasonably' fails to comply (§ 1-21-1208(c)).

Getting your deposit back in court

Circuit court small claims up to $6,000, exclusive of costs (Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-201). Court information

Before filing, many tenants send a written demand first. Write a Wyoming demand letter →

Also good to know

  • A separately identified utilities deposit has its own rule. It's refunded within 10 days of proof that utility charges are paid. If no proof comes within 45 days of termination, the owner applies it to the utility debt within 15 more days, then refunds any balance within 7 days, or within 15 days after getting the renter's new address, whichever is later (§ 1-21-1208(b)).
  • The article covers only a renter's principal place of residence. It excludes mobile home lots and recreational property rented occasionally (§ 1-21-1201(a)(iv)).
  • The renter stays liable for damage beyond the deposit, plus 10% annual interest on unpaid amounts (§ 1-21-1211(b)).

Sources

Laws change. This page was checked against the sources above on October 11, 2026. It is legal information, not legal advice; see our methodology.