No Rent Control or Caps on Increases
Wyoming does not have statewide rent control laws, meaning there are no legal caps on how much a landlord can increase rent when a lease expires or for new tenancies. Landlords are free to set rental rates based on market conditions, and no cities or municipalities in Wyoming have enacted local rent control ordinances. This gives landlords significant flexibility, but leaves tenants with limited protection against large rent hikes.
Notice Requirements for Rent Increases
- Month-to-Month Leases: Landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before a rent increase takes effect. This notice period allows tenants time to consider their options or negotiate.
- Fixed-Term Leases: Rent cannot be increased during the lease term unless the lease agreement specifically allows it. Any increase typically takes effect only at the end of the lease, with proper notice.
- If Proper Notice Is Not Given: If a landlord fails to provide the required notice, tenants may be entitled to continue paying the old rent for an additional period (often 30 days) after receiving written notice.
How Rent Increases Must Be Communicated
A rent increase must be communicated in writing, specifying:
- The current rent amount
- The new rent amount
- The effective date of the increase
Landlords should use a formal notice of rent increase to ensure clarity and legal compliance.
Legal Limits and Protections
While there is no cap on the amount of increase, some important legal protections apply:
- No Discrimination: Rent increases cannot be based on race, gender, religion, disability, familial status, or other protected characteristics under federal and state fair housing laws.
- No Retaliation: Landlords cannot raise rent in retaliation for a tenant exercising legal rights, such as reporting unsafe conditions.
- Lease Terms: The lease agreement may contain clauses about how and when rent can be increased, including pass-throughs for property taxes or maintenance costs.
What Tenants Can Do
- Review Your Lease: Check for any clauses about rent increases and required notice periods.
- Negotiate: If you believe a proposed increase is excessive, you can try to negotiate with your landlord, especially if you are a reliable tenant.
- Seek Help: If you suspect a rent increase is discriminatory or retaliatory, you can file a complaint with the local housing authority or seek legal advice.
- Market Comparison: Research comparable rental rates in your area to determine if the increase is in line with market conditions.
Wyoming Rent Increase Rules (2025)
| Lease Type | Notice Required | Limit on Amount | When Can Increase Occur? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Month-to-Month | 30 days | No cap | After notice, at next rent due |
| Fixed-Term (e.g., 1 yr) | End of lease | No cap | At lease renewal, unless lease allows mid-term increase |
| Discriminatory/Retaliatory | Not allowed | Not allowed | Never |
In Wyoming, landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice, but increases cannot be discriminatory or retaliatory. Tenants should review their lease, be aware of notice requirements, and compare market rates to ensure fairness.
Sources
- https://www.hemlane.com/resources/wyoming-rent-control-laws/
- https://www.landlordstudio.com/landlord-tenant-laws/wyoming-landlord-tenant-laws
- https://legaltemplates.net/form/lease-agreement/rent-increase/
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-wyoming
- https://www.leaserunner.com/blog/how-much-can-the-landlord-raise-rent
