Wyoming Security Deposit Laws: Limits, Return Deadlines, and Deductions

Wyoming's security deposit laws provide broad flexibility for landlords. With no state limits on deposit amounts and no requirements to pay interest, landlords have considerable freedom, provided they adhere to the statutory timelines for returning the funds.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general legal information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed landlord-tenant attorney in Wyoming for guidance specific to your situation. Information last verified: March 2026.

No Statutory Limit

Wyoming state law does not impose a maximum limit on the amount a landlord can charge for a security deposit.

• Landlords can charge one month, two months, or more, depending on the applicant's creditworthiness and the perceived risk of the tenancy.
• Landlords may also charge additional, separate deposits (such as pet deposits or utility deposits) as long as they are outlined in the lease.

The Return Deadline

The timeline for returning a security deposit in Wyoming depends on how the tenancy ended and whether there are damages to the unit.

Under Wyoming Statutes § 34-21-120, a landlord must return the balance of the security deposit along with an itemized list of any deductions within:

1. 30 days after termination of the rental agreement or eviction, OR
2. 15 days after receiving the tenant's new mailing address...

...whichever is later.

Extension for Damages

If the property requires cleaning or repairs for damages beyond normal wear and tear, the timeline can be extended by an additional 30 days (giving the landlord up to 60 days total), provided the tenant receives an itemized statement of the deductions.

Allowable Deductions

A landlord may deduct from the security deposit for:

• Unpaid rent or late fees.
• Damages to the property that exceed "normal wear and tear."
• Cleaning costs required to restore the unit to the condition it was in at the start of the tenancy.
• Other costs or fees explicitly agreed upon in the lease agreement.

Normal Wear and Tear vs. Damage

• Normal Wear and Tear: Faded paint, gently worn carpets, loose door handles. Landlords cannot deduct for these.
• Damage: Broken windows, large stains or burns in the carpet, unauthorized paint colors, excessively dirty appliances. Landlords can deduct for these.

Non-Refundable Fees

Wyoming law uniquely allows landlords to charge non-refundable fees (e.g., non-refundable pet fees, cleaning fees, or move-in fees). However, there is a strict disclosure requirement: The landlord must state in writing that the fee is non-refundable before collecting the money. If this is not disclosed in the lease or a separate written notice, the tenant may be entitled to a refund.

Interest and Holding Requirements

Wyoming does not require residential landlords to hold security deposits in a separate, interest-bearing bank account, nor do landlords have to pay tenants any interest accrued on the deposit.

How Landager Helps

Managing security deposit return deadlines is critical; missing the 30-day window can result in the landlord forfeiting the right to make deductions. Landager automatically tracks move-out dates, sends automated reminders to collect tenant forwarding addresses, and generates compliant, itemized deduction statements, ensuring you never miss a Wyoming statutory deadline.

Back to Wyoming Landlord-Tenant Laws Overview.