UW Extension Provides Resources Explaining Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

Many renters sign their first lease without understanding exactly what they’re getting themselves into. The best way to deal with a conflict is to avoid it entirely, and the best way for Wyoming tenants to avoid conflict with their landlord is to know their legal rights and responsibilities.

Below are some tips for Wyoming renters looking to better understand their rights and responsibilities. A more comprehensive list of resources is available from University of Wyoming Extension at https://uwagnews.com/tenant-resources/.

Read the lease carefully before signing it. Tenants are encouraged to ask questions about anything they don’t understand and propose changes if necessary. Note that if the lease contradicts a right or responsibility listed anywhere else, the lease will almost always trump the “default” right.

Tenants should document what they communicate to their landlords as well as the status of repairs or complaints. They also are encouraged to take photos before moving in. If it comes to a legal battle, documentation will make it much easier to win a case. Tenants should keep records and review them before making a complaint.

Legal Assistance

Tenants with specific legal inquiries can check out Equal Justice Wyoming, which offers various types of legal assistance. These services include free answers about legal questions and a find-a-lawyer service that provides free legal services for qualifying low-income individuals.

Legal Aid of Wyoming provides free consultation for housing issues. Interested parties can apply online or call the organization at (877) 432-9955.

The Wyoming Housing Network offers rental counseling as well as information about other housing concerns. Rental counseling includes education and tools for budgeting and finances and resources for finding rentals suited to a tenant’s situation. The Wyoming Housing Network also offers advice on how to handle disputes with a landlord.

Tenants who suspect they have been discriminated against can file reports through the Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) website. To contact the regional FHEO office, email ComplaintsOffice08@hud.gov or call (800) 877-7353. To reach FHEO’s toll-free teletypewriter line, dial (303) 672-5248.

Other complaints, including those involving deceptive contractors, conflicts with landlords or problems with manufactured housing can be filed through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

For tenants with health and safety concerns, contact a local public health office, solid waste office, utility office, city building inspector or fire department.

Financial Assistance

Wyoming offers several types of rental assistance through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This includes help with utility bills, public housing and housing choice vouchers, which cover some part of rent for qualifying individuals.

For those seeking quality affordable housing, contact the Cheyenne Housing Authority and Casper Housing Authority to learn about public housing options.

To share past or present rental experience with the Wyoming Legislature, and to suggest improvements, renters can fill out a survey here. Responses are requested by Monday, Jan. 15.

About University of Wyoming Extension

Since 1914, UW Extension has provided lifelong learning opportunities to Wyoming citizens across the state. With roots in agricultural education, UW Extension supports rural communities facing contemporary challenges and changes. UW Extension brings the university’s resources to each of the state’s 23 counties and the Wind River Indian Reservation. To learn more about UW Extension, visit www.uwyo.edu/uwe or call (307) 766-5124.