At this time, Wyoming does not enforce housing or building codes at the state level, which means unsafe conditions usually have to be litigated in court between a landlord and tenant rather than reported to a particular government department. There are some exceptions at the city level.
What Are Considered Unsafe Living Conditions in Wyoming?
In Wyoming, unsafe living conditions exist when a rental property doesn’t have safe and working:
- Plumbing.
- Electrical service.
- Hot / cold water.
- Heating.
- Common areas.
- Anything else necessary for safe and sanitary human habitation.
What Should Tenants Do Before Reporting a Violation in Wyoming?
In Wyoming, issues with living conditions are mostly resolved through a court process rather than regulation and inspection. Tenants should usually give the landlord written notice of the issue and a reasonable time to fix it. After that, the tenant can report certain violations to specific officials.
Local health departments handle mold and infestation. Utility providers handle electrical, heating, and water service complaints. Lastly, local code enforcement handles trash accumulation issues. For other problems, the tenant may have to sue.
How Can Tenants Report a Violation in Wyoming?
Tenants in Wyoming should report violations to the local office or officers responsible for relevant code enforcement. The exact process depends on municipality.
| Location | Organization | Contact |
| Cheyenne | Code Enforcement | Online Form |
| Casper | Casper 311 | Online Form |
| Gillette | Code Compliance Division | (307) 686-5309 |
After receiving a complaint, an inspecting officer might contact the tenant for more information. Then the officer will usually inspect the property and cite the landlord for any code violations.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Cheyenne?
A tenant in Cheyenne can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Enforcement at (307) 369-3125 or by using the online form. Enter location, describe the issue, and provide contact information before submitting. Select “Junk/Trash” if reporting an issue outside of the ones provided on the checklist.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Casper?
A tenant in Casper can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Enforcement through City Hall’s line at (307) 235-8400, or by using the Casper 311 online form. Enter location, description, and contact information, then submit. Anonymous complaints are allowed but receive low priority.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Gillette?
A tenant in Gillette can report a health or safety violation by calling the Code Compliance Division at (307) 686-5309 or sending an email. Make sure to provide location, contact information, and a detailed description of the issue.
What Could Happen to a Landlord After a Complaint Is Made in Wyoming?
After a tenant files a complaint about unsafe living conditions in Wyoming, an officer may inspect the property and cite violations for the landlord to fix. The landlord could be fined and the tenant might have evidence that the landlord failed to perform needed repairs.
Sources
- 1 City of Casper Wyoming Code Enforcement, Code Enforcement Frequently Asked Questions 2-3 (2017)
-
There are significant limitations on a tenant’s ability to report a landlord for unsafe living conditions in Wyoming. See, e.g., this guidance from the City of Casper’s Code Enforcement department: “At this time, the State of Wyoming does not regulate housing codes: Therefore, deplorable living conditions may be considered a civil issue between the tenant and property owner/manager.”
Source Link - 2 the City of Cheyenne’s various building codes
- Source Link
- 3 Merrill v. Jansma, 86 P.3d 270, 287 (Wyo. 2004)
-
“Given the legislature’s use of the conjunction ‘and’ in § 1-21-1203(a) and its delineation of the four specific duties constituting the owner’s general duty to provide safe, sanitary and fit premises, we are not persuaded that the duty imposed by the act is limited to providing electrical, heating and plumbing systems, and hot and cold water. We hold that the Residential Rental Property Act imposed a duty on landlords to provide and maintain premises in a safe and sanitary condition fit for human habitation.”
Source Link - 4 Wy. Stat. § 1-21-1202 (2022)
-
“Each owner and his agent renting or leasing a residential rental unit shall maintain that unit in a safe and sanitary condition fit for human habitation. Each residential rental unit shall have operational electrical, heating and plumbing, with hot and cold running water unless otherwise agreed upon in writing by both parties. Provided, however, this section shall not prevent the rental of seasonal rental units such as summer cabins which are not intended to have such amenities.”
Source Link - 5 Wy. Stat. § 1-21-1203(b) (2022)
-
“If the renter is current on all payments required by the rental agreement and has reasonable cause supported by evidence to believe the residential rental unit does not comply with the standards for health and safety required under this article, the renter shall advise the owner in writing of the condition and specify the remedial action the renter requests be taken by the owner. Within a reasonable time after receipt of this notice, the owner shall either commence action to correct the condition of the residential rental unit or notify the renter in writing that the owner disputes the renter’s claim. The notices required by this subsection shall be served by certified mail or in the manner specified by W.S. 1-21-1003 [‘by leaving a written copy with the defendant or at his usual place of abode or business if he cannot be found.’].”
Source Link
