Wyoming landlords who navigate the state’s eviction process and laws often face tension, uncertainty, and time pressure.
To assist, this guide explains the most common reasons evictions occur, outlines each legal step, clarifies typical timelines, and highlights the Wyoming landlord-tenant laws that influence every stage of the process.
How Wyoming Law Defines Eviction
An eviction in Wyoming is the legal process a landlord uses to remove a tenant under the state’s forcible entry and detainer rules. Landlords follow strict protocols during this process, including serving the correct written notice, filing a court complaint, and securing a court order before law enforcement carries out the removal.
Landlords can review Wyoming’s eviction laws in the Wyoming Statutes under Title 1, Chapter 21, Article 12, and the forcible entry and detainer provisions beginning at W.S. 1-21-1001.
Eviction With Just Cause
An eviction in Wyoming refers to the legal process a landlord uses to remove a tenant under the state’s forcible entry and detainer rules. Landlords follow strict steps during this process, including serving proper written notice, filing a court complaint, and securing a court order before law enforcement carries out the removal.
Landlords can review Wyoming’s eviction requirements in the Wyoming Statutes under Title 1, Chapter 21, Article 10 and the related provisions under Title 1, Chapter 21, Article 12.
No-Fault Evictions
A landlord in Wyoming may remove a fixed-term tenant without just cause if the tenant remains past the lease’s expiration date. Once the tenant becomes a holdover occupant, the landlord may begin a forcible entry and detainer action under state law.
For a month-to-month tenancy, a landlord may end the rental agreement without cause by providing written notice. If the tenant stays beyond the termination date, the landlord may file a forcible entry and detainer case to regain possession.
Applicable law: W.S. 1-21-1001 through W.S. 1-21-1016
Grounds for Eviction in Wyoming
Landlords in Wyoming may evict tenants for several legally recognized reasons, which include:
Non-Payment of Rent
A Wyoming landlord may begin the eviction process when a tenant fails to pay rent on time and remains late beyond the payment terms in the lease. Wyoming law does not require any grace period, so unpaid rent becomes an immediate issue.
When this happens, the landlord may serve a 3-Day Notice to Pay or Quit, which instructs the tenant to pay the overdue amount within 3 days or leave the property. If the tenant does not comply, the landlord may file a forcible entry and detainer action to recover possession and any unpaid rent.
Applicable law: W.S. 1-21-1003
Lease Violations
A rental agreement outlines the rules that govern the landlord-tenant relationship, and when a tenant violates those rules, a Wyoming landlord may use that breach as grounds to begin an eviction. These issues often involve actions that conflict with written terms, cause damage, or create unnecessary disruption on the property.
A few examples of lease violations include:
- A tenant who keeps a prohibited motorized pit bike inside the unit and repeatedly starts the engine indoors despite clear restrictions on motorized equipment.
- A renter who builds a large backyard chicken coop without approval, leads to sanitation
- A candidate who lists the home on short-term rental platforms every weekend without permission, resulting in heavy traffic and avoidable wear on shared spaces.
Lease agreements protect both landlords and tenants. When both parties clearly understand the terms and consistently follow them, the rental runs smoothly, and the risk of disputes or eviction drops significantly.
Illegal Use of the Premises
Under Wyoming law, a landlord may evict a tenant who engages in illegal criminal conduct on or near the rental property. Whether a tenant sells stolen catalytic converters from the garage, runs an unlicensed backyard gambling setup, or deals controlled substances from the front porch, the landlord may act as soon as the activity becomes known. Criminal behavior places the property and other residents at risk, so the law gives landlords clear authority to respond when these situations arise.
Applicable law: W.S. 1-21-1205 and W.S. 1-21-1001 through W.S. 1-21-1016.
Tenant Actions that Threaten Health or Safety
When a tenant creates conditions that threaten health or safety, a Wyoming landlord may step in to protect the property and everyone living nearby. Wyoming law requires tenants to keep the rental unit clean, safe, and sanitary; dispose of waste properly; maintain plumbing and fixtures; and use utilities and appliances in a reasonable manner.
Some examples of health and safety violations in Wyoming include:
- Storing flammable fuel containers inside the unit creating a fire hazard.
- Leaving garbage or rotting food in the home, attracting pests or rodents.
- Allowing pets to soil carpeted or common areas without cleanup, leading to unsanitary conditions.
Landlords should document each issue with dated notes and photos, then provide clear written notice that explains the violation and what the tenant must correct. If the tenant refuses to resolve the hazardous condition, the landlord may begin a forcible entry and detainer action under state law.
Applicable law: W.S. 1-21-1204
Destruction or Neglect of the Rental Unit
When a tenant damages or neglects the rental unit, a Wyoming landlord may take action to protect the property. Wyoming law requires tenants to keep the unit clean and safe, dispose of waste properly, and avoid any intentional or negligent damage to the premises.
Landlords should gather strong evidence by taking dated photos and videos, obtaining repair estimates, and documenting written notes.
Applicable law: W.S. 1-21-1204
Tenant is in a Month-to-Month Rental Contract
A Wyoming landlord may end a month-to-month rental agreement without giving a specific reason. The landlord must provide at least 30 days of written notice before the end of the rental period, using a proper 30-Day Notice to Vacate. If the tenant does not move out by the deadline, the landlord may file an eviction case under the state’s forcible entry and detainer rules.
Applicable law: W.S. 1-21-1001 through W.S. 1-21-1016
Step-by-Step Eviction Process in Wyoming
The eviction process in Wyoming moves quickly, and landlords must follow a strict, step-by-step procedure to remove a tenant legally.
Here are the steps landlords must take, in order:
1. Deliver Notice to the Tenant
A landlord in Wyoming must begin eviction by identifying the specific reason for removal, such as unpaid rent, a lease violation, or another breach. After that, the landlord must serve the correct notice based on the tenant’s behavior. When the issue is correctable, the notice gives the tenant a short window to fix it before the case moves forward.
Wyoming requires landlords to use a formal Notice to Quit Premises and serve it in accordance with state rules. Service may involve handing the notice directly to the tenant or leaving it at their residence or business, along with completing the required affidavit of service.
Notice Forms and Timelines
- 3-Day Notice to Quit for nonpayment of rent: tenant must pay overdue rent or move out within 3 days.
- 3-Day Notice to Comply or Quit for curable lease violations: tenant must correct the violation or leave within 3 days.
- 3-Day Notice to Quit for serious or non-curable violations: tenant must move out within 3 days, with no option to correct the issue.
- 30-Day Notice to Vacate for month-to-month terminations: the tenant receives at least 30 days’ written notice before the tenancy ends.
Applicable law: W.S. 1-21-1003 and W.S. 1-21-1001 through W.S. 1-21-1016.
2. File an Eviction Lawsuit Against the Tenant
Once the notice period ends or the tenant fails to cure a curable lease violation, the landlord must file a Complaint for Forcible Entry and Detainer in the appropriate Wyoming circuit or district court. This filing starts the formal eviction case and allows the court to review the landlord’s claim for possession.
After the landlord submits the complaint, they will pay a filing fee that generally runs about $70 in many Wyoming counties. Additional expenses for summons service and writ service can raise the total cost to roughly $255. Once the paperwork is filed, the court clerk will issue a summons and schedule a hearing.
Applicable law: W.S. 1-21-1001 through W.S. 1-21-1016
3. Serve Court Summons Paperwork to the Tenant
Once the court clerk sets a hearing date, the landlord will arrange for a summons and complaint to be formally delivered to the tenant. Wyoming requires a server who is at least 18 years old and not a party to the case. A sheriff, deputy, or private process server authorized by the court may complete service. The server will provide the tenant with the Forcible Entry and Detainer summons and a full copy of the eviction complaint.
After delivering the documents, the server will complete an Affidavit of Service or Return of Service and file it with the court. This form records when and how the tenant received the paperwork. The tenant must appear in court on the scheduled date, and both landlord and tenant will attend the hearing.
Applicable law: W.S. 1-21-1001 through W.S. 1-21-1016
4. Attend the Eviction Hearing
On the court date, the landlord will appear before the judge, along with the tenant or their attorney. At the hearing, the landlord will explain why the eviction should proceed and present evidence, such as notices, service records, rent ledgers, photos, or witness statements. The tenant will have the opportunity to respond and present any defenses available.
During this stage, the judge may request documents, testimony, or clarification from either party. The judge will review the information carefully and weigh the evidence before deciding how the case will proceed.
Applicable law: W.S. 1-21-1001 through W.S. 1-21-1016
5. Court Reaches a Ruling
After the hearing ends, the judge will review all testimony, documents, and evidence before making a decision. In many Wyoming cases, the judge will issue a ruling within a few business days, though the exact timeline depends on the court’s schedule and the details of the case.
If the judge rules in the tenant’s favor, the tenant will remain in the rental unit. If the judge rules for the landlord, the court will enter a judgment for possession and may issue a writ of restitution to allow the landlord to reclaim the property. The tenant may appeal the judgment under Wyoming’s appellate rules, but must file the appeal within the required time frame.
Applicable law: W.S. 1-21-1001 through W.S. 1-21-1016
6. Judge Issues a Writ of Restitution
If the judge rules in favor of eviction, the court will issue a Writ of Restitution, which authorizes law enforcement to remove the tenant and return possession of the rental unit to the landlord. This document constitutes the court’s final order requiring the tenant to vacate and confirms that the landlord will regain control of the property.
Once the writ is issued, the sheriff will have 2 days, excluding Sundays, to enforce it and restore possession. During this brief window, the landlord will coordinate with law enforcement, prepare for lock changes, and plan for handling any remaining tenant belongings.
Applicable law: W.S. 1-21-1013
7. Law Enforcement Executes the Writ of Restitution
If the deadline passes and the tenant still refuses to leave, the landlord will request that the county sheriff enforce the eviction. A sheriff or other authorized law enforcement officer (not the landlord) will carry out the Writ of Restitution, enter the property, and remove the tenant so the landlord can regain possession.
Wyoming law governs the handling of any belongings the tenant leaves behind. The landlord may dispose of items that appear hazardous, perishable, valueless, or clearly abandoned once possession has been restored. The landlord must follow these rules even after the eviction finishes.
Applicable law: W.S. 1-21-1013 and W.S. 1-21-1210
Tenant Defense Against Eviction in Wyoming
An eviction can disrupt every part of a tenant’s life, from their future housing prospects to their financial stability. It may also add emotional strain for families facing sudden change. Even with these challenges, tenants can still advocate for themselves and take steps that may ease or resolve the situation.
Tenants may strengthen their position by communicating early with the landlord, promptly addressing issues when possible, and maintaining organized records of payments, notices, and repair requests. Creative solutions such as proposing a written payment plan, requesting a short extension, or seeking a mediated agreement may reduce conflict and help prevent the matter from escalating.
If the process becomes overwhelming, tenants can reach out for legal support. Wyoming residents may contact Legal Aid of Wyoming, which offers free or low-cost assistance to eligible individuals who need help navigating eviction and housing issues.
Timelines to Expect
In Wyoming, an eviction can be completed in 3-4 weeks but can take longer depending on the reason for eviction, whether the eviction is contested, which days courts are (or aren’t) in session and other various possible delays.
Below are the parts of the Wyoming eviction process outside the control of landlords for cases that go uncontested.
| Step | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Initial Notice Period | 3 Calendar Days |
| Court Issuing/Serving Summons | 3-21 Business Days |
| Tenant Response Period | 7 Business Days |
| Court Ruling | ~3-21 Business Days |
| Court Serving Writ of Possession | 1-3 Business Days |
| Final Notice Period | 2 Business Days |
Flowchart of the Wyoming Eviction Process
Typical Court Fees
The cost of an eviction in Wyoming for all filing, court, and service fees can vary based on service fees. For cases filed in Circuit Court, the average cost is $255.
| Fee | Circuit |
| Initial Court Filing | $70 |
| Summons Service | ~$50+ |
| Writ of Restitution Service | $50+ |
| Notice of Appeal Filing (Optional) | $85+ |
Navigate the Wyoming Eviction Process
Eviction can be a challenging, emotionally draining process for everyone involved. To maintain control, many Wyoming landlords use property management software to track rent, store documents, automate notices, and manage records throughout the eviction process.
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