A Wyoming rental application helps landlords evaluate potential tenants fairly and keep the leasing process organized. By collecting the same information from every applicant, using a structured rental application template ensures consistency in the application process.
For a more straightforward, paper-free process, try a trusted landlord software to collect, review, and securely store applications while remaining compliant with state and federal laws.
Information to Collect
A Wyoming rental application gathers key details landlords need to evaluate potential tenants, such as:
- Names, co-applicants, date of birth, contact information, and Social Security Number
- Employment, income, and rental history
- Smoking status and references
- Current and previous addresses
- Pet and vehicle information
Because rental applications include sensitive personal data, Wyoming landlords should collect only what’s necessary and use it solely for screening purposes.
Quick Guide to Screening a Tenant
Following a consistent screening process for every Wyoming rental application helps landlords find reliable tenants and safeguard their property in nearly any situation.
1. Pre-Screen
A short pre-screener form helps Wyoming landlords confirm key details and identify qualified renters before accepting applications. Typical questions cover:
- Contact information
- Current job or income source
- Monthly income range
- Estimated credit score
- Preferred move-in date
- Number of occupants
- Pets or service animals
- Smoking habits
Pre-screeners quickly narrow down leads, but don’t replace a formal rental application, which gives landlords the complete picture for final decisions.
2. Conduct Showings
Schedule time to show the rental to interested applicants and walk them through the property.
Meeting applicants gives landlords a better sense of prospective tenants. It’s also a chance to highlight features such as outdoor space, parking, and nearby amenities that matter most to local renters.
3. Distribute and Collect Applications
After a showing, share your Wyoming rental application with qualified tenants and outline any non-refundable fees before they apply. Try using a free rental application service to efficiently and securely manage applicant data.
Wyoming Application Laws
Wyoming doesn’t impose many restrictions on how landlords screen potential tenants, but they must still follow federal fair housing standards.
Source of income: There is no state law restricting landlords from considering an applicant’s income source. However, landlords in Wyoming must comply with federal rules that prohibit discrimination against applicants receiving lawful income assistance (15 U.S.C. § 1691).
Criminal history: Landlords may conduct criminal background checks and use that information when making rental decisions, provided they apply it consistently to all applicants.
Eviction history: Wyoming landlords may consider prior eviction records to help assess an applicant’s reliability and rental stability.
Sexual orientation & gender identity: Wyoming landlord-tenant law does not explicitly list these categories as protected classes under state housing statutes, though federal protections still apply.
Portable tenant screening reports: In Wyoming, landlords don’t have to accept portable tenant screening reports.
Pets, ESAs, and Service Animals
Landlords across Wyoming may choose how they manage pet policies, but federal fair housing laws require equal access for renters with service animals or Emotional Support Animals (ESAs).
Pet information: Include a question on the Wyoming rental application asking if tenants have pets or assistance animals.
Fair Housing Act: Landlords must make reasonable accommodations for service animals and ESAs. They cannot deny a rental, charge higher deposits, or add pet fees for approved assistance animals, regardless of breed or size.
Federal Application Laws
Landlords in Wyoming follow federal housing laws that guide how they handle rental application information.
Fair Housing Act (FHA): Wyoming landlords must treat every applicant equally, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability (42 U.S.C. § 3601).
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): If a landlord denies an application based on credit or background information, they must provide an adverse action notice explaining the reason for denial and identifying the reporting agency (15 U.S.C. §§ 1681-1681x).
Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA): The law prohibits discrimination against applicants who receive public assistance and governs how to use credit data when determining eligibility (15 U.S.C. § 1691).
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Landlords must make reasonable accommodations for applicants and tenants with disabilities to ensure equal access to housing (42 U.S.C. § 1210).
4. Use a Third-Party Screening Service
A third-party screening service helps Wyoming landlords maintain a consistent process for every applicant.
Using a trusted tenant screening service like TurboTenant simplifies evaluations by securely handling credit, background, and eviction checks. An approach like this allows landlords to verify applicants quickly while protecting sensitive information.
5. Check Application References
Reference checks add a personal layer to the screening process and help Wyoming landlords make confident, informed leasing decisions.
So, when contacting previous landlords or employers, consider asking questions such as:
- Would you rent to this tenant again?
- Were rent payments made on time?
- What was the tenant’s monthly rent amount?
- Did the tenant keep the property in good condition?
- Were there any lease violations or concerns?
6. Approve or Deny Applications
Landlords should apply consistent, well-documented criteria when accepting multiple applications in Wyoming to ensure fair and lawful leasing decisions.
- Rental history: If an applicant lacks rental history, consider additional references or a co-signer.
- Rent-to-income ratio: Many Wyoming landlords use a rent-to-income ratio of around 30% as a benchmark for financial stability.
- Credit score: A minimum score of 600–670 often indicates a reliable payment history and financial responsibility.
- Fact-check the rental application: Always double-check the details listed on the application to confirm accuracy before approving or denying a prospective tenant.
Denial Process
Landlords in Wyoming should approach denials with fairness, consistency, and proper documentation.
Denial notice: Wyoming law does not require landlords to issue a formal tenant-rejection letter, but providing one in writing helps document the reason for the denial.
Credit/background denials: If basing a decision on a credit or background report, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires the landlord to send an adverse action notice. The notice must include:
- The name of the credit or background check provider.
- An explanation of the applicant’s right to dispute inaccurate information.
- Contact details for the reporting agency.
Document storage: Wyoming landlords should keep records of denied rental applications and related screening reports for at least 3 years.
Avoiding Fraud
Even in Wyoming’s smaller rental markets, scams exist. Protect your property by verifying each applicant’s identity and confirming that their documents are accurate.
Therefore, run credit, background, and eviction checks. Verify employment and income, and contact past landlords to confirm payment history. And be wary of incomplete forms, inconsistent information, or applicants eager to skip steps.
Wyoming Rental Application FAQs
What is required to rent an apartment in Wyoming?
Applicants typically complete a full rental application, provide valid ID, and consent to screening. In Wyoming, landlords may charge application fees and set their own criteria, but they must still comply with the Fair Housing Act.
Do you have to pay to submit a rental application?
Yes. Wyoming allows landlords to charge non-refundable application fees, and there is no legal cap on their amount.
What are the reasons a rental application can be denied?
Landlords in Wyoming can deny based on lawful screening criteria, like insufficient income, poor credit, falsified information, or past evictions.
How long does a landlord have to decide on a rental application?
Wyoming law does not mandate a specific deadline for decisions. Landlords should aim to respond promptly, typically within a few business days after completing screening.
