Eviction Law in Wyoming
It’s never easy dealing with a tenant who refuses to pay rent or follow the rules. Whether it’s missed payments, property damage, or a blatant lease violation, landlords in Wyoming often face an uphill battle when it comes to protecting their rights.
Don’t let the stress and uncertainty drag on. Knowing how eviction works in Wyoming can help you take back control without violating the law.
Start by reviewing our guide on eviction procedures in Wyoming. Then, we can help you connect with an attorney who understands local rules and fights for landlords like you.
What Is an Eviction?
Eviction is the legal process of removing a tenant from your property, typically triggered by unpaid rent, lease violations, or repeated disruptive behavior. In Wyoming, while landlords have broad authority to initiate eviction proceedings, the process still requires strict compliance with legal notice requirements.
That said, not every eviction notice ends in a court-ordered removal. In many cases, the notice acts as a final warning. If the tenant catches up on rent or corrects the lease violation in time, the matter may resolve without further action.
When Can Landlords Send a Termination Notice?
The Tenant Doesn’t Pay Rent
When a Wyoming tenant repeatedly misses rent deadlines or stops paying altogether, you have solid legal grounds to start the eviction process. Occasional tardiness might be overlooked once or twice in other states, but chronic late payments quickly become a legitimate concern.
Unlike some states that mandate a grace period, Wyoming law does not extend this protection to renters. In fact, landlords have the option to issue an Unconditional Quit Notice—an aggressive step that demands the tenant vacate the property within a set timeframe, regardless of whether they plan to pay the overdue rent.
Still, documentation is key. Send “late rent” notices each time a payment is missed, and keep records of all written communication. These details help establish a clear history of the tenant’s payment issues.
The Tenant Violates the Terms or Conditions of the Lease Agreement
A lease agreement is a legally binding contract, and both the landlord and tenant are expected to follow the terms outlined. If your Wyoming tenant violates any part of the lease—whether it’s unauthorized occupants, keeping a pet in a no-pet property, or engaging in prohibited business activity—you may have grounds for eviction.
However, just as the lease sets rules for the tenant, it also outlines obligations for you as the landlord. If the lease includes provisions about necessary repairs or property maintenance, you are legally required to meet those expectations. Failure to do so could weaken your case in court if your tenant claims you violated the lease first.
The Tenant Damages the Property
Some wear and tear is expected in any rental property, and not every scuff mark or broken blind is cause for alarm. However, when a tenant causes excessive or intentional damage—such as punching holes in the drywall, breaking windows, or ripping out fixtures—it can provide valid grounds for eviction under Wyoming law.
That said, be careful to distinguish between serious damage and basic maintenance issues. A tenant who attempts minor repairs or accidentally damages something in good faith may not meet the threshold for removal.
The Tenant Uses the Property for Illegal Purposes
If your tenant is using your Wyoming property to carry out illegal activities, you have strong justification to begin the eviction process. This includes drug manufacturing or distribution, illegal weapons possession, or using the unit as a base for criminal operations.
Still, accusations alone aren’t enough. You’ll need to show proof that criminal activity has occurred. That might include police reports, neighbor complaints, or on-site discoveries. If law enforcement has already visited the property in response to these concerns, those official records can support your claim in court.
How to Evict a Tenant in Wyoming
Step 1. Check Your Local Laws
Eviction laws in Wyoming follow a streamlined process, but it’s critical to understand that rules can vary depending on your local jurisdiction. Before you move forward with any eviction action, you’ll need to make sure your reason is legally recognized under state or municipal law.
There are several legal justifications for removing a tenant. These include—but are not limited to—the following:
- Nonpayment of rent after the due date
- Causing damage to the property beyond normal wear and tear
- Violating occupancy limits set by the lease or local codes
- Refusing reasonable access for repairs or property showings
- Endangering other tenants through unsafe or unsanitary behavior
Step 2. Give a Formal Notice of Eviction
If your tenant continues to violate the terms of the lease despite your efforts to resolve the issue informally, the next step is to serve a formal eviction notice. This document acts as a final warning and gives the tenant a clear understanding of the violation and what must be done to avoid further legal action.
Your eviction notice should include the total amount due (if rent is unpaid), the specific rule that has been broken, and a firm deadline for compliance—either by correcting the issue or moving out. In Wyoming, landlords often use templates to draft notices, but legal guidance is recommended to ensure that your notice complies with current state law and won’t be challenged in court.
Under Wyoming law, eviction notices must be delivered directly to the tenant at their residence, served at their place of work, or handed to someone living at the property who is at least 14 years old. This personal delivery requirement is taken seriously, and improper notice could delay your ability to file in court.
If the tenant fails to comply within three days, the landlord can file a Forcible Entry and Detainer Action to initiate formal court proceedings. Should the court rule in your favor and the tenant still refuses to leave, the judge will issue a Writ of Restitution.
Step 3. File the Eviction with the Court
Once the deadline in your eviction notice has passed with no resolution, your next step is to officially file with the local court. In Wyoming, eviction proceedings are handled through the Circuit Court that serves the county where the property is located.
Step 4. Contact an Experienced Wyoming Eviction Attorney and Prepare for the Hearing
Before stepping into court, it’s wise to consult with an experienced Wyoming eviction attorney. A lawyer can help you organize your paperwork, prepare your testimony, and make sure your case is procedurally sound. You’ll also want to bring the following documentation with you to the hearing:
- A copy of the signed lease agreement
- Proof of payment history, including missed or late rent
- Any returned or bounced checks
- Written communication between you and the tenant
- A copy of the eviction notice you served
- Proof of delivery for that notice, such as a signed receipt or affidavit of service
Step 5. Evict the Tenant
If the court rules in your favor, the judge will issue an order for the tenant to vacate the property. In Wyoming, the timeline for moving out can be as short as two days once a Writ of Restitution is issued.
If your tenant still refuses to leave after this time, you’ll need to contact the local sheriff’s office to carry out the eviction. As the landlord, you’re not permitted to remove the tenant yourself—only law enforcement can legally enforce the order.
Step 6. Collect Past-Due Rent Payments
Winning possession of your property doesn’t always mean you’ll recover the money you’re owed. If your tenant leaves behind unpaid rent, there are still several legal avenues you can pursue to collect the balance:
- Hire a licensed debt collection agency to recover the funds
- File a claim in small claims court for the unpaid amount
- Request a court order to garnish the tenant’s wages
- Petition to intercept their state or federal tax refunds
Work with an Experienced Eviction Attorney in Wyoming
A tenant facing eviction in Wyoming might claim that you didn’t follow the correct legal steps—especially when it comes to how and when notice was delivered. That’s why it’s so important to work with an attorney who understands the finer points of Wyoming eviction law. The right legal support can help you stay compliant, avoid unnecessary delays, and protect your rights in court.
The tenant will likely try to argue that you did not follow proper procedures for providing an eviction notice. Having a qualified Wyoming attorney on your side can take the pressure off your back, and help ensure a victory in court. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Wyoming state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
Other areas of Wyoming law could apply to your case!
