'/%3e%3c!--%20Compass%20outer%20ring%20--%3e%3ccircle%20cx='128'%20cy='128'%20r='80'%20fill='none'%20stroke='%23ffffff'%20stroke-width='8'%20opacity='0.25'/%3e%3c!--%20Compass%20needle%20-%20North%20(gold)%20--%3e%3cpath%20d='M128%2056%20L144%20128%20L128%20116%20L112%20128%20Z'%20fill='url(%23accent)'/%3e%3c!--%20Compass%20needle%20-%20South%20(white)%20--%3e%3cpath%20d='M128%20200%20L144%20128%20L128%20140%20L112%20128%20Z'%20fill='%23ffffff'%20opacity='0.85'/%3e%3c!--%20Center%20circle%20--%3e%3ccircle%20cx='128'%20cy='128'%20r='12'%20fill='url(%23accent)'/%3e%3ccircle%20cx='128'%20cy='128'%20r='6'%20fill='%230d4a4f'/%3e%3c/svg%3e){kind=small}
Overview
Wyoming does not have specific mold legislation. However, the state has a Residential Rental Property Act (Wyoming Statutes Title 1, Chapter 21, Article 12) that establishes an implied warranty of habitability requiring landlords to maintain rental properties in a safe and habitable condition. While Wyoming is generally considered a landlord-friendly state with limited tenant protections, tenants can pursue judicial remedies if landlords fail to address conditions affecting health and safety, including mold. Notably, Wyoming does not allow rent withholding or repair and deduct remedies, and lacks anti-retaliation protections for tenants. [Wyoming Statutes Title 1, Chapter 21, Article 12 - Residential Rental Property]
What to Do Now
Most people come here because they need practical next steps quickly. Start here, then use the legal sections below for your state-specific rights.
- Fix active leaks immediately and dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours.
- Document visible mold with photos, dates, and affected rooms before cleanup.
- If you rent, send written notice and keep copies. Use the documentation guide to track everything.
- Compare your options in the DIY vs professional guide before starting larger cleanup.
- If symptoms are present, review when to seek medical care.
Tenant Rights
Right to Habitable Premises
Tenants have the right to live in a rental property that is safe and fit for human habitation. The landlord must maintain the property in a safe and habitable condition, including addressing issues that affect health and safety. If mold is caused by building defects or landlord negligence, tenants have the right to request repairs.
Right to Request Repairs in Writing
Tenants who are current on rent and have reasonable cause to believe the unit does not comply with health and safety standards may advise the landlord in writing of the condition. Written notice must be served personally, posted at the landlord's residence or business office, or delivered via certified mail. The landlord must then either commence action to correct the condition or notify the tenant in writing that they dispute the claim.
Landlord Responsibilities
Maintain Safe and Habitable Premises
Landlords must maintain rental properties in a safe and habitable condition fit for human habitation. This includes keeping the premises safe and sanitary, maintaining all electrical, plumbing, heating, and hot and cold water facilities in safe working condition. Mold infestations that threaten health and safety are the landlord's responsibility to address unless caused by the tenant.
Maintain Common Areas
Landlords must keep all common areas of the rental property in a clean and safe condition. This includes hallways, stairways, and other shared spaces that tenants use.
Remedies Available to Tenants
Rent Withholding
Not Available: Wyoming does not allow tenants to withhold rent to compel landlords to make repairs. Tenants must be current on rent to exercise their rights under the Residential Rental Property Act. If a tenant withholds rent, the landlord may evict the tenant. The only remedy for habitability violations is to pursue judicial action under Wyoming Statute 1-21-1206 after providing proper written notice.
Repair and Deduct
Not Available: Wyoming does not have a statutory repair and deduct remedy. Tenants cannot make repairs themselves and deduct the cost from rent. The only remedy available is to pursue judicial action under Wyoming Statute 1-21-1206, which allows tenants to sue for damages, costs, and an injunction to force repairs after following the proper notice procedures.
Breaking a Lease Due to Mold
Documentation and Escalation
Mold Risk in Wyoming
Understanding Wyoming's unique climate and environmental factors helps explain why mold can be a significant concern in rental properties.
High Altitude Semi-Arid Climate
Wyoming has a semi-arid climate with less precipitation and humidity than eastern states. The state's high elevation and location in the Upper Great Plains results in extreme temperature variations. As of late 2025, approximately 38% of Wyoming is under drought conditions and 25% is abnormally dry. Wyoming ranks #4 for drought risk among the lower 48 states.
Low Outdoor Risk, Indoor Conditions Matter
Wyoming is among the states with the least moldy homes. However, building science experts note that indoor building conditions matter more than outdoor climate for determining actual mold exposure. Studies show mold sensitization in dry-climate cities often rivals humid regions. "A leaky roof in Phoenix is just as dangerous as a leaky roof in Houston," according to Dr. Joseph Lstiburek.
Climate Haven Misconceptions
While some view Wyoming as a potential climate refuge, hotter and drier conditions are threatening communities across the state with more frequent droughts, heat waves, and wildfires. Major climate-risk hotspots for housing include Wyoming and neighboring states where homeowners face steeper property value risks.
Mold After Water Damage
An estimated 47% of residential buildings in the United States contain mold or dampness. If any part of a home is exposed to flooding or leaks and is not fully dried within 24 to 48 hours, mold growth is almost certain, according to Harvard researchers. Building maintenance practices matter more than geography.
Common Mold Types in Wyoming
Wyoming is among the states with the least moldy homes due to its semi-arid climate. However, indoor building conditions matter more than outdoor climate. Extreme temperature variations, tight building construction for energy efficiency, and occasional flooding can create mold-favorable conditions.
Cladosporium
Found in Wyoming homes with condensation issues during cold winters. Common on window surfaces and in poorly ventilated areas.
Penicillium
Grows on water-damaged materials from roof leaks, ice dams, or spring snowmelt flooding events.
Aspergillus
Found in tightly sealed buildings where indoor humidity accumulates during long cold winters.
Alternaria
Common in basements and crawl spaces affected by spring snowmelt and seasonal moisture fluctuations.
Aureobasidium
Often found on window frames and painted surfaces where condensation occurs during Wyoming's cold winters.
Mold Professional Requirements in Wyoming
Implied Warranty of Habitability
Under Wyoming Statute 1-21-1203, landlords have a duty to maintain rental properties in a safe and habitable condition. This includes keeping the property safe and sanitary, maintaining all electrical, plumbing, heating, and hot and cold water facilities in safe working condition, and keeping common areas clean and safe. The implied warranty of habitability means landlords must provide premises fit for human habitation, which would include addressing mold problems that affect health and safety. However, Wyoming law allows certain habitability terms to be modified by written agreement in the lease, making it important for tenants to carefully review lease terms. [Wyoming Statutes Section 1-21-1203 - Owner's Duties]
Mold Disclosure Requirements
Major City Mold Guides
Start with a local guide, then review the full Wyoming mold law details.
Cheyenne, WY
Local mold risks, prevention priorities, and next steps for Cheyenne.
Casper, WY
Local mold risks, prevention priorities, and next steps for Casper.
Laramie, WY
Local mold risks, prevention priorities, and next steps for Laramie.
Gillette, WY
Local mold risks, prevention priorities, and next steps for Gillette.
Rock Springs, WY
Local mold risks, prevention priorities, and next steps for Rock Springs.
Financial Assistance for Mold Remediation
These programs may help cover the costs of mold assessment and remediation for eligible residents in Wyoming.
Wyoming Community Development Authority Home Programs
Provides housing assistance including home repair funding for low-income Wyoming residents.
Eligibility: Low-income residents at or below 80% AMI
Phone: 307-265-0603Learn More →
USDA Section 504 Home Repair Program
Provides loans and grants to very low-income homeowners in rural Wyoming for essential repairs including mold remediation.
Eligibility: Very low-income homeowners in rural areas (below 50% AMI)
Coverage: Grants up to $10,000 for elderly homeowners; loans up to $40,000 at 1% interest
Legal Aid of Wyoming Housing Assistance
Provides free legal assistance to low-income Wyoming residents with housing issues including landlord-tenant disputes.
Eligibility: Low-income Wyoming residents
Phone: 1-877-432-9955Learn More →
University Extension Resources
These research-based resources from university extension programs provide reliable information on mold prevention and remediation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Wyoming have specific mold laws for rental properties?
No. Wyoming does not have specific mold legislation or disclosure requirements. However, the implied warranty of habitability under the Residential Rental Property Act (Wyoming Statutes 1-21-1201 to 1-21-1211) requires landlords to maintain rental properties in a safe and habitable condition, which includes addressing mold problems that affect health and safety.
Is my landlord required to disclose mold before I sign a lease in Wyoming?
No. Wyoming has no state law requiring landlords to disclose mold to tenants. The only required disclosures are lead-based paint hazards for properties built before 1978 (federal law) and whether any portion of a security deposit is nonrefundable (Wyoming Statute 1-21-1207).
Does Wyoming have an implied warranty of habitability?
Yes. Under Wyoming Statute 1-21-1203, landlords must maintain rental properties in a safe and habitable condition. This includes keeping the premises safe and sanitary, maintaining electrical, plumbing, heating, and water facilities, and keeping common areas clean and safe. However, some habitability terms may be modified by written agreement in the lease.
Official Resources
These official resources can help you understand your rights and take action: