Landlord-Tenant Law Basics

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Questions and Answers

What must a lease agreement state regarding security deposits?

If any portion is nonrefundable. (correct)

The interest rate applied to the deposit.

When the deposit will be returned.

The total amount of the security deposit.

How long does a landlord have to return the remaining balance of the security deposit after lease termination?

15 days after lease termination.

60 days after lease termination.

No specific time frame is required.

30 days after lease termination or 15 days after notification of the tenant's new address. (correct)

What can a security deposit be used for according to the Wyoming Residential Rental Act?

Payment for utility bills.

Upkeep of garden areas.

To pay overdue rent and damages beyond normal wear and tear. (correct)

Improvements to the rental property.

What is required for a landlord to impose late fees?

Inclusion of a clause in the lease agreement regarding late fees. Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended for landlords who want to increase rent?

To give at least 30 days written notice for month-to-month leases. Signup and view all the answers

In what circumstance is it illegal for a landlord to increase rent?

In response to a complaint filed by the tenant. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a condition under which a landlord can apply a security deposit?

Improving the property. Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for lease provisions according to the Wyoming Residential Rental Act?

They must use clear and coherent language. Signup and view all the answers

What may trigger a landlord to file for eviction in Wyoming?

Rent being three days or more late Signup and view all the answers

What must a landlord inform a tenant regarding the security deposit?

Whether any part of it is non-refundable Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a basic right of tenants in Wyoming?

The ability to withhold rent for repairs Signup and view all the answers

What must a tenant do if they require a landlord to make a necessary repair?

Provide written notice of the problem Signup and view all the answers

In which circumstance can a landlord issue an unconditional quit notice?

Tenant damages the rental unit Signup and view all the answers

What action must a landlord take before commencing eviction proceedings?

Provide three days' advance notice to the tenant Signup and view all the answers

What rights do domestic violence victims have regarding lease agreements in Wyoming?

Their lease cannot include waivers of rights Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions by a tenant may lead to a legal eviction by the landlord?

Refusing access to the landlord Signup and view all the answers

What option does a tenant have if a landlord fails to make necessary repairs after the first notice?

Send a second written notice stating potential legal action Signup and view all the answers

What does Wyoming law require regarding repairs in rental units?

Landlords must keep the unit in good repair Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Security Deposit

Landlords are required to provide written notice to tenants stating whether any portion of the security deposit is nonrefundable at the time the deposit is collected.
Landlords can utilize security deposits to cover unpaid rent, damages beyond reasonable wear and tear, cleaning costs, and other costs outlined in the lease agreement.
Landlords must return the remaining balance of the security deposit within 30 days of lease termination, eviction, or 15 days after the tenant provides their new address, whichever period is longer.

Lease, Rent, and Fees

Leases must be written using clear and understandable language.
Landlords can charge late fees if the lease agreement explicitly includes a late fee provision.
Landlords should provide tenants with at least 30 days’ written notice before increasing rent or altering other terms for month-to-month leases, and avoid increasing rent until the lease ends for long-term leases.

Retaliation and Discrimination

Landlords cannot increase rent based on discriminatory factors such as race, gender, or religion.
Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for exercising legal rights like filing complaints with housing authorities.

Termination for Non-Payment of Rent

Landlords can file for eviction if rent is three days or more overdue and the tenant has received at least three days’ notice.
Landlords can terminate the lease using an Unconditional Quit notice.

Landlord’s Required Notices

Leases must disclose whether any portion of the security deposit is nonrefundable.
Landlords must provide written notice about nonrefundable security deposits when they collect the security deposit.

Warranty of Habitability and Withholding of Rent

Tenants in Wyoming are entitled to a rental unit meeting basic health, structural, and safety standards, and that is in reasonable repair.
Landlords have a responsibility to keep the rental unit in reasonable repair and fit for human habitation, including maintenance of electrical, plumbing and heating systems.
Tenants cannot withhold rent to force repairs, they must be current on rent to request repairs.
Tenants should give the landlord written notice of repair problems and allow reasonable time for repairs.

Tenant’s Remedies

Tenants can send a second written notice if the landlord fails to make necessary repairs, indicating intent to file a lawsuit or terminate the lease.
Landlords must repair the problem within a reasonable period or send a certified letter disputing the claim.

Termination, Eviction and Other Rules

Landlords can issue Unconditional Quit notices for non-payment of rent, tenant holdover, damages to the unit, interference with another’s enjoyment, denying access to the landlord, or violating other statutory duties.
For eviction, landlords must provide three days’ notice before starting proceedings.
If the tenant doesn’t resolve the issue, the landlord can serve a Summons and Complaint.
Landlords cannot terminate the lease of domestic violence victims without proof and victims have the right to terminate the lease early.
Domestic violence victims have an affirmative defense against eviction lawsuits.

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Description

Test your knowledge of landlord-tenant laws regarding security deposits, lease agreements, and rent terms. This quiz covers essential provisions like nonrefundable deposits and notice periods for rent increases. Understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant or landlord!