Independent Living in Wyoming

In the search for senior living, Wyoming should be at the top of the list for anyone seeking a quiet retirement surrounded by spectacular scenery and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.

“Big Wyoming” is actually the least populous U.S. state, with roughly the same amount of total residents as the country’s 30th most populous city — the metro area of Wyoming’s capital and largest city, Cheyenne, has only around 86,000 people. It’s the vastness of the state’s landscape, rather, that earns Wyoming its nickname and draws millions of tourists every year. Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872 and known for both its wildlife and its size, is the country’s first national park and Wyoming’s most prominent attraction. Also in the state’s popular northwestern region are the jagged peaks of Grand Teton National Park and the valley known as Jackson Hole. Wyoming’s other natural wonders include the national monuments Devils Tower and Fossil Butte, along with several subranges of the Rockies such as the Granite Mountains, Bighorn Mountains, and Laramie Mountains.

The median monthly cost of independent living in Wyoming is about $2,400. Currently, A Place for Mom partners with five independent living communities in Wyoming.

Independent living communities in Wyoming are licensed and regulated just like senior apartment communities or any other rental. The only difference between a regular apartment complex and an independent living community, in terms of regulations, is that there’s often a minimum age requirement for residents.

Most independent living senior apartments have an age minimum of 55 or over. These apartment or condo communities are not considered assisted living, as they don’t provide care services on-site. Therefore, they’re not regulated by the Department of Aging or Wyoming’s Department of Health like assisted living facilities.

Federal protections for tenants

Because independent living communities are regulated just like any rental complexes, they must abide by the following federal rental regulations for landlords and tenants:

• The Federal Fair Housing Act. All rental properties nationwide must follow the laws outlined in this act. This prevents landlords from denying prospective residents because of a disability, nationality, race, family, religion, or sex.
• The Americans with Disabilities Act. This federal law requires that landlords accommodate tenants with disabilities by making “reasonable accommodations and modifications” to the property for the accessibility of all tenants. This could include installing ramps for wheelchair users or allowing a resident to lower the countertops in their unit.

Wyoming laws for landlords and tenants

At the state level, there are additional laws and regulations clarifying the landlord/tenant relationship, so both parties are protected under lease agreements. These state-level housing laws are important to understand when moving to any rental property.

The University of Wyoming provides Wyoming landlord-tenant information that’s helpful to anyone looking to rent in the state. They outline some important laws to be aware of before entering into a lease agreement. They help residents understand their responsibilities, as well as the responsibilities of the landlord.

The following are some important Wyoming landlord-tenant laws to look into before renting a unit in an independent living community:

• You can’t break a lease unless your landlord has broken their end of the lease, resulting in an uninhabitable living unit.
• A tenant is responsible for any damage done to the unit beyond normal wear and tear. Any damage costs may come out of the initial deposit. If damage costs exceed the initial deposit, the tenant is liable for the rest.
• If the tenant does not damage the rental property, then the landlord should return the deposit in full within 30 days of the tenant’s move-out date.
• If damage was caused to the unit, the landlord has 60 days to provide an itemized list of damage deductions and any remainder of the deposit.
• It’s possible to challenge deposit deductions in Wyoming court.
• A landlord should make any repairs to the unit to keep it in a safe and sanitary condition.
• Landlords should maintain the electric, heating, and plumbing, and all appliances that are part of the rental.

Some specific responsibilities of tenants in Wyoming include:

• Paying rent on time
• Using all unit facilities, utilities, and fixtures safely and reasonably
• Making any minor repairs
• Returning the unit to move-in ready status by the end of the lease
• Allowing the landlord access to the unit
• Not harming or disturbing other tenants
• Not damaging the unit or any other areas of the community property
• Not allowing others to move into the unit without permission from landlord
• Following all safety codes outlined in lease

Some specific responsibilities of landlords in Wyoming include:

• Avoiding discrimination
• Clearly presenting any potential hidden fees or fines to residents
• Following all legal eviction proceedings when necessary
• Ensuring the living space and all common areas are in safe and livable conditions
• Repairing any issues that affect habitability

The above are just a few points to remain aware of when looking to rent any apartment, house, or condo. Closely read the details of your lease before signing. Not all leases are the same, and some communities have more specific rules than others. Tenants in independent senior living facilities, for example, may have very specific noise pollution rules they must follow according to the lease.

Remember that if you don’t follow the rules outlined by your landlord in the lease, you’re risking breaking the lease, which could lead to possible eviction. Landlords are required to provide multiple warnings before beginning eviction proceedings. However, if you follow the lease, you should be safe from eviction.

Wyoming Department of Health contact information

Wyoming Department of Health
401 Hathaway Building
Cheyenne, WY 82002

Phone: 307-777-7656

Toll free: 1-866-571-0944

Fax: 307-777-7439