Wyoming · Security deposit dispute

Security deposit dispute in Wyoming small claims

Landlord kept your deposit? Take it to small claims.

If your landlord did not return your security deposit, or kept part of it without a proper itemized reason, small claims court is the usual place to get it back. Most states require the landlord to return the deposit (or send an itemized list of deductions) within a set number of days after you move out. Because that specific deadline varies by state and is not a filing statute of limitations, verify it with your court or state housing agency before you rely on it.

In Wyoming, small-claims cases are heard in the Circuit Court (Small Claims) and you can sue for up to $6,000.

Security deposit dispute: steps that matter

  1. Document the unit's condition at move-out (photos, video, a signed walkthrough) and keep your lease and move-in records.
  2. Send the landlord a written demand for the deposit, with your forwarding address, and keep proof you sent it.
  3. Check your state's deposit-return rules (how many days the landlord had, and whether an itemized statement was required) with your court or state housing agency.
  4. If the deposit is not returned, file in small claims within the deadline below and bring your lease, photos, and demand letter.

Filing your Small Claims Affidavit (SC Form 01) in Wyoming

  1. Confirm your claim qualifies. The amount owed must be $6,000 or less, and you must have already demanded payment and been refused.
  2. Complete the Small Claims Affidavit (SC 01). Fill in the county, the parties, the amount chart (principal, interest, fees, the $10 filing fee, service fees), and why the defendant owes you. Do not sign until in front of the Clerk or a notary.
  3. Bring the supporting forms and copies. Also bring a Small Claims Summons (SC 02), blank Return of Service and Affidavit of Service, two extra copies of the Affidavit, and copies of any invoices or agreements.
  4. File with the Clerk and pay the fee. File with the Clerk of Circuit Court and pay the $10 filing fee plus any service fee. The clerk assigns a case number and the court schedules a hearing.
  5. Court serves the defendant and sets the hearing. In Wyoming the court, not the plaintiff, serves the defendant. The summons states the hearing date and place; bring your evidence and witnesses.

Filing fees: The court's official instructions set a fixed $10 statewide filing fee (SC-01a). Sheriff or process-server fees are separate, and the clerk charges about $1 per page for copies.

Deadline that applies to your security deposit dispute

A security-deposit claim is generally treated as a contract claim (your lease), so the contract statute of limitations below is the usual outer deadline to sue. Many states ALSO set a separate, shorter deadline for the landlord to return or itemize the deposit — that landlord deadline is set by your state's landlord-tenant statute, not shown here, so confirm it with your court or state consumer/housing agency.

Written contract: 10 years (W.S. 1-3-105(a)(i))

Answering a lawsuit: No written answer is required; the defendant appears at the scheduled hearing.

Serving the defendant: The court serves the defendant, by certified mail (return receipt) if the defendant is in Wyoming, or by sheriff or process server. The hearing date set in the summons must be 12 to 20 days after service.

Appeals: Either party may appeal to the district court within 30 days by filing a Notice of Appeal at the Circuit Court that ruled. Small-claims appeals are reviewed on questions of law only (W.R.A.P. 2.01).

This page is general information, not legal advice, and CaseBySelf is not a law firm. Rules, fees, and deadlines change and vary by court: verify with the specific court where you file. Source: Wyoming Judicial Branch: Small Claims (Legal Help by Topic). Last reviewed 2026-06-24.