Most residential landlords require tenants to pay a security deposit to cover any repairs needed when the tenant moves out, or to cover the tenant’s failure to pay the last month's rent.

Laws vary from state to state, but many states have statutes that provide the maximum amount of security deposit a landlord may require for a residential lease and the costs for which the landlord may use the security deposit (cleaning, repairs, unpaid rent) following termination of the lease.

These laws also provide a specific deadline (often 30-60 days) for the landlord to return the tenant’s security deposit following termination of the lease—after deducting any amount properly withheld, as allowed by law.

In Wyoming, residential landlords can require tenants to pay a security deposit, which is intended to cover potential damages to the property, cleaning costs, or unpaid rent. Wyoming does not have a state statute that limits the maximum amount a landlord can charge for a security deposit. However, landlords are generally expected to keep security deposits reasonable. Upon termination of the lease, Wyoming law requires landlords to return the security deposit within 30 days, or within 15 days if no deductions are made. The landlord must provide a written statement itemizing any deductions taken from the security deposit for repairs, cleaning, or unpaid rent. If the landlord fails to comply with these requirements, the tenant may be entitled to recover the portion of the deposit wrongfully withheld, and in some cases, additional damages.