Landlord Deposit Dispute Resolution

Summary

In Wyoming, landlords must return security deposits within 30 days and can only deduct for unpaid rent and damages beyond normal wear and tear. They cannot charge for cleaning done before a tenant has fully moved out. If a landlord withholds a deposit unjustly, the tenant may need to take the matter to small claims court.

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Sam
Hello Sam, nice to meet you. I'm here to help you with your legal queries. Could you please describe your situation so I can assist you better?
I am having a problem with my previous landlord. She insists on keeping my deposit of $*. I had paid for the entire month of February, and she was informed that I would completely clean my downstairs unit on the date that I moved out completely, which would be before March 1st. She instead decided to go down there, move my belongings, and deep clean it herself without contacting me first. She is now telling me that I will not be getting my deposit back due to the cost of the cleaning that happened before I was moved out.
Hello Sam, I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Could you please tell me where this happened? The laws regarding deposits vary by location.
Wyoming
In Wyoming:
- Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days.
- They can only deduct for unpaid rent and damages beyond normal wear and tear.
- A landlord can't charge for cleaning done before you've fully moved out.

You may have to take this to small claims court.