Wyo. Stat. Ann. §§ 1-21-403, 1-21-1001 to 1-21-1017, 1-21-1201 to 1-21-1211, 1-21-1301 to 1-21-1304, 1-21-1401 to 1-21-1403 § 1-21-1401
Definitions.
Operative Text
1-21-1401. Definitions.
(a) As used in this article:
(i) "Immediate family member" means a spouse, child
or parent;
(ii) "Law enforcement" means the sheriff, the
sheriff's deputies or peace officers of a city or town;
(iii) "Owner" means the owner of a residential
dwelling;
(iv) "Residential dwelling" means a dwelling or
property, real or otherwise, that serves as a place of residence
or other facilities held out for the occupancy of a person.
"Residential dwelling" includes real property where a dwelling
or other residential facility is located;
(v) "Unauthorized person" means a person who is not
authorized to maintain presence or residency in a residential
dwelling.Wyoming Statute § 1-21-1401 establishes the definitions that govern the article dealing with unauthorized occupants in residential dwellings. The provision sets out the precise meanings of five key terms — 'immediate family member,' 'law enforcement,' 'owner,' 'residential dwelling,' and 'unauthorized person' — so that the rest of the article's rules can be applied consistently. These definitions determine who and what falls within the scope of the article's protections and procedures.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 1-21-1401, a property owner should be aware that the article's protections apply specifically to 'owners' of 'residential dwellings,' which the statute defines broadly to include real property where any residential facility is located. Operators who need to address someone occupying their property without authorization should understand that the term 'unauthorized person' under this provision refers to anyone not authorized to maintain presence or residency in the dwelling. Familiarity with these definitions helps owners correctly identify whether a situation falls within the scope of the article's procedures before taking any steps.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
For tenants, § 1-21-1401 is important because the definitions it establishes — particularly 'residential dwelling' and 'unauthorized person' — shape who is covered by the article's rules and who may be subject to removal proceedings. A person who has been authorized to reside in a dwelling would generally not fall within the definition of 'unauthorized person,' which may be relevant if a removal action is initiated. Tenants who believe they are being incorrectly characterized under these definitions may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with Wyoming housing law.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 26, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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