Wyo. Stat. Ann. §§ 40-26-101 to 40-26-145 § 40-26-144
Intimidation or interference; penalty.
Operative Text
40-26-144. Intimidation or interference; penalty.
(a) A person commits an offense if the person, without
regard to whether the person is acting under color of law, by
force or threat of force, intentionally intimidates or
interferes with an individual:
(i) Because of the individual's race, color,
religion, sex, disability, age, familial status, national origin
or status with respect to marriage or public assistance and
because the individual is or has been selling, purchasing,
renting, financing, occupying or contracting or negotiating for
the sale, purchase, rental, financing or occupation of any
dwelling or applying for or participating in a service,
organization or facility relating to the business of selling or
renting dwellings; or
(ii) Because the individual is or has been or to
intimidate the individual from:
(A) Participating, without discrimination
because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial
status or national origin in an activity, service, organization
or facility described by paragraph (i) of this subsection;
(B) Affording another individual opportunity or
protection to so participate; or
(C) Lawfully aiding or encouraging other
individuals to participate, without discrimination because of
race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or
national origin, or status with respect to marriage or public
assistance, in an activity, service, organization, or facility
described in paragraph (i) of this subsection.
(b) It is a discriminatory practice to coerce, intimidate,
threaten or interfere with any individual in the exercise or
enjoyment of, or on account of the individual having exercised
or enjoyed, or on account of the individual having aided or
encouraged any other individual in the exercise or enjoyment of,
any right granted or protected by this chapter.
(c) An offense under subsection (a) or (b) of this section
is a misdemeanor.Wyoming Statute § 40-26-144 makes it a criminal offense and a discriminatory practice to use force, threats of force, or coercive conduct to intimidate or interfere with someone because of their race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, familial status, national origin, marital status, or public assistance status in connection with housing activities. The prohibition covers interference with people who are buying, renting, financing, or occupying a dwelling, as well as those who help or encourage others to exercise fair housing rights. A violation of subsection (a) or (b) is classified as a misdemeanor under Wyoming law.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Wyoming's fair housing framework should be aware that § 40-26-144 extends beyond simple discrimination in transactions — it also criminalizes any use of force, threats, or coercive conduct directed at tenants, applicants, or anyone assisting them in exercising housing rights. Compliant operators generally ensure that neither they nor anyone acting on their behalf engages in conduct that could be construed as intimidation or interference based on a protected characteristic. Maintaining clear, documented, and consistent communication practices helps demonstrate that interactions with residents and applicants are free from coercion or threats.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 40-26-144, Wyoming law protects tenants and housing applicants not only from discriminatory denials but also from intimidation, threats, or interference aimed at discouraging them from exercising their fair housing rights or helping others do the same. If a tenant believes they have experienced such conduct, potential paths include filing a complaint with a fair housing agency, raising the violation in any related legal proceeding, or reaching out to a tenant-rights or fair housing organization for general information. Because a violation of this section can constitute a misdemeanor, affected individuals may also have the option of reporting the conduct to local law enforcement or a prosecutor's office.
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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