Wyoming’s rugged beauty—from the sweeping plains and majestic mountain ranges to iconic attractions like Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks—draws a steady flow of travelers seeking outdoor adventures and peaceful retreats.
As a result, short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo have become an attractive option for property owners in the Equality State. However, Wyoming does not impose a single, statewide short-term rental law. Instead, hosts must navigate state tax obligations and a variety of local ordinances that can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another. This guide outlines the key considerations for operating a short-term rental in Wyoming, including definitions, licensing requirements, taxes, and major city-specific regulations.
Wyoming’s Definition of a Short-Term Rental
Wyoming does not offer a uniform, statewide definition for short-term rentals. In many areas, any rental of a property for fewer than 30 consecutive days is considered transient lodging.
However, local governments—especially in tourism hotspots—may adjust this threshold or apply additional criteria, such as differentiating owner-occupied properties from investment rentals. Property owners should check local zoning and lodging ordinances to understand how their municipality categorizes short-term rentals and what specific restrictions or permit requirements may apply.
Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Wyoming
Launching a short-term rental in Wyoming generally involves meeting both state tax obligations and local regulatory requirements. At the state level, property owners may need to collect and remit sales or transient lodging taxes unless the booking platform handles these obligations automatically. If you decide to operate under a formal business entity, such as an LLC, you should register with the Wyoming Secretary of State.
Local regulations vary widely. In some rural areas, oversight may be minimal and focus primarily on tax collection and basic building codes. In contrast, tourism centers—especially those near national parks or in resort communities—may require specific permits, routine safety inspections, or occupancy limits to address neighborhood concerns. Checking local municipal websites and any applicable homeowners association (HOA) rules is essential to avoid fines or forced delisting.
Short-Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Wyoming
Wyoming does not provide a statewide short-term rental license. Instead, licensing and permit requirements are determined by local authorities. In popular tourist destinations such as Jackson or resort communities near Yellowstone, local governments may require an annual or biennial short-term rental permit, including mandatory safety inspections and compliance with zoning restrictions.
Urban centers like Cheyenne or Casper may have less stringent requirements but still enforce local business registration and building safety codes. Staying informed of local government updates is crucial, as regulations can change in response to community feedback or housing concerns.
Wyoming Short-Term Rental Taxes
Short-term rental operators in Wyoming are subject to state sales tax, currently at 4%, which may apply to transient lodging. Many local jurisdictions also impose additional lodging or transient occupancy taxes, which can bring the overall rate to 6%–8% in tourist-centric areas.
If the booking platform does not automatically collect and remit these taxes, property owners must register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue and file returns on the prescribed schedule. Accurate recordkeeping of nightly rates, extra fees, and occupancy data is essential to ensure correct tax remittance and to avoid penalties or interest charges for late filings.
Vacation Rental Tax Deductions
Property owners renting out their Wyoming homes for more than 14 days per year may be eligible for federal tax deductions. Eligible expenses typically include mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, and depreciation of the property and its furnishings.
Since many owners also use their properties personally, it is important to accurately track the number of rental versus personal use days. Consulting a tax professional can help ensure you maximize your deductions while staying in compliance with IRS guidelines.
Short-Term Rental Regulations by Major Locations in Wyoming
Jackson
Jackson, a gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, is one of Wyoming’s premier tourist destinations. Due to high visitor demand, local authorities in Jackson enforce robust short-term rental regulations, which often include permits for non-owner-occupied properties, strict occupancy limits, and mandatory safety inspections. Hosts in Jackson are typically required to collect both state sales tax and additional local transient lodging taxes, and violations—such as exceeding guest limits or neglecting safety requirements—can result in hefty fines or permit revocation.
Cheyenne
As Wyoming’s capital, Cheyenne experiences moderate short-term rental activity driven by business travel and regional tourism. The city typically follows standard state tax rules but may also impose local business license requirements or building safety inspections. While Cheyenne’s regulations are generally less restrictive than those in Jackson, property owners should still verify local zoning ordinances, especially if their rental is located in a predominantly residential area.
Casper
Casper, known for its cultural attractions and proximity to outdoor recreation, offers opportunities for short-term rental operators with fewer urban restrictions than larger tourist hubs. However, hosts in Casper must still comply with state tax obligations and any local regulations regarding transient lodging.
Although licensing requirements in Casper may be minimal, ensuring your property meets basic building and fire safety standards is essential to avoid enforcement actions or fines from local code inspectors.
Takeaway
Wyoming’s abundant natural beauty and thriving tourism—whether in high-traffic areas like Jackson or quieter cities like Cheyenne and Casper—create significant opportunities for short-term rental hosts. Without a unified statewide regulatory framework, property owners must carefully review local ordinances for permits, occupancy limits, and safety requirements. Collecting and remitting the 4% state sales tax along with any additional local transient lodging taxes is a core obligation, unless managed by your booking platform.
Because local rules can shift in response to housing or community concerns, staying updated through municipal websites and local government announcements is crucial. By adhering to local licensing processes, maintaining accurate financial records, and ensuring your property complies with building and safety standards, short-term rental hosts in Wyoming can operate a successful and legally compliant business while offering visitors a memorable experience in the Equality State.
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