West Virginia Landlord-Tenant Laws

Tenant Screening in West Virgina

When screening tenants, the rules vary from one state to another. That’s why we’ve created a post specific to West Virginia Tenant Screening. We have plenty of free resources available on that post.

Tenant Screening in West Virgina

When screening tenants, the rules vary from one state to another. That’s why we’ve created a post specific to West Virginia Tenant Screening. We have plenty of free resources available on that post.

Regarding Security Deposit

West Virginia state law places no restrictions on the amount that landlords may collect from a tenant for a security deposit.

West Virginia law doesn’t specify how landlords must hold a tenant’s security deposit.

The state laws of West Virginia specify that the landlord has 60 days from the end of tenancy to return a security deposit to a tenant.

West Virginia laws concerning security deposits can be found in W. Va. Code §§ 37-6-1.

Regarding Application Fees

West Virginia law does not limit the amount a landlord can collect for an application fee.

Regarding Tenant Bad Checks

Civil Penalties: The amount of the original check, plus a service charge that cannot exceed $10.

Criminal Penalties: For a check under $200, the tenant could get up to 6 months in jail, a maximum fine of $200, or both. For a check over $200, they could go to jail for 1 to 5 years, a fine of up to $500, or both penalties.

Allowable Fees: $25

Regarding Notice of Termination for Nonpayment

In West Virginia, a landlord is not required to give a tenant any notice which to pay rent or vacate. The landlord can begin eviction proceedings immediately, according to W.Va. Code § 55-3A-1.