Charleston, WV local landlord rules
State law also applies. See West Virginia landlord-tenant law and the West Virginia landlord FAQ. State rules: Security deposit limit · Deposit return deadline · Notice to enter · Late fees · Eviction notice (nonpayment) · Rent increase notice.
Quick facts
| Topic | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Rental licensing / registration | After a change of ownership, the new owner must apply for a residential rental license within 30 days. The code states: "Within 30 days of any change of ownership of a rental unit, the new owner shall apply for a residential rental license for that rental unit" (§ 18-1178). |
Details & sources
Rental licensing / registration
After a change of ownership, the new owner must apply for a residential rental license within 30 days. The code states: "Within 30 days of any change of ownership of a rental unit, the new owner shall apply for a residential rental license for that rental unit" (§ 18-1178).
Verified Source: Charleston Code of Ordinances § 18-1178 · last checked 2026-10-16
Back to quick facts ↑Research coverage
0 of 13 topics checked at the local level (state law is covered on the state page). A topic counts as checked only when every subtopic in it is checked or no additional requirement was found after a recorded full read. How coverage works.
| Topic | Status | Subtopics done |
|---|---|---|
| Deposits | Not researched | 0 of 2 |
| Deposit return deadlines | Not researched | None tracked at this level |
| Rent increases and rent control | Not researched | 0 of 1 |
| Late fees | Not researched | None tracked at this level |
| Landlord entry | Not researched | None tracked at this level |
| Repairs and habitability | Not researched | 0 of 1 |
| Screening and application fees | Not researched | None tracked at this level |
| Fair housing and assistance animals | Not researched | 0 of 1 |
| Disclosures | Not researched | 0 of 2 |
| Renewal and termination | Not researched | None tracked at this level |
| Eviction | Not researched | 0 of 3 |
| Registration and licensing | Partially researched | 1 of 3 |
| Short-term rentals | Not researched | 0 of 2 |
Also applies statewide
West Virginia rules that also apply in Charleston:
- Security deposit limit
- West Virginia has no statute capping security deposits. Article 6A regulates how deposits are returned and what may be deducted, but sets no maximum amount. Verified Source: W. Va. Code ch. 37, arts. 6 and 6A; see § 37-6A-2 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full West Virginia security deposit limit page
- Deposit return deadline
- Within the notice period: 60 days after the tenancy ends, or 45 days after a new tenant moves in, whichever is shorter. Verified Source: W. Va. Code §§ 37-6A-1(7), 37-6A-2(a) · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full West Virginia deposit return deadline page
- Notice to enter
- West Virginia has no statute setting a notice period before a landlord enters (W. Va. Code ch. 37, arts. 6 and 6A searched). The Attorney General's renters' guide says a landlord should enter only with the tenant's consent or reasonable advance notice, except for emergency repairs; check the lease. Verified Source: W. Va. Code ch. 37, arts. 6 and 6A; see § 37-6-30 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full West Virginia notice to enter page
- Late fees
- Landlords may charge reasonable late fees set out in the rental agreement and take them from the security deposit at move-out. W. Va. Code ch. 37, arts. 6 and 6A set no dollar or percentage cap. Statute text: "(b) Upon termination of the tenancy, any security deposit held by the landlord may be applied by the landlord only to: (1) The payment of rent due, including the reasonable charges for late payment of rent specified in the rental agreement; (2) The payment of the amount of damages which the landlord has suffered by reason of the tenant's noncompliance with the rental agreement, less reasonable wear and tear; (3) The payment of unpaid utilities that were billed to and paid by the landlord, are the obligation of the tenant under the rental agreement and unpaid by the tenant; (4) The payment of reasonable costs for the removal and storage of the tenant's personal property." (W. Va. Code § 37-6A-2(b)(1)). Verified Source: W. Va. Code § 37-6A-2(b)(1) · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full West Virginia late fees page
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