West Virginia deposit law, in plain English.

What your landlord has to do with your deposit after you move out. Each rule links to the official text.

• Up to 60 days.

  Your landlord has 60 days after your tenancy ends, or 45 days after a new tenant moves in, whichever is shorter, to return what's left with a written itemization.

  § 37-6A-1(7), § 37-6A-2(a)

• Off limits.

  Damage charges are less reasonable wear and tear.

  § 37-6A-2(b)(2)

• One exception.

  If damage costs more than the deposit and needs an outside contractor, they can tell you within the notice period and take 15 more days to itemize.

  § 37-6A-2(c)

• Willful games cost them.

  Willful or bad-faith violations mean the deposit back plus one and a half times what they wrongly kept.

  § 37-6A-5(a)

Checked against the official text on October 19, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Cities can add their own rules.