West Virginia Security Deposit Law
Return deadline, statute, and penalties for West Virginia renters.
Return deadline
60 days
60 days, or 45 days if the unit is re-rented sooner.
Penalty for late or wrongful withholding
Up to 1.5× the amount wrongfully withheld
Governing statute
W. Va. Code §§ 37-6A-2, 37-6A-5
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Check my West Virginia deadlineWest Virginia security deposit questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in West Virginia?
Under W. Va. Code §§ 37-6A-2, 37-6A-5, a West Virginia landlord generally has 60 days to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions. 60 days, or 45 days if the unit is re-rented sooner.
What happens if a West Virginia landlord returns the deposit late?
Up to 1.5× the amount wrongfully withheld. Courts usually decide whether a penalty applies, and many states require showing the landlord acted in bad faith.
Can a West Virginia landlord deduct from my deposit?
Landlords can generally deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, and must explain deductions in writing.
How do I demand my security deposit back in West Virginia?
Send your landlord a written demand letter that cites W. Va. Code §§ 37-6A-2, 37-6A-5, states the amount owed, and sets a deadline to pay. Send it by certified mail and keep a copy. If the landlord doesn't pay, the letter is useful evidence in small claims court.
Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Read the official text of W. Va. Code §§ 37-6A-2, 37-6A-5. This page is general information, not legal advice. See our terms of use.