West Virginia security deposit demand letter
Create a West Virginia security deposit demand letter using the residential-deposit rules verified July 24, 2026. The form checks the facts that control statutory coverage, the return clock, itemization, notice, and any qualified remedy before it inserts state-law text.
What law governs a residential security deposit in West Virginia?
West Virginia Code §§ 37-6A-1 through 37-6A-6 govern security deposits for residential rental premises. The article applies broadly, but § 37-6A-6 preserves pre-effective-date deposit agreements; specialized arrangements may require separate analysis. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: W. Va. Code Article 6A. The form applies that rule only when the controlling coverage and trigger facts are established.
Source: W. Va. Code Article 6A · Verified July 24, 2026
When is a security deposit or accounting due in West Virginia?
The landlord must return the deposit and itemization by the shorter of 60 days after termination of the tenancy or 45 days after a subsequent tenant occupies the premises. A timely third-party-contractor notice can add 15 days. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: W. Va. Code §§ 37-6A-1, -2; § 37-6A-2.
Source: W. Va. Code §§ 37-6A-1, -2 · Verified July 24, 2026
What itemization or documentation is required in West Virginia?
The landlord must provide a written itemization of damages and return the balance due within the notice period. The letter requests only the itemization, accounting, and supporting documents required by that rule. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: W. Va. Code § 37-6A-2.
Source: W. Va. Code § 37-6A-2 · Verified July 24, 2026
What remedy may apply if a West Virginia landlord does not comply?
If the landlord’s noncompliance was willful or not in good faith, the tenant may recover the unreturned deposit plus one and one-half times the amount wrongfully withheld. Article 6A does not itself provide attorney fees. The multiplier is not automatic; it requires willful conduct or lack of good faith. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: W. Va. Code § 37-6A-5.
Source: W. Va. Code § 37-6A-5 · Verified July 24, 2026
Does West Virginia require a demand, delivery method, or prescribed form?
No special method governs the tenant’s ordinary demand. No prescribed ordinary tenant-demand form exists. The special returned-mail request must be written but has no exact statutory wording. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: W. Va. Code § 37-6A-2; W. Va. Code Article 6A.
Source: W. Va. Code § 37-6A-2; W. Va. Code Article 6A · Verified July 24, 2026
West Virginia Code §§ 37-6A-1 through 37-6A-6 govern security deposits for residential rental premises. The article applies broadly, but § 37-6A-6 preserves pre-effective-date deposit agreements; specialized arrangements may require separate analysis.