A West Virginia standard residential lease agreement is a formal contract used by property owners to lease their premises to tenants for a set duration; it typically spans a period of one year.
Before or on the move-in date, a residential lease may also request a security deposit from the tenant as a precautionary measure against potential property damage in the future.
Lease Length Considerations
- Leases can generally be of any length of time, provided that the term is specific and agreed upon in writing by both the landlord and tenant.
- Oral leases, however, are typically not permissible for terms exceeding one year. [1]
Required Disclosures
- Lead-based paint disclosure
- Notice of non-refundable deposit
Review our West Virginia lease agreement page for more information on the required disclosures for landlords.
Security Deposit
- Maximum Amount ($): No state-imposed limit.
- Returning to Tenant: Within 45 days of their occupancy or within 60 days after the original tenant moves out, whichever is shorter. [2] [3]
Rent Payment
- Grace Period: There is no rent grace period before assessing late fees.
- Maximum Late Fee: The landlord can only charge a tenant a late fee of $15 or 5% of the monthly rent, whichever is less. [4]
- NSF Fee: A landlord can charge a maximum of $25 for a worthless check. [5]
Landlord Resources
- Landlord-Tenant Laws – § 37-6 (Landlord and Tenant).
- Handbook – Tenants and Landlords in Virginia Guide.
