The short answer
A West Virginia landlord can keep deposit money only for allowed reasons and should provide written itemization when deductions are taken.
Common allowed categories include accrued rent, tenant-caused damage beyond reasonable wear and tear, unpaid tenant utilities paid by the landlord, reasonable removal or storage costs for tenant property, and other lease-authorized damages or charges.
Ordinary wear and tear is different
The landlord should not charge the deposit for reasonable wear and tear.
Normal aging, light scuffs, and ordinary use are different from damage caused by misuse, neglect, or lease noncompliance.
If contractor work is claimed
If the landlord says damages exceeded the deposit and required a third-party contractor, West Virginia has a separate 15-day itemization branch only if the required notice was timely given.
Ask for the written notice, the itemized charges, and the contractor-related support.
Ask for records
West Virginia requires deduction records to be maintained for one year after the tenancy ends.
If deductions are disputed, make a written request to inspect the records or receive a copy. The statute gives a 72-hour normal-business-hours response structure.
Official sources used for this guide
Source reviewed: April 2026.
Related
Important
This page provides general educational information and is not legal advice.