West Virginia Security Deposit Limit
no statutory limitWest Virginia has no statewide statutory cap on residential security deposits — the amount is a matter of contract between you and the landlord. That makes reviewing the deposit clause in your lease especially important.
Educational information: generated from our West Virginia law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
How West Virginia compares
30 of 51 US jurisdictions cap security deposits by statute; the other 21 set no statewide cap (local caps can still apply in some cities). Here is how West Virginia compares with other states in our database.
Frequently asked questions
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in West Virginia?
- West Virginia sets no statewide statutory maximum on security deposits, so the amount is negotiated in the lease. West Virginia is one of 21 US jurisdictions without a statewide deposit cap. No statutory limit on deposit amount. Return within 60 days (45 days if new tenant moves in). Additional 15 days if third-party contractor needed. Penalty for non-compliance: 2 months rent or 2x deposit. Move-in/out checklist required.
- Does West Virginia require landlords to pay interest on security deposits?
- No. West Virginia does not have a statewide requirement that landlords pay interest on security deposits.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in West Virginia?
- West Virginia landlords generally must return the deposit within 60 days after move-out.
Check Your Lease Against West Virginia Law
Not sure whether your lease complies with West Virginia law? Upload it and our analyzer flags problem clauses — deposit terms, entry rights, fees and prohibited provisions — using the same statute-backed database this page is generated from.
Analyze My Lease FreeEducational tool — not legal advice. First analysis is free, no signup required.
More West Virginia lease law guides
Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia for your specific situation.