Rental Inspections in Charleston, WV (2026)
2 verified rental inspections rules for Charleston, West Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Inspection Programs
Charleston requires every rental unit to hold a residential rental license and undergo periodic city inspections at least once every 24 months.
Charleston rental license & inspections
Significant RestrictionsSec. 18-1173; Sec. 18-1180, Charleston, WV Code of Ordinances
On July 1, 2010 and thereafter, it shall be unlawful for any owner to lease or rent... a rental unit located within the city without possession of a valid residential rental license... In addition to all other inspections permitted herein... each rental unit shall be subject to periodic inspection... provided that said periodic inspections shall be conducted no more than once in any 24-month pe...
Tenant Complaint Process
Charleston code enforcement officers can inspect a rental unit after a complaint, a violation observation, or a direct request from the owner or tenant, outside the normal 24-month cycle.
Charleston Rental Inspections Triggered By Complaint
Some RestrictionsSec. 18-1181
Inspections may also be made by code enforcement officers based upon, but not limited to, one or more of the following: (1) A colorable complaint received by the city, or any law enforcement agency... (5) A request for an inspection by the owner or tenant.
Looking for Kanawha County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Charleston city rules.
Rental Inspections in Kanawha County →