Rental Property Rules in Charleston, WV (2026)
6 verified rental property rules for Charleston, West Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Rent Control
Charleston has no rent control ordinance and West Virginia has no statewide rent stabilization framework. Landlords may set initial rents and adjust at lease renewal subject only to lease terms and notice periods.
No Rent Control in Charleston or West Virginia
Few RestrictionsJust Cause Eviction
Charleston and West Virginia do not require just cause for eviction. Landlords may decline to renew at lease end with proper notice, or terminate month-to-month tenancies with one months written notice for any non-discriminatory reason.
No Just-Cause Eviction Law in Charleston
Few RestrictionsRental Registration
Charleston operates a rental property inspection and registration program under Chapter 20 (Housing) requiring landlords to register units, pay an annual fee, and pass periodic inspections to ensure habitability and code compliance.
Charleston Rental Inspection Program Overview
Some RestrictionsSecurity Deposit Rules
West Virginia Code 37-6A sets statewide security deposit rules. Charleston landlords must return deposits within 60 days after tenancy ends with an itemized statement of any deductions for damages beyond ordinary wear and tear.
WV Security Deposit Rules for Charleston Rentals
Some RestrictionsTenant Anti-Harassment
Charleston has no dedicated tenant anti-harassment ordinance. Tenants must rely on WV Code 37-6-30 anti-retaliation provisions, common-law claims like nuisance and trespass, and federal Fair Housing Act protections to address landlord harassment.
Limited Tenant Harassment Protections in Charleston
Few RestrictionsSection 8 Voucher Acceptance
The Charleston-Kanawha Housing Authority administers Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) for income-eligible renters. Source-of-income discrimination is not banned by Charleston or WV, so landlord participation in the voucher program is voluntary.
Section 8 Vouchers in Charleston Rentals
Some RestrictionsLooking for Kanawha County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Charleston city rules.
Rental Property Rules in Kanawha County →