Charleston, WV Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- Yes, before renting any unit
- License fee
- None
- Periodic inspection frequency
- At most once per 24 months
- Unlicensed rental fine
- $500+ per unit per month
- Re-inspection fee
- $50 first, $100 after
Summary
Charleston requires every rental unit to hold a residential rental license and undergo periodic city inspections at least once every 24 months.
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 period for each rental unit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 56).
Full Breakdown
Under Article XXIV of the City Code, owners must get a residential rental license from the city collector before renting any unit in Charleston (no fee, but denied for delinquent taxes, fees, or fines). Code enforcement officers periodically inspect licensed rental units for building, fire, health, safety, and zoning compliance, capped at once per 24-month period per unit, plus complaint-driven or emergency inspections at any time. Renting without a valid license, or refusing an authorized inspection without a warrant, triggers enforcement.
Violations & Fines
Renting without a license: fine of at least $500 per unit, with each month a separate violation. Uncorrected violations can mean immediate license revocation. Re-inspection fees run $50 for the first, $100 for each one after.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charleston
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