West Virginia Rent Increase Laws 2024: Key Facts for Tenants. Since there are no rent control legislation in West Virginia, tenants should be aware of a few important factors surrounding rent hikes in 2024. Tenants should be aware of the following:
Overview of Rent Increase Laws
- No Cap on Increases: In West Virginia, there is no legal restriction or cap on the amount that landlords can raise rent.
- No Needed Justification: Landlords are exempt from having to give a justification for raising rent.
Notice Requirements
- General Notice: Although the law does not enforce a notice period for rent increases, it is generally assumed that landlords will provide renters adequate notice.
- Particular Circumstances:
- Under the recently introduced House Bill 4660, landlords of month-to-month leases are required to provide at least sixty days’ written notice prior to a rent increase going into effect.
- Landlords usually provide renters at least 30 days’ notice before the conclusion of a year-long lease if they plan to increase the rent at renewal.
Conditions for Rent Increases
Lease Terms:
Unless the lease agreement specifies otherwise, rent can only be raised at the conclusion of the lease term. Generally speaking, increases are not allowed on a fixed-term lease.
Prohibited Behavior:
Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords are not allowed to discriminate against protected classes or increase rent in retaliation against tenants who exercise their rights (such as by complaining).
Frequency of Increases
As long as they follow the correct notice procedures each time, landlords are free to raise rent as frequently as they choose.
In conclusion
In West Virginia, tenants should pay close attention to their leases and any correspondence from their landlords about possible rent hikes. Tenants can more successfully negotiate their rights and obligations if they are aware of these laws.
