| Rent Increase Facts | Answer |
| Reason Needed? | No |
| Maximum Amount | None |
| Required Notice | No Statute |
Does West Virginia Have Rent Control Laws?
West Virginia does not have rent control laws limiting the amount that landlords request. However, state law does not prohibit local governments from establishing rent control laws.
When Can a Landlord Raise Rent in West Virginia?
Landlords in West Virginia can raise the rent at any time, as long as they comply with the following:
- Give reasonable notice
- Wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease)
- Aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons
- Don’t break any local rent control laws
30 days before the end of a year-long lease, a landlord sends the tenant a notice that rent will increase by $125 per month if they choose to renew the lease.
When Can’t a Landlord Raise Rent in West Virginia?
Landlords in West Virginia may not raise the rent if:
- It is during the middle of a lease’s fixed term (unless stated otherwise in the lease agreement).
- It is done in response to a protected tenant action, such as filing a complaint. This is known as “retaliation.”
- The increase is applied in a way that discriminates against one of the protected classes specified in the Fair Housing Act.
How Often Can Rent Be Increased in West Virginia?
Landlords in West Virginia can increase the rent as often as they choose as long as they provide notice each time.
How Much Notice is Needed to Raise Rent in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, landlords cannot raise the rent during a lease term. State law does not require a specific notice period before raising the rent.
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, landlords can raise the rent by any amount. There is no legal limit or cap on the amount of a rent increase.
