Source: http://www.wvlegislature.gov/bill_status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=HB3202%20SUB.htm&yr=2011&sesstype=RS&billtype=B&houseorig=H&i=3202
Timestamp: 2019-04-19 03:08:12+00:00

Document:
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new article, designated §37-6A-1, §37-6A-2, §37-6A-3, §37-6A-4, §37-6A-5 and §37-6A-6, all relating to residential rental security deposits; relevant definitions; security deposits; maintenance of records; prohibited provisions in rental agreements; remedies upon landlord’s noncompliance; application of article; security deposits prior to effective date of article.
(c) The landlord shall notify, in writing, the tenant of any deductions to be made from the tenant's security deposit during the course of the tenancy of which the landlord is aware. Such notification shall not be required for deductions made less than thirty days prior to the termination of the rental agreement. A landlord who makes any deductions from the tenant’s security deposit pursuant to this section may not use the circumstances related to the deduction as a basis for the termination of the tenancy.
(d) In the event that damages to the premises exceed the amount of the security deposit and require the services of a third party contractor, the landlord shall give written notice to the tenant, advising him or her of that fact, within the applicable notice period. If notice is given as prescribed in this subsection, the landlord shall have an additional fifteen day period to provide an itemization of the damages and the cost of repair.
(e) Nothing in this section shall be construed by a court of law or otherwise as entitling the tenant, upon the termination of the tenancy, to an immediate credit against the tenant's delinquent rent account in the amount of the security deposit.
(f) The holder of the landlord's interest in the premises at the time of the termination of the tenancy, regardless of how the interest is acquired or transferred, is bound by this section and shall be required to return any security deposit received by the original landlord that is duly owed to the tenant. The provisions of this subsection apply whether or not such security deposit is transferred with the landlord's interest by law or equity, and regardless of any contractual agreements between the original landlord and his or her successors in interest.
(g) If the tenant has any assignee or sublessee, the landlord shall be entitled to hold a security deposit from only one party in compliance with the provisions of this section.
(h) For the purposes of this section, the delivery to a tenant of a security deposit and/or any notice prescribed by this section, may be accomplished by either personal delivery to the tenant, or by mailing the deposit and/or notice to the tenant's last known address or forwarding address as provided by the tenant. Provided, That if personal delivery is not reasonably possible and a deposit or notice mailed to hte tenant at his or her last known address or forwarding address provided is returned as non-deliverable, then the landlord shall hold the deposit or notice for the period of one year, to be personally delivered to the tenant, or his or her authorized agent or attorney, at the landlord's place of business during normal business hours within seventy-two hours of a written request from the tenant.
(b) This section does not limit rights or remedies available to a landlord or tenant under any other law.
(a) The provisions of this article shall apply to all rental premises or units used for dwelling purposes.

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