Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in West Virginia

Record the condition of each room on move-in and again on move-out, with photos. It is the best evidence in a security deposit dispute. Some states require a move-in condition form.

What West Virginia law says

Itemized deductions	Landlord must give the tenant a written itemization of any damages or charges deducted from the deposit. Landlord must keep itemized deduction records for 1 year after the tenancy ends and let the tenant inspect or copy them within 72 hours of a written request. Records rule: https://code.wvlegislature.gov/37-6A-3/ Source: W. Va. Code §§ 37-6A-2(a), 37-6A-3
Wear and tear / move-out charges	Not defined by statute. A security deposit may be applied only to rent due (and lease-specified late charges), damages from the tenant's noncompliance with the lease 'less reasonable wear and tear,' unpaid tenant utilities the landlord paid, reasonable removal and storage of the tenant's property, and other damages or charges provided in the rental agreement (including third-party repair contractors). Deductions must be itemized in writing within 60 days after the tenancy ends or 45 days after a new tenant moves in, whichever is shorter. Cleaning, painting and carpet are not specifically addressed. If damage exceeds the deposit and requires a third-party contractor, the landlord gets an extra 15 days to itemize after giving timely notice. A pet fee is not part of the deposit if agreed in writing to be nonrefundable (§ 37-6A-1(14)). Source: W. Va. Code § 37-6A-1(7); § 37-6A-2(a)-(c)

Itemized deductions

Landlord must give the tenant a written itemization of any damages or charges deducted from the deposit. Landlord must keep itemized deduction records for 1 year after the tenancy ends and let the tenant inspect or copy them within 72 hours of a written request.

Records rule: https://code.wvlegislature.gov/37-6A-3/

Source: W. Va. Code §§ 37-6A-2(a), 37-6A-3

Wear and tear / move-out charges

Not defined by statute. A security deposit may be applied only to rent due (and lease-specified late charges), damages from the tenant's noncompliance with the lease 'less reasonable wear and tear,' unpaid tenant utilities the landlord paid, reasonable removal and storage of the tenant's property, and other damages or charges provided in the rental agreement (including third-party repair contractors). Deductions must be itemized in writing within 60 days after the tenancy ends or 45 days after a new tenant moves in, whichever is shorter. Cleaning, painting and carpet are not specifically addressed.

If damage exceeds the deposit and requires a third-party contractor, the landlord gets an extra 15 days to itemize after giving timely notice. A pet fee is not part of the deposit if agreed in writing to be nonrefundable (§ 37-6A-1(14)).

Source: W. Va. Code § 37-6A-1(7); § 37-6A-2(a)-(c)

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MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT CONDITION CHECKLIST — [rental address]

Tenant: [tenant name] Landlord: [landlord name]

Move-in date: [move-in date] Move-out date: [move-out date]

Living room — walls, floors, windows, lights: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Kitchen — appliances, cabinets, sink, counters: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bathroom(s) — toilet, tub/shower, sink, fan: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bedroom(s) — walls, floors, closets, windows: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested: move-in ______ / move-out ______ Keys given: [number of keys]

Photos taken on: [photo dates]. Signed by tenant ____________ and landlord ____________

Move-In / Move-Out Checklist for other states · West Virginia tenant rights

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.