West Virginia Security Deposit Demand Letter
A free West Virginia security deposit demand letter that follows West Virginia law. Fill in the boxes, check the rules below, then print or copy it. Keep a copy and proof of how you sent it.
What West Virginia law says
| Deposit return deadline | Within the 'notice period': 60 days after the tenancy ends, or 45 days after a new tenant occupies the unit, whichever is shorter. |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Penalty for withholding | If the violation is willful or not in good faith, tenant recovers the unreturned deposit plus damages equal to 1.5 times the amount wrongfully withheld; any award is credited against rent the tenant owes. Source: W. Va. Code § 37-6A-5(a) |
| 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. |
Fill in your letter
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To: [landlord or manager name], [landlord address]
From: [your name], former tenant at [rental address]
I moved out and returned the keys on [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount]. I gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date you gave your address].
Under W. Va. Code § 37-6A-2(a); § 37-6A-1 (definition of 'notice period'), a landlord must return the deposit, or send an itemized list of lawful deductions, by the deadline set in that law. I have not received [the deposit / an itemized list].
Please send $[amount owed] to [forwarding address] within [number] days of this letter.
If I do not receive it, I plan to file a claim in small claims court and ask for any additional amount allowed by W. Va. Code § 37-6A-5(a).
Date: [today's date]
Tenant: [your name]
Signature: ____________________
How to send it: use a method you can prove — certified mail with return receipt, or email/text if your lease allows notices that way. Write down the date.
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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.