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Eviction in Kanawha County (Charleston), West Virginia

Where eviction cases are filed in Kanawha County (Charleston), what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.

Quick facts: eviction in Kanawha County (Charleston)

Eviction court
Kanawha County Magistrate Court — Magistrate court (circuit court also has jurisdiction) Court page
Notice before filing (state law)
No pre-filing notice required by statute. Landlord may file a verified petition for summary relief for rent arrears directly in magistrate or circuit court. West Virginia rules
HUD Fair Market Rent, 2-bedroom (FY2026)
$1,036/month HUD
Renter households
22,131 (29% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024

Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-28

Where eviction cases are filed in Kanawha County (Charleston)

Eviction cases in Kanawha County (Charleston) are heard by the Kanawha County Magistrate Court (Magistrate court (circuit court also has jurisdiction)).

Court eviction page

Magistrate Court Clerk: 304-357-0422 (fax 304-357-0431). Circuit Clerk: 304-357-0440. Kanawha has 13 magistrates, the most of any West Virginia county. Statewide wrongful-occupation petition and summons forms are published by the West Virginia judiciary.

How eviction cases work locally

MagistratesThe West Virginia judiciary notes there are at least two magistrates in every county and thirteen in Kanawha, the largest county.
Source: Official source

The West Virginia eviction process

West Virginia state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Kanawha County (Charleston):

  1. No statutory pre-filing notice required for summary relief based on rent arrears, lease breach, or damage (W. Va. Code § 55-3A-1)
  2. Owner or agent files a verified petition for summary relief for wrongful occupation of residential rental property
  3. Court sets a hearing 5 to 10 judicial days after filing; tenant is served by Rule 4 service or certified mail, return receipt requested
  4. Tenant may file and serve a written defense within 5 days of receiving the notice; a jury demand must be made within 5 days of service
  5. If the tenant files no answer or appearance, the court grants immediate possession; otherwise a hearing is held on the tenant's defenses
  6. Order grants possession and sets the date the tenant must vacate
  7. If the tenant stays past that date, the sheriff removes the tenant

Full West Virginia eviction rules with sources →

Rent in Kanawha County (Charleston)

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Charleston, WV HUD Metro FMR Area (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):

Studio$714
1 bedroom$829
2 bedrooms$1,036
3 bedrooms$1,325
4 bedrooms$1,372

Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation

Median gross rent in Kanawha County (Charleston): $906/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).

County tenant ordinance

No county-level landlord-tenant ordinance identified; wrongful occupation cases follow state law (W. Va. Code ch. 55, art. 3A).

Eviction help in Kanawha County (Charleston)

Free legal help

Tenant and eviction lawyers in Kanawha County (Charleston)

Section 8 and public housing in Kanawha County (Charleston)

All West Virginia housing authorities →

Other West Virginia counties

Related

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file an eviction in Kanawha County (Charleston)?
Eviction cases in Kanawha County (Charleston) are filed with the Kanawha County Magistrate Court.
Where can I get help with an eviction in Kanawha County (Charleston)?
Legal Aid of West Virginia.
What is the fair market rent in Kanawha County (Charleston)?
HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit is $1,036 per month (1-bedroom: $829).

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.