West Virginia Lockouts and utility shutoffs

Can a landlord change the locks or shut off utilities in West Virginia?

The WV Attorney General's guide says it is unlawful for a landlord to lock out a tenant, shut off utilities, refuse repairs, or take other steps to effectively evict a tenant without going to court. It also says a landlord may not seize a tenant's property to collect rent.

Verified Source: WV Attorney General, Renters' Rights: A Guide to Landlord-Tenant Law in West Virginia · last checked 2026-10-15