Tips for Renters in West Virginia: How to Get Your Security Deposit Back in Full
Security deposits are a major expense for renters across West Virginia, especially in cities like Charleston, Huntington, Teays Valley, St. Albans, Dunbar, and Hurricane. When your lease ends, that deposit can be a valuable refund — if you take the right steps to protect it. Many renters lose part of their security deposit simply because they didn’t document the condition of the home or weren’t aware of their responsibilities.
If you’re preparing to move out of an apartment or rental home in West Virginia, here’s what you need to know to increase your chances of getting back every dollar.
Common Reasons Deposits Are Withheld in West Virginia Rentals
West Virginia landlords are allowed to deduct from your security deposit for specific reasons. The most common ones include:
Damage Beyond Normal Wear
Examples include large wall holes, cracked tiles, damaged flooring, or pet-related issues.
How to avoid deductions: Fix small holes, prevent pet scratching, and notify the landlord early if something breaks.
Poor Cleaning at Move-Out
Dirty appliances, stained carpets, and unclean bathrooms are frequent complaints from property managers in Charleston and surrounding areas.
How to avoid deductions: Leave the place move-in ready. Deep clean kitchens, bathrooms, and floors — including baseboards.
Unpaid Rent or Fees
Any remaining balance owed at the time you move out will be deducted immediately.
How to avoid deductions: Confirm final charges and pay everything on time before turning in your keys.
Personal Items Left Behind
Furniture, boxes, and trash removal often come with labor fees.
How to avoid deductions: Clear every space — garages, sheds, storage units, and high shelves.
Unauthorized Painting or Improvements
Painting walls a new color without approval or removing fixtures can be costly.
How to avoid deductions: Always get written permission for changes.
Protect Yourself Early: Document Move-In Conditions
One of the best deposit-saving strategies starts the day you move in. Before setting up furniture:
✅ Take photos and video of every room
✅ Capture existing stains, marks, dents, and wear
✅ Record serial numbers for appliances
✅ Highlight anything already broken or damaged
Then email the landlord the photos and a short list of existing issues. Not a text — not a phone call — an email creates a timestamped record. This prevents a landlord from claiming that damage was caused during your tenancy.
This step is especially important in older homes throughout the Charleston East End, South Hills, Kanawha City, and Cabell County rental markets where properties may already show signs of age.
Plan Your Move-Out in Advance
Instead of scrambling during the final week, start early:
Review your lease’s move-out checklist
Request a pre-move-out walk-through with your landlord if possible
Touch up paint (if approved), replace broken blinds, scrub grout, etc.
Keep receipts for any repairs or professional cleaners
If something breaks near the end of your lease — report it. Trying to hide damage almost always results in a larger deduction.
Know Your Rights as a West Virginia Renter
West Virginia law generally requires landlords to:
Provide itemized deductions from your deposit
Return the remaining balance within 45 days after move-out, depending on circumstances
If you document well and follow the move-out terms, you’ll be in a strong position should a dispute arise.
Final Takeaway
Getting your security deposit back doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With proper cleaning, careful maintenance, and strong documentation, especially at move-in, you can confidently leave knowing you’ve met your responsibilities.
Whether you’re renting in Charleston, WV, Huntington, WV, or elsewhere in the region, taking these steps puts you in the best position to protect your money at the end of your lease.