HB 5334
Relating to lease termination and tenant privacy
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill establishes a tenant’s rights in West Virginia, specifically addressing their ability to contact emergency services without landlord interference, terminate a lease due to fear of violence (including domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking), and maintain privacy within their rental property. It provides a process for tenants to seek police assistance and outlines conditions under which a lease can be terminated without penalty, and it introduces protections against unwarranted landlord entry.
Key provisions
- Tenants can contact emergency services without landlord restriction or penalty.
- Tenants facing domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual extortion, or stalking can terminate their lease without penalty.
- Landlords cannot penalize tenants for calling emergency services.
- Landlords must provide reasonable notice before entering a tenant's unit, except in specific circumstances.
- Landlords cannot disclose information about a tenant’s situation after a lease termination due to violence.
- A tenant can bring a civil action against a landlord for violating the tenant’s rights under this bill.
- The bill preempts local ordinances that conflict with its provisions.
- Qualified third parties, such as healthcare professionals or advocates, can provide documentation to support lease termination requests.
Who is affected
- Residential Tenants
- Landlords
- Domestic Violence Victims
- Sexual Assault Survivors
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