What is considered landlord harassment in WV?

Asked by: Ivory Leffler  |  Last update: May 10, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (60 votes)

Verbal threats, threats of physical violence, or actual physical contact are all examples of landlord harassment. Also, keep in mind that verbal threats can occur via face-to-face interaction, over the phone, or in writing.

What is considered tenant harassing landlord?

Tenant harassment, in this context, refers to any act or behavior by a tenant that is intended to intimidate, threaten, or cause distress to a property manager or landlord. This can take various forms such as verbal abuse, assault, property damage, or even stalking.

What is considered harassment in WV?

(b) Harassment. — Any person who harasses, or repeatedly makes credible threats against another is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be confined in jail for not more than six months, or fined not more than $1,000, or both fined and confined.

What can a landlord not do in WV?

Tenants should notify the landlord in writing of any damages and/or needed repairs prior to taking possession of a rental housing unit. 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 through court.

What not to say to a landlord?

5 Things You Should Never Say When Renting an Apartment
  • 'I hate my current landlord' Every potential landlord is going to ask why you're moving. ...
  • 'Let me ask you one more question' ...
  • 'I can't wait to get a puppy' ...
  • 'My partner works right up the street' ...
  • 'I move all the time'

How To Identify Landlord Harassment and Make it Stop

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How do you deal with a disrespectful landlord?

So, to protect yourself from a bad landlord, you may take legal actions against them. Collect some solid proofs like security camera recordings and notices in written form, file a complaint against the landlords and get an injunctive order from the court to stop the harassing behaviors.

Can my landlord say bad things about me?

Rest assured there are no privacy laws limiting what a landlord can or can't disclose about a previous tenant. You can say anything you wish.

Who do you report landlords to in WV?

Tenants should report any unfit housing conditions to the landlord, or to local government agencies such as the building code inspector, fire marshal, or health department.

What is landlord neglect?

Under California law, landlords are required to adhere to the implied warranty of habitability, which ensures that rental properties meet basic health and safety standards. Examples of landlord negligence include: Ignoring critical repairs, such as broken plumbing or faulty electrical systems.

Is West Virginia a landlord-friendly state?

West Virginia is a very landlord-friendly state because of the lack of rent control laws and there are very few restrictions on evictions.

What falls under the category of harassment?

Offensive conduct may include, but is not limited to, offensive jokes, slurs, epithets or name calling, physical assaults or threats, intimidation, ridicule or mockery, insults or put-downs, offensive objects or pictures, and interference with work performance.

How to file a harassment complaint in WV?

File a report with the appropriate federal or state agency

If your employer has 15 or more employees, you can file a complaint with the EEOC. Violations of the West Virginia Human Rights Act, which prohibits sexual harassment, are investigated by the West Virginia Human Rights Commission (HRC).

Should I press charges for harassment?

If the harasser's actions towards you put you in fear for your life or safety, the police can investigate and potentially press criminal charges. However, even if the harasser's actions aren't necessarily criminal, you can still get a restraining order to keep them away from you.

Can I press charges on my landlord?

The short answer to this question is: Yes, you can. If you are a tenant, there could be many legitimate situations when suing your landlord is the best or only option available. However, there are pros and cons to taking legal action against your landlord.

Can you be evicted for false accusations?

In a case where an eviction would be a possibility, your landlord would need to be involved. They would need to handle the eviction. If a neighbor harasses you enough, your landlord might take action, too. False reports from neighbors, particularly if they unnecessarily file police reports, can be a crime.

How to get an injunction against a landlord?

To get an injunction, you need to make a formal application to the civil court.

Is my landlord allowed to ignore me?

An unresponsive landlord might mean you may need to follow up a few times. But you might think, "My landlord keeps ignoring my phone calls!" In these situations, you may need to take legal action.

Can landlords report bad tenants?

Landlords can also report late payments or lease violations so patterns of delinquent behavior are documented. This dual reporting system benefits the entire rental ecosystem. Landlords have a centralized resource for Tenant records to reduce income loss and property damage.

What do you call a bad landlord?

A slumlord (or slum landlord) is a slang term for a landlord, generally an absentee landlord with more than one property, who attempts to maximize profit by minimizing spending on property maintenance, and usually rents to tenants that they can intimidate.

Can you withhold rent in WV?

You must keep the rent money even if you do not give it to the landlord. You may not withhold rent if (1) you were already behind in your payments when the damage occurred –OR—(2) you, your family, or a guest of yours, caused the damage. Steps to Withhold Rent: Let the landlord know of the damage in writing.

What are hud violations?

It is illegal discrimination to take any of the following actions because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, familial status, or national origin: Refuse to rent or sell housing. Refuse to negotiate for housing. Otherwise make housing unavailable.

How much compensation for landlord negligence?

Calculate fair compensation by totaling your medical bills, out-of-pocket medical expenses, and lost wages. Then, add one or two times that amount for pain and suffering.

Can I argue with my landlord?

As a landlord or a tenant, it is possible to enter into a disagreement with the other party at some point within the timeframe set out in the rental agreement. Whether this disagreement is concerning rent, the condition of the rental unit, or otherwise, it must be resolved straight away.

Can you be evicted for cursing at your landlord?

She can not evict you for being rude. It violates the law. She must have a valid reason that you violated the terms of the lease. Even if she states you violated the lease, the court will require her to give you the opportunity to correct the violation.

What makes a bad tenant?

Problematic tenants often show similar patterns of behavior. They might frequently miss rent payments, cause disturbances with neighbors, or neglect your property. These issues can lead to increased costs and stress for you as a landlord.