Locked Out By The Landlord
W. Va. Code § 55-3-1 and W. Va. Code § 55-3A-3 — the sheriff removes a tenant after an order, and three years to sue for an unlawful entry
In an eviction, the court's order sets a time to leave, and if the tenant stays past it, the sheriff removes the tenant, guarding against damage to both sides' property.
Turned out without an order. A person forcibly or unlawfully turned out of possession, whatever right or title they had, may within three years sue in circuit court for the premises and damages.
If it appears the person was forcibly or unlawfully turned out, the verdict is for the person, for the premises and for damages for the time they were kept out.
A particular lockout is a question for a licensed West Virginia attorney.
Sources for this section (3)
- W. Va. Code § 55-3-1 — Unlawful entry and detainer: issuance of summons
- W. Va. Code § 55-3-4 — Unlawful entry and detainer: period of limitation; verdict and judgment
- W. Va. Code § 55-3A-3 — Proceedings in court; final order; disposition of abandoned personal property
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed West Virginia attorney.