On Mar. 6, WV LEG passed bill to clarify that squatting is trespassing.
WV LEG passed Bill HB 4940 to ensure squatters cannot be considered tenants in WV.
Squatter Rights
Bill amends Code of West Virginia, 1931, to add WV LEG 37-6-31, WV LEG 55-3C-1 and WV LEG 55-3C-2 to clarify that squatting is a wrongful occupation of property.
Also clarified that petition and eviction are not appropriate remedies to remove squatters from property, as they are not tenants, and that squatting is trespassing.
Defines a squatter as a person who is unlawfully occupying a dwelling, and does not include a tenant who holds over in a periodic tenancy as defined in WV LEG 37-6-5.
Legislative History
On Jan. 19, 2024, bill introduced in House; on Feb. 6, 2024, bill was passed in House.
On Feb. 7, 2024, bill delivered to Senate; on Mar. 5, 2024, bill was passed in Senate.
On Mar. 6, 2024, bill concurred and re-passed in House; pending delivery to governor.
Effectiveness
If enacted, bill HB 4940 is effective 90 days from passage, on Jun. 4, 2024.
Mar. 22, 2024 WV LEG Governor Approval
On Mar. 22, 2024, WV LEG reported governor approved HB4940, effective Jun. 4, 2024
