Bill > SB168

This bill amends existing West Virginia law to explicitly prohibit rent control measures across the state. Specifically, the bill prevents any political subdivision (such as counties, townships, or municipalities) from enacting, adopting, renewing, maintaining, or enforcing any ordinances, resolutions, or rules that regulate rental rates. The bill defines "rent control" broadly, including any measures that require below-market rents, prohibit rent increases, regulate rental rate changes between tenancies, limit rental rate increases, or control rental rates based on tenant income or wealth. By introducing these provisions, the bill effectively prevents local governments from implementing any form of rent control, ensuring that landlords have full discretion in setting and increasing rental rates for residential properties. The legislation maintains existing provisions about rent recovery and adds clear language to preempt any local attempts to regulate rental pricing, thereby providing a uniform approach to rental agreements across West Virginia.

Government Affairs

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=168&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill