Bill > HB5603

This bill, titled the Out-of-state Landowner Dilapidated Property Accountability Act, aims to address issues caused by neglected properties owned by individuals or entities whose primary residence or business is outside of West Virginia. It defines an "out-of-state landowner" as someone owning West Virginia property but living elsewhere, and a "dilapidated property" as a structure that is unsafe, unfit for habitation, violates codes, or has been vacant and unsecured for over a year. The bill requires these out-of-state landowners to register their property ownership with a local "enforcing authority" (like a municipality or county) within 60 days of purchase, providing a physical address, an in-state agent for legal matters, and contact information, with failure to register incurring fines. If a property is deemed dilapidated, the enforcing authority will notify the landowner and their designated agent, setting a deadline of at least 30 days for repairs, securing, or demolition, and outlining penalties for non-compliance. Failure to remedy the situation can result in significant civil penalties, starting at $15,000 for the first 30 days of non-compliance, with the fine doubling for each subsequent 30-day period, and each month of continued violation being considered a separate offense that accrues automatically.

Government Affairs

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5603&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill