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Housing assistance in West Virginia

In West Virginia, heating help through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is run by the state Department of Human Services, and you can apply through WV PATH, local DoHS offices, or community action agencies. Section 8 vouchers and public housing come from local housing authorities. The West Virginia Housing Development Fund runs homebuyer loans and oversees project-based Section 8 contracts across the state.

Last checked Sources

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Charleston-Kanawha Housing AuthorityCharlestonPublic housing agencyHuntington West Virginia Housing AuthorityHuntingtonPublic housing agencyParkersburg Housing AuthorityParkersburgPublic housing agency West Virginia Housing Development FundStatewideHousing finance agency Every housing agency in West VirginiaHUD directoryFind agencies serving your area

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in West Virginia

Energy and utility bills

  • Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) West Virginia Department of Human Services

    Helps eligible low-income households with heating costs; apply online at WV PATH, at local DoHS offices, or through community action agencies during the application period, which ran February 2–20, 2026 or until funds ran out.

Free legal help

  • Legal Aid WV Legal Aid WV

    Free civil legal help with housing and other issues for eligible West Virginians; apply online or call the helpline.

    Call 866-255-4370

Buying a home

  • Low Down Home Loan West Virginia Housing Development Fund

    A 15-year, 2% second mortgage for down payment and closing costs, used together with WVHDF's Homeownership or Movin' Up loans.

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in West Virginia

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

No statutory cap on the amount of a security deposit.

W. Va. Code § 37-6A-1

Deposit return deadline

Deposit, minus deductions, must be returned with a written itemization within 60 days after the tenancy ends, or within 45 days after a new tenant moves in, whichever is shorter. If damages exceed the deposit and need a third-party contractor, the landlord may give written notice and get an extra 15 days to itemize.

W. Va. Code §§ 37-6A-1, 37-6A-2

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

No pre-filing notice is required by statute; the landlord may petition the magistrate court when rent is in arrears. The hearing is set 5 to 10 judicial days after filing, and the tenant may file a written defense within 5 days after receiving notice.

W. Va. Code § 55-3A-1

Landlord entry notice

No statute specifying notice; check the lease.

W. Va. Code ch. 37, art. 6

If the landlord won’t make repairs

Landlords must deliver and maintain fit and habitable premises, but the statute does not provide a repair-and-deduct or rent-withholding remedy. Landlords are not required to make repairs while the tenant is behind on rent.

W. Va. Code § 37-6-30

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve West Virginia

More local contacts: HUD’s West Virginia resource page.

Next steps

  1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
  2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
  3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
  4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

  1. W. Va. Code § 37-6A-1West Virginia Legislature
  2. W. Va. Code § 37-6A-2West Virginia Legislature
  3. W. Va. Code § 55-3A-1West Virginia Legislature
  4. W. Va. Code ch. 37, art. 6West Virginia Legislature
  5. W. Va. Code § 37-6-30West Virginia Legislature
  6. DoHS Announces Energy Assistance Program for Low-Income ResidentsWest Virginia Department of Human Services
  7. Legal Aid WVLegal Aid WV
  8. A Guide to WVHDF Mortgage ProgramsWest Virginia Housing Development Fund
  9. Charleston-Kanawha Housing AuthorityCharleston-Kanawha Housing Authority
  10. Huntington West Virginia Housing AuthorityHuntington West Virginia Housing Authority
  11. Parkersburg Housing AuthorityParkersburg Housing Authority