National Eviction

How long does an eviction take in West Virginia?

For landlords and property managers · Updated September 2026

There is no fixed timetable for every step in West Virginia; the court's calendar sets the pace.

The West Virginia eviction timeline, step by step

Calendar days for a nonpayment case the tenant does not contest. Business and court days are converted to calendar days.

  1. 1Notice for unpaid rent

    0 days

    From serving the notice until you can file.

    No notice required

  2. 2Court case

    7 to 14 days

    From filing through service and the answer period or first hearing, to a judgment for possession.

    Hearing set 5 to 10 judicial days (about 7-14 days) after filing

    From our guide: “not less than five nor more than 10 judicial days later”

  3. 3Judgment to possession

    Varies

    Any waiting period before the writ issues, plus the officer's notice before the lockout.

    Varies; set by the court

What can slow it down

  • Article 3A requires no pre-suit notice for nonpayment, breach or damage cases; the possession order sets its own vacate date at the court's discretion, weighing factors like whether the unit is furnished, with no fixed statutory number of days.
  • A defective notice is the most common reason a case is dismissed and has to start over. Check the form and the delivery method in the full guide before you serve it.
  • A tenant who files an answer, raises a defense or appeals adds hearings and waiting periods. Busy urban dockets can add weeks at every stage.
  • Never change the locks or shut off utilities yourself. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and can cost more than the unpaid rent.

Read the full West Virginia eviction guide, with the statute or rule behind each step.

West Virginia scores 9 of 10 on our landlord-friendly states map (landlord-leaning).

Compare eviction timelines in every state.

This timeline is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Deadlines change and courts vary by county. Confirm current rules with a licensed West Virginia attorney before acting.