W. Va. Code § 16B-17 § 16B-17-14
Penalty.
Operative Text
Any person who shall willfully resist, prevent, impede or interfere with the commission, its members, agents or agencies in the performance of duties pursuant to this article, or shall willfully violate a final order of the commission, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500, or by imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court, but seeking judicial review of an order shall not be deemed to be such willful conduct.
West Virginia Code § 16B-17-14 establishes criminal consequences for anyone who willfully obstructs or defies the state Human Rights Commission in carrying out its housing-related duties. A person who interferes with the Commission's work or violates one of its final orders can be charged with a misdemeanor, which may result in a fine between $100 and $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both. Importantly, the provision carves out an explicit protection: seeking judicial review of a Commission order is not treated as willful interference under this section.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to proceedings under West Virginia Code § 16B-17-14 should be aware that compliance with the Human Rights Commission's processes and final orders is legally required. Operators who cooperate with Commission investigations, respond to inquiries, and adhere to any final orders issued against them avoid exposure to misdemeanor charges. Exercising the right to appeal or seek judicial review of a Commission order is expressly permitted and does not constitute the kind of willful conduct this provision penalizes.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under West Virginia Code § 16B-17-14, tenants who have obtained a favorable final order from the Human Rights Commission have the backing of a criminal penalty provision if a landlord willfully defies that order. If a landlord obstructs the Commission's work or refuses to comply with a final order, that conduct can be reported to the Commission, which has authority to pursue enforcement. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with West Virginia's Human Rights Act can help explain what options exist when a party fails to comply with Commission proceedings or orders.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 26, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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