W. Va. Code §§ 37-6-1 to 37-6-31 § 37-6-27
Defects in entry proceedings.
Operative Text
No person who, or those under whom he claims, shall have been possessed of lands by virtue of a reentry, for the term of two years, shall be disturbed therein by suit or otherwise for any defect of proceedings in such reentry.
West Virginia Code § 37-6-27 establishes a two-year quiet-title window for reentries: once a landlord or other claimant has held possession of land through a reentry for two full years, that possession cannot be challenged—whether by lawsuit or any other means—solely on the ground that the reentry proceedings contained a procedural defect. The rule effectively cures technical errors in the reentry process after the two-year period has run. It does not address the underlying merits of who has the superior right to the property, only the procedural validity of how reentry was accomplished.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 37-6-27, property owners or managers who have regained possession of land through a reentry generally find that, after maintaining that possession for two uninterrupted years, procedural irregularities in the reentry process can no longer be used to unsettle their hold on the property. Compliant operators typically document the date reentry was established and maintain clear records of continuous possession throughout that period. Keeping thorough records of the reentry and any related proceedings supports a clear chain of possession should questions arise.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 37-6-27 is relevant to tenants or former occupants who believe a landlord's reentry was carried out through defective or irregular proceedings: any challenge based solely on those procedural defects must generally be raised before two years of the opposing party's possession have elapsed. After that window closes, the statute bars disturbance of the possessor on procedural grounds alone, though other substantive claims may remain available depending on the circumstances. Tenants who believe a reentry was improper may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office promptly to understand what options exist under West Virginia law.
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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