W. Va. Code §§ 55-3C-1 to 55-3C-6 § 55-3C-6
Fraudulent sale or lease of residential real property.
Operative Text
Any person who knowingly lists or advertises residential real property or a commercial building for sale or renting without legal title or authority is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be imprisoned in the penitentiary not less than one nor more than 10 years, or, in the discretion of the court, be confined in jail not more than one year and shall be fined not more than $2,500.
West Virginia Code § 55-3C-6, part of the Stop Squatters Act, makes it a felony to knowingly list or advertise residential real property or a commercial building for sale or rent without having legal title or the authority to do so. A person convicted under this provision faces a prison sentence of one to ten years, or at the court's discretion, up to one year in jail, along with a fine of up to $2,500. The law targets fraudulent schemes in which someone purports to offer property they have no legal right to sell or lease.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under § 55-3C-6 are expected to ensure that any listing or advertisement for sale or rental is backed by clear legal title or documented authority to act on behalf of the titleholder. Compliant operators typically maintain records of ownership, power of attorney, or management agreements before placing a property on the market. Verifying the chain of authority before advertising helps distinguish legitimate listings from the fraudulent conduct this felony provision is designed to address.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 55-3C-6 of the West Virginia Stop Squatters Act provides important context for renters who may encounter suspicious rental listings — specifically, it establishes that advertising a property for rent without legal authority is a criminal offense. If a tenant suspects they have been defrauded by someone who lacked the right to lease a property, they may consider reporting the conduct to local law enforcement or the county prosecutor's office, as this is a felony matter. Tenant-rights organizations can also help renters understand their options when they believe they have been victimized by a fraudulent rental scheme.
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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