The bill amends the eviction proceedings under West Virginia law, specifically targeting the process for filing and scheduling hearings related to the wrongful occupation of residential rental properties. It mandates that upon the filing of an eviction petition, the court must schedule a hearing within five to ten judicial days. Additionally, it allows tenants to file and serve a written defense to the eviction petition within five days of receiving notice of the petition.

The new legal language inserted into the law specifies that the hearing must occur within the stipulated timeframe and outlines the requirement for the petitioner to serve notice to the tenant regarding the hearing and the opportunity to file a defense. This amendment aims to streamline the eviction process while ensuring that tenants have a fair chance to respond to eviction claims.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 55-3A-1
Engrossed Version: 55-3A-1
Enrolled Version: 55-3A-1