The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to streamline eviction proceedings for wrongful occupation of residential rental property. It requires that upon filing a petition for eviction, a hearing must be scheduled by the court within five to ten judicial days. The bill specifies that the petitioner must be the owner or agent of the owner, and outlines the necessary components of the petition, including a description of the property and the reasons for eviction, such as non-payment of rent or property damage.

Additionally, the bill modifies the process for notifying the tenant of the hearing. Instead of the previous requirement for the petitioner to request a hearing time from the court, the court will now automatically schedule a hearing upon the petition's filing. The petitioner is then responsible for serving notice of the hearing to the tenant, which must inform them of their right to submit a defense in writing within five days of receiving the notice. This change aims to expedite the eviction process while ensuring that tenants are adequately informed of their rights and the proceedings against them.

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