Landlord locked me out or cut utilities in West Virginia: what to do

If you answered “Yes” to “Are you or anyone (children, elderly, someone with a medical device) in danger without heat, power or shelter right now?”

If anyone is in danger from cold, heat or loss of power for medical equipment, call 911. Call 211 for emergency shelter.

Why: Safety first.

Call the police non-emergency line and say the landlord locked you out (or cut utilities) without a court order. Show your lease or ID with the address.

Why: Police may help you get back in or at least make a report.

Take photos and video of the changed locks, notices, utility shutoff, or your belongings outside.

Why: Evidence for court and damages.

If you answered “Not sure” to “Has a court ordered you out, or did a sheriff, marshal or constable come?”

If you're not sure whether a court ordered you out, call the court clerk or legal aid and ask whether there is an eviction judgment or writ for your address.

Why: A lawful removal by an officer and an illegal lockout call for different steps.

If you answered “My things were removed” to “What happened?”

If your belongings were removed, list what is missing and ask the landlord in writing where they are and when you can get them.

Why: A written request and a list are proof for a claim for your property.

If you answered “Utilities shut off” to “What happened?”

If utilities are off, call the utility company: ask whether the account is in your name or the landlord's and whether they can restore service.

Why: Utilities sometimes restore service to tenants when the landlord fails to pay or orders a shutoff.

If you answered “Yes” to “Has a court ordered you out, or did a sheriff, marshal or constable come?”

If a court order was carried out, ask the court clerk or legal aid about appeal deadlines and how to get your belongings back.

Why: Rules on stored belongings and deadlines are short and state-specific.

Check your state's lockout and utility shutoff rules on tenantrightsmap.com (eviction page).

Why: Some states set fixed money penalties or a fast court process.

Contact legal aid and ask about an emergency court order to get back in.

Why: Some states let a court order the landlord to restore access or service quickly; legal aid knows your state's process.

Write down the costs you have because of the lockout (hotel, food, lost work, damaged items).

Why: Many states let you recover damages and some add a penalty; your state's eviction page says which.

You can sue the landlord for damages and any penalty your state allows; check whether it fits in small claims.

Why: Some states set lockout penalties by statute; your state page says if yours does.

If the landlord also filed an eviction, keep going to court and raise the lockout there.

Why: The lockout doesn't end the court case.