W. Va. Code §§ 16B-18-1 to 16B-18-21 § 16B-18-18
Effect on other laws.
Operative Text
Nothing in this article shall be construed to invalidate or limit any law of this state or of any political subdivision of this state, that grants, guarantees or protects the same rights as are granted by this article; but any law of this state or any political subdivision hereof that purports to require or permit any action that would be a discriminatory housing practice under this article shall to that extent be invalid.
West Virginia Code § 16B-18-18 establishes a relationship between the state Fair Housing Act and other laws operating at the state or local level. Laws that provide equal or greater fair housing protections are left intact and continue to operate alongside this article. However, any state or local law that would require or allow conduct that this article defines as a discriminatory housing practice is rendered invalid to that extent.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 16B-18-18, property owners and managers operating in West Virginia should be aware that local ordinances or other state laws may impose fair housing obligations that go beyond — but not below — the baseline set by this article. A compliant operator generally reviews both state and any applicable local fair housing rules to ensure their policies do not rely on a local provision that conflicts with this article. Because a conflicting local law is invalid to the extent of that conflict, relying on it as justification for a housing practice does not provide a safe harbor.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 16B-18-18 means that tenants in West Virginia may be protected by local or other state fair housing laws that offer broader protections than the state Fair Housing Act itself, and those broader protections remain valid. If a tenant believes a housing practice is discriminatory, they may explore whether local ordinances provide additional avenues for relief beyond what this article covers. General enforcement paths can include filing a complaint with a relevant housing authority, raising a violation as a defense in a housing proceeding, or consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with both state and local fair housing 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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