West Virginia Code
Article 1. Vendor's and Trust Deed Liens
§38-1-17. Personal Property After Foreclosure; Notice and Access to Recover Personal Property; Abandonment

Following a foreclosure on residential real property pursuant to this article, and after the previous owner has vacated the property either voluntarily or following an eviction proceeding, any personal property remaining on the real property may be deemed abandoned if the purchaser of the real property provides notice, pursuant to this section, and the personal property remains on the real property at the conclusion of the notice period. The notice shall state that the personal property will be deemed abandoned if it is not removed from the real property before the end of the thirtieth day following the postmark date of the notice. If the locks are changed or the previous owner is otherwise prevented from accessing the personal property, the purchaser shall provide the previous owner access to the personal property on reasonable terms. The notice shall state a phone number, a mailing address, and a physical address where the purchaser or an agent for the purchaser who can provide access to the personal property can be contacted; and shall further state that the previous owner may contact the purchaser, and that purchaser will provide the previous owner access to the personal property on reasonable terms. The notice shall be sent to the former owner(s) of the real property at all the address(es) to which notice of foreclosure sale was sent as set forth in the trustee's report of sale, as well as the last known address, if different. If the purchaser has received notice in writing or by electronic record that personal property belongs to another or that another person or entity has a security interest in the personal property, and if that person's or entity's mailing address is also received by the purchaser in writing or by electronic record, notice shall be sent to that person or entity as well. The notice shall be made to all required persons, as stated in this section, by both certified mail and regular mail. The notice is complete when mailed, notwithstanding the fact that the notice may be returned as unclaimed or refused. If the notice period passes and the personal property remains on the real property, then the personal property shall be deemed abandoned and the purchaser of the real property may dispose of the remaining personal property in the purchaser's discretion. The notice required by this section may not be waived before the property is vacated.

Structure West Virginia Code