West Virginia
West Virginia Ring Doorbell Laws: What You Need to Know in 2026
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited August 17, 2026). · Reviewed by the RecordingLaw editorial team. · Law checked current as of August 17, 2026. · 11 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
Ring doorbells are legal in West Virginia. Video recording of your own property and public areas is permitted, and audio recording is lawful under the state's one-party consent rule (W. Va. Code 62-1D-3) when the device owner is a party to the conversation.
Ring doorbells record video and audio of activity near your front door around the clock. In West Virginia, the legality of these recordings depends on what the device captures and where it points. West Virginia's one-party consent law gives doorbell camera owners more flexibility than residents of all-party consent states, but state privacy protections still set firm boundaries.
This guide breaks down every relevant West Virginia statute, explains how recording laws apply to Ring doorbells, and covers the practical rules for homeowners, renters, and residents in HOA communities.
Audio Recording Laws and Ring Doorbells
West Virginia's wiretapping statute governs audio recording by Ring doorbells. The state's one-party consent framework is the most important legal consideration for doorbell camera owners.
West Virginia's One-Party Consent Rule (W. Va. Code 62-1D-3)
Under the West Virginia Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Act (W. Va. Code 62-1D-3), it is lawful to intercept a wire, oral, or electronic communication when the person intercepting is a party to the communication or when one of the parties has given prior consent to the interception. This makes West Virginia a one-party consent state.
For Ring doorbell owners, this means the device can legally record audio of conversations where you are a participant. When you answer a Ring notification and speak with a visitor through the two-way talk feature, you are a party to the conversation and have consented to the recording.
The consent that matters is the consent of an actual party to the conversation. Owning the home or the doorbell does not make you a party to a conversation between two other people on your porch, and it does not give you authority to consent on their behalf.
The statute includes an important limitation: the one-party consent exception does not apply if the communication is intercepted "for the purpose of committing any criminal or tortious act." Recording a conversation with the intent to use it for blackmail, harassment, or other illegal purposes falls outside the legal protection.
When Audio Recording Raises Legal Concerns
Ring doorbells with audio enabled record sound continuously within their detection range. This passive recording can capture conversations between third parties on or near your property where no participant has consented.
Under W. Va. Code 62-1D-3(a), intentionally intercepting oral communications without authorization is a felony. The question of whether a continuously running Ring doorbell "intentionally" intercepts overheard conversations has not been directly addressed by West Virginia courts. The safest approach is to position the device so it primarily captures audio at your own doorstep.
The statute reaches only an "oral communication," which W. Va. Code 62-1D-2 defines as one "uttered by a person exhibiting an expectation that the communication is not subject to interception under circumstances justifying the expectation." That definition, not the homeowner's own consent, is what limits liability for ambient porch audio. Conversations on a public sidewalk where speakers make no effort to keep their words private are less likely to meet it than a hushed conversation between two people on your porch. Context matters, and the analysis turns on what the speakers expected, not on who owns the property.
Admissibility of Ring Audio as Evidence
Recordings obtained in compliance with W. Va. Code 62-1D-3 are generally admissible in West Virginia courts. Ring doorbell footage has been used across the country as evidence in criminal and civil cases, including package theft, trespassing, assault, and property disputes. As long as the recording was lawfully made and the footage is authentic and relevant, it can be presented as evidence.
Video Recording Laws and Ring Doorbells
West Virginia does not have a broad statute prohibiting outdoor video surveillance on private property. Video recording faces fewer restrictions than audio recording, and Ring doorbell owners have significant freedom to record their own property and public-facing areas.
Legal Video Recording
Recording video of public spaces, including sidewalks, streets, your driveway, and your front porch, is broadly permitted in West Virginia. Ring doorbells are designed to face outward from the front door, and because they typically capture areas with limited privacy expectations, the video component creates few legal issues.
Criminal Invasion of Privacy (W. Va. Code 61-8-28)
W. Va. Code 61-8-28 addresses criminal invasion of privacy. It is unlawful to knowingly visually portray another person without their knowledge while that person is fully or partially nude and in a place where a reasonable person would have an expectation of privacy. Violations are a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
For Ring doorbell owners, this statute reinforces the importance of camera angle. A doorbell camera that captures someone inside their home through a window, in a state of undress, could trigger criminal liability. Positioning the camera to avoid capturing the interior of neighboring dwellings eliminates this risk.
Subsection (c) of the same statute reaches redistribution: displaying or distributing images knowing they were obtained in violation of the section is itself a misdemeanor, carrying up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
Nonconsensual Disclosure of Private Images (W. Va. Code 61-8-28A)
W. Va. Code 61-8-28A criminalizes the nonconsensual disclosure of private intimate images. This statute is narrower than it first appears. Subsection (b) covers disclosing a fabricated intimate image, or an image showing the depicted person's intimate parts or that person engaged in sexually explicit conduct, captured where the person reasonably expected the image would not be publicly disclosed. It also requires specific intent: the disclosure must be made to harass, intimidate, threaten, humiliate, embarrass, or coerce. It does not reach visual images generally, so ordinary doorbell footage falls outside it. Sharing Ring doorbell footage that captures intimate images without consent could fall under this provision where that intent is present.
Employer Surveillance Restrictions (W. Va. Code 21-3-20)
W. Va. Code 21-3-20 prohibits employers from operating electronic surveillance devices (including video-recording devices) in areas designed for health, personal comfort, or safeguarding of possessions, such as restrooms, locker rooms, and dressing rooms. While this statute applies to workplaces rather than residential Ring doorbells, it reflects West Virginia's broader policy of protecting privacy in sensitive spaces.
HOA Rules and Ring Doorbells
West Virginia homeowners associations can establish rules that affect Ring doorbell installation.
HOA Authority Under West Virginia Law
HOAs in West Virginia are governed by their CC&Rs and the Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (W. Va. Code Chapter 36B), which gives a unit owners' association the authority to adopt and enforce rules governing the use, maintenance, and appearance of properties within the community. W. Va. Code 36B-3-101 specifically covers how and when the association itself must be organized.
Common HOA restrictions that may apply to Ring doorbells include requiring architectural review committee approval for exterior device installation, specifying acceptable device placement or mounting locations, limiting camera angles that capture common areas or neighboring units, and requiring signage to inform visitors of recording.
Reasonableness Standard
West Virginia courts generally require HOA rules to be reasonable and applied consistently. An HOA rule that bans all security cameras may face challenges as unreasonable if it prevents homeowners from protecting their property. Conversely, rules that regulate the placement and appearance of doorbell cameras while still allowing them are more likely to be enforceable.
HOA restrictions do not override state recording laws. Even if an HOA permits Ring doorbells, the device owner must still comply with W. Va. Code 62-1D-3 (wiretapping) and W. Va. Code 61-8-28 (criminal invasion of privacy).
Landlord and Tenant Rights
West Virginia renters face unique considerations when installing Ring doorbells.
Tenant Installation Rights
West Virginia's landlord-tenant laws are found in W. Va. Code Chapter 37, Article 6. Tenants have the right to peaceful enjoyment of their rental property, which includes taking reasonable steps to secure their home.
Battery-powered Ring doorbell models that attach with adhesive or slide-on mounting brackets typically do not require landlord permission because they cause no permanent damage to the property. These devices can be removed without leaving holes or marks, making them suitable for rental properties.
Hardwired Ring models or installations that require drilling into the door frame or wall constitute modifications to the property. Under West Virginia law, tenants must not deliberately damage the landlord's property. Any installation requiring permanent alterations should be discussed with and approved by the landlord in writing before proceeding.
Landlord Surveillance Limitations
Landlords who install Ring doorbells on rental properties they own must respect tenant privacy. West Virginia's landlord-tenant law does not authorize using an exterior recording device to conduct continuous surveillance of tenants' daily activities. (W. Va. Code 37-6-5 addresses a different topic: the notice period required to terminate a tenancy.)
A Ring doorbell recording a tenant's comings and goings raises privacy concerns, particularly if audio recording captures tenant conversations. Landlords should disable audio recording on Ring doorbells installed on rental properties and use the devices only for legitimate security purposes.
Security Deposit Implications
Under West Virginia's residential security deposit article (W. Va. Code Chapter 37, Article 6A), landlords can withhold from security deposits for damages beyond normal wear and tear; W. Va. Code 37-6A-1 specifically defines "security deposit" and the article's other terms. A tenant who installs a Ring doorbell by drilling into the door frame without permission could face deductions for repair costs. Non-invasive installations avoid this issue entirely.
Law Enforcement Access to Ring Footage
Police access to Ring doorbell footage in West Virginia follows established legal process requirements.
Voluntary Sharing
West Virginia residents can voluntarily share Ring footage with law enforcement at any time. Police frequently canvass neighborhoods after property crimes and ask Ring doorbell owners to review their footage. There is no legal obligation to comply with a voluntary request.
Warrants and Subpoenas
If a homeowner declines to share footage, law enforcement can obtain it through a search warrant issued by a West Virginia court based on probable cause, a subpoena, or a court order. Amazon Ring's published law enforcement information request guidelines require valid legal process before the company will disclose customer footage, as of 2026.
The FTC Settlement and Privacy Protections
The FTC's 2023 settlement with Ring addressed concerns about employee access to customer footage and security vulnerabilities. The settlement required Ring to pay $5.8 million for consumer refunds and implement stronger privacy protections, including restrictions on human review of video, mandatory multi-factor authentication, and a comprehensive privacy and security program.
These federal protections apply to all Ring customers, including those in West Virginia, and provide an additional layer of security beyond state law.
Emergency Exceptions
Under federal law (18 U.S.C. 2702), electronic communication service providers like Amazon Ring can disclose customer records without legal process when they reasonably believe an emergency involving danger of death or serious physical injury requires immediate disclosure.
Penalties for Illegal Recording in West Virginia
West Virginia imposes both criminal and civil penalties for recording violations.
| Violation | Statute | Classification | Potential Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illegal wiretapping (interception) | W. Va. Code 62-1D-3 | Felony | Up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000 |
| Criminal invasion of privacy | W. Va. Code 61-8-28 | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year jail and $5,000 fine |
| Nonconsensual disclosure of intimate images | W. Va. Code 61-8-28A | Misdemeanor/Felony | Varies by offense level |
Civil Liability
Under W. Va. Code 62-1D-12, any person whose communication is intercepted in violation of the wiretapping statute has a civil cause of action. The statute provides for recovery of actual damages, with a minimum of $100 per day for each day of violation, and courts may also award punitive damages and reasonable attorney's fees and litigation costs under W. Va. Code 62-1D-12. This means a Ring doorbell that illegally records audio for an extended period can generate substantial civil liability for the device owner.
Felony Classification
West Virginia's wiretapping penalties are notably severe compared to many states. Illegal interception of communications is classified as a felony (not a misdemeanor), carrying up to 5 years in prison. This elevated classification reflects the state legislature's view that privacy violations involving electronic surveillance are serious offenses.
How to Use a Ring Doorbell Legally in West Virginia
These guidelines help West Virginia residents operate Ring doorbells within the law.
Position the camera to face your property and public areas. Point your Ring doorbell toward your porch, walkway, driveway, and the street. Avoid angles that capture the interior of neighboring homes through windows or doors.
Understand what one-party consent does and does not cover. W. Va. Code 62-1D-3 protects you when you are a party to the conversation, or when one of the actual parties has given prior consent. When you use the two-way talk feature, you are a party. Owning the property does not make you a party to a conversation between two visitors, and it does not let you consent for them. For passive ambient audio between third parties, your exposure turns on whether their words qualify as an "oral communication" under W. Va. Code 62-1D-2, so aim the device at your own doorstep or turn audio off.
Check your HOA rules before installation. If your community is governed by an HOA, review the CC&Rs and any architectural guidelines. Submit required applications before mounting the device. Many HOAs allow Ring doorbells with reasonable conditions.
Get landlord approval for hardwired installations. Battery-powered Ring models generally do not need landlord approval. Any installation requiring drilling or modification to the property requires written permission. Keep a copy of the landlord's approval in your records.
Review Ring's privacy settings. Adjust motion detection zones to limit the area your camera monitors. Consider disabling audio recording if your doorbell faces a neighbor's property. Regularly review and delete stored footage you no longer need.
Know your rights with police requests. You can voluntarily share footage with law enforcement, but you have no obligation to do so without a valid warrant or subpoena. If police ask for your Ring footage, consider consulting an attorney before responding.
Do not record for illegal purposes. West Virginia's one-party consent exception does not protect recordings made for criminal or tortious purposes. Using a Ring doorbell to harass, stalk, or intimidate someone strips away the legal protection the statute provides.
More West Virginia Laws
West Virginia has specific laws covering many areas beyond doorbell cameras. These related guides provide additional detail:
- West Virginia Recording Laws cover the full scope of West Virginia's wiretapping and surveillance statutes.
- West Virginia Hit and Run Laws explain reporting requirements and penalties for leaving the scene of an accident.
- West Virginia Lemon Law covers your rights when purchasing a defective vehicle.
This article provides general legal information about West Virginia Ring doorbell laws and is not legal advice. Laws change, and their application depends on specific circumstances. Consult an attorney for advice specific to your situation. Information is current as of April 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record audio with my Ring doorbell in West Virginia?
West Virginia is a one-party consent state under W. Va. Code 62-1D-3. As the Ring doorbell owner, you can legally record audio when you are a party to the conversation, such as when using the two-way talk feature, or when one of the actual parties has given prior consent. Owning the property does not make you a party to a conversation between other people on your porch, and it does not let you consent for them. For passive ambient audio, your exposure depends on whether the speakers had a justified expectation that their words were not subject to interception, under the definition of oral communication in W. Va. Code 62-1D-2.
What are the penalties for illegal recording in West Virginia?
Illegal wiretapping under W. Va. Code 62-1D-3 is a felony carrying up to 5 years in prison. Criminal invasion of privacy under W. Va. Code 61-8-28 is a misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail and a $5,000 fine. Victims can also file civil lawsuits and recover at least $100 per day of violation under W. Va. Code 62-1D-12.
Can my HOA restrict Ring doorbells in West Virginia?
West Virginia HOAs can regulate Ring doorbell installation through their CC&Rs and architectural guidelines under the Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (W. Va. Code Chapter 36B). Rules must be reasonable and consistently applied. An HOA can set conditions on placement and appearance but cannot override state recording and privacy laws.
Do I need my landlord's permission to install a Ring doorbell in West Virginia?
Battery-powered Ring models that attach with adhesive or slide-on brackets typically do not require landlord permission because they cause no property damage. Hardwired models or installations requiring drilling need written landlord consent. Review your lease agreement for any provisions about exterior modifications.
Can West Virginia police access my Ring doorbell footage?
Police can ask you to voluntarily share footage, but you can decline. Without your consent, they need a valid search warrant, subpoena, or court order. Amazon Ring requires law enforcement to submit valid legal process before disclosing customer footage, per their published guidelines as of 2026.
Updates
Corrected the audio section: West Virginia one-party consent turns on being a party to the conversation or having an actual party consent, not on owning the property, and narrowed the description of the nonconsensual intimate image statute to its actual scope and intent element.
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources; governing law re-checked for recent changes
Governing law re-checked for recent changes
Corrected three mismatched statute citations in the HOA and landlord-tenant sections: the HOA rulemaking claim, tenant-surveillance claim, and security-deposit claim were each anchored to the wrong section of the cited statute.
Governing law re-checked for recent changes
Reviewed and approved by an editor
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
West Virginia Code
§ 62-1D-3Interception of communications generally.In forcecited in 36 of our articles
(a) Except as otherwise specifically provided in this article it is unlawful for any person to: (1) Intentionally intercept, attempt to intercept or procure any other person to intercept or attempt to intercept, any wire, oral or electronic communication; or (2) Intentionally disclose or intentionally attempt to disclose to any other person the contents of any wire, oral or electronic communication, knowing or having reason to know that the information was obtained through the interception of a wire, oral or electronic communication in violation of this article; and (3) Intentionally use or disclose or intentionally attempt to use or disclose the contents of any wire, oral or electronic communication or the identity of any party thereto, knowing or having reason to know that such information was obtained through the interception of a wire, oral or electronic communication in violation of this article. (b) Any person who violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be imprisoned in the penitentiary for not more than five years or fined not more than $10,000 or both fined and imprisoned.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-24 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at code.wvlegislature.gov
Cited in 1 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 1999
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Bartnicki v. Vopper (Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit 1999, 200 F.3d 109)“…77 -23a-4, 77-23a-11; Va. Code Ann. §§ 19.2-62 , 19.2-69; W. Va.Code §§ 62-1D-3, 62-1D-12; Wis. Stat. § 968.31 ; Wyo.…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: West Virginia Security Camera Laws: Rules for Homes and Businesses, West Virginia Video Recording Laws: Privacy Rules and Consent, West Virginia Audio Recording Laws: One-Party Consent Guide
§ 61-8-28Criminal invasion of privacy; penalties.In forcecited in 28 of our articles
(a) For the purposes of this section, the words or terms defined in this subsection have the meanings ascribed to them. These definitions are applicable unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context: (1) “A person fully or partially nude” means a male or female who is either clothed or unclothed so that: (A) All or any part of his or her genitals, pubic area or buttocks is visible; or (B) in the case of a female only, a part of a nipple of her breast is visible and is without a fully opaque covering; (2) “To visually portray” a person means to create a reproducible image of that person by means of: (A) A photograph; (B) A motion picture; (C) A video tape; (D) A digital recording; or (E) Any other mechanical or electronic recording process or device that can preserve, for later viewing, a visual image of a person; and (3) “Place where a reasonable person would have an expectation of privacy” means a place where a reasonable person would believe that he or she could, in privacy, be fully or partially nude without expecting that the act of exposing his or her body was being visually portrayed by another person.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-31 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at code.wvlegislature.gov
Cited in 2 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2014
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Imaginary Images, Inc. v. Evans (Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit 2010, 612 F.3d 736)“…8 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 7507.1(e); Utah Code Ann. § 76-5a-2(6); W. Va. Code § 61-8-28(a)(1); Wis. Stat. § 942.08(1)(a). The m…”
- United States v. Thoms (U S Coast Guard Court of Criminal Appeals 2014)“…9-702.7 (West 2013); Vt. Stat. Ann. Tit. 13, § 2605 (2010); W. Va. Code § 61-8-28 (2000). 4 Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: West Virginia Smart Glasses Recording Laws, West Virginia Landlord-Tenant Recording Laws: Rights and Rules, West Virginia Medical Recording Laws: Patient Rights and HIPAA Guide
§ 61-8-28ANonconsensual disclosure of private intimate images; definitions; and penalties.In forcecited in 17 of our articles
(a) As used in this section: (1) “Disclose” means to publish, publicly display, distribute, deliver, circulate or disseminate by any means, including, but not limited to, electronic transmission. (2) “Image” means a photograph, videotape, motion picture film, digital recording or any product of any mechanical or electronic recording process or device that can preserve, for later viewing, a visual image. (3) “Intimate parts” means a person’s genitalia, pubic area, anus, or female post-pubescent breasts. (4) To “publicly disclose” means to disclose an image to one or more persons other than those persons whom the person depicted understood would view the image at the time it was captured. (5) “Fabricated intimate image” means an image of an identifiable depicted individual that was created by the use of artificial intelligence or other computer technology capable of processing and interpreting specific data inputs and depicts computer-generated intimate parts or the intimate parts of another human being as the intimate parts of the depicted individual.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at code.wvlegislature.gov
Also relied on in: West Virginia Voyeurism Laws: Hidden Cameras and Privacy Violations, West Virginia Recording Laws (2026): One-Party Consent Rules, West Virginia Deepfake Laws: AI Images, Voice Cloning & Penalties (2026)
§ 62-1D-12Civil liability; defense to civil or criminal action.In forcecited in 20 of our articles
(a) Any person whose wire, oral or electronic communication is intercepted, disclosed, used or whose identity is disclosed in violation of this article shall have a civil cause of action against any person who so intercepts, discloses, or uses, or procures any other person to intercept, disclose, or use the communications, and shall be entitled to recover from any such person or persons: (1) Actual damages, but not less than $100 for each day of violation; (2) Punitive damages, if found to be proper; and (3) Reasonable attorney fees and reasonable costs of litigation incurred. (b) A good faith reliance by a provider of electronic or wire communication services on a court order or legislative authorization constitutes a complete defense to any civil or criminal action brought under this article or any other law.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at code.wvlegislature.gov
Also relied on in: West Virginia Phone Call Recording Laws: Rules and Consent Guide, West Virginia Workplace Recording Laws: Employee and Employer Rights, West Virginia AI Meeting Recording Laws (2026)
§ 21-3-20Use of video and other electronic surveillance devices by employers prohibited.In forcecited in 17 of our articles
(a) It is unlawful for any employer or the agent or representative of an employer, whether public or private, to operate any electronic surveillance device or system, including, but not limited to, the use of a closed circuit television system, a video-recording device, or any combination of those or other electronic devices for the purpose of recording or monitoring the activities of the employees in areas designed for the health or personal comfort of the employees or for safeguarding of their possessions, such as rest rooms, shower rooms, locker rooms, dressing rooms and employee lounges. (b) Any employer or agent thereof who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, if convicted, shall be fined $500 for the first offense. An employer or agent thereof convicted a second time under this provision shall be fined $1,000. For the third and any subsequent offense, the penalty shall be $2,000.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-31 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at code.wvlegislature.gov
Cited in 1 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2019
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Blackwood v. Berry Dunn, LLC (District Court, S.D. West Virginia 2019)“…out being in an area protected from monitoring by W. Va. Code § 21-3-20, it cannot be said that taking a…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: West Virginia GPS Tracking Laws: Is It Legal to Put a Tracker on a Car? (2026), West Virginia Employee Monitoring Laws: Workplace Surveillance and Social Media (2026), West Virginia Surveillance Camera Laws (2026 Guide)
§ 36B-3-101Organization of unit owners' association.In forcecited in 2 of our articles
A unit owners' association must be organized no later than the date the first unit in the common interest community is conveyed. The membership of the association at all times consists exclusively of all unit owners or, following termination of the common interest community, of all former unit owners entitled to distributions of proceeds under section 2-118 or their heirs, successors, or assigns. The association must be organized as a profit or nonprofit corporation, trust, partnership, or as an unincorporated association.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at code.wvlegislature.gov
§ 37-6A-1Definitions.In forcecited in 2 of our articles
When used in this article, unless expressly stated otherwise: (1) "Action" means recoupment, counterclaim, set off or other civil suit and any other proceeding in which rights are determined, including without limitation actions for possession, rent, unlawful detainer, unlawful entry and distress for rent. (2) "Application fee" means any deposit of money, however denominated, which is paid by a tenant to a landlord, lessor or agent of a landlord for the purpose of being considered as a tenant for a dwelling unit. (3) "Dwelling unit" means a structure or part of a structure that is used as a home or residence by one or more persons who maintain a household, including, but not limited to, a manufactured home. (4) "Facility" means something that is built, constructed, installed or established to perform some particular function. (5) "Landlord" means the owner or lessor of the dwelling unit or the building of which such dwelling unit is a part. "Landlord" also includes a managing agent of the premises who fails to disclose the name of such owner or lessor.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at code.wvlegislature.gov
§ 62-1D-2Definitions.In forcecited in 8 of our articles
As used in this article, unless the context in which used clearly requires otherwise, the following terms have the meanings indicated: (a) "Aggrieved person" means a person who was a party to any intercepted wire, oral or electronic communication or a person against whom the interception was directed. (b) "Child care center" means a facility maintained by the state or any county or municipality thereof, or any agency or facility maintained by an individual, firm, corporation, association or organization, public or private, that is licensed by Bureau of Family Assistance for the care of children in any setting. (c) "Communications common carrier" means any telegraph company or telephone company and any radio common carrier. (d) "Contents" when used with respect to any wire, oral or electronic communication, includes any information concerning the substance, purport or meaning of that communication. (e) "Electronic, mechanical or other device" means any device or apparatus: (i) Which can be used to intercept a wire, oral or electronic communication; or (ii) the design of which renders it primarily useful for the surreptitious interception of any such communication.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at code.wvlegislature.gov
Cited in 1 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2023
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Project Veritas v. Michael Schmidt (Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit 2023, 72 F.4th 1043)“…317 P.3d 1029, 1034 (Wash. 2014) (en banc) West Virginia: W. Va. Code §§ 62-1D-2(i), 62-1D-3(a)(1), (e); West Virginia v…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 37-6-5Notice to terminate tenancy.In forcecited in 6 of our articles
A tenancy from year to year may be terminated by either party giving notice in writing to the other, at least three months prior to the end of any year, of his intention to terminate the same. A periodic tenancy, in which the period is less than one year, may be terminated by like notice, or by notice for one full period before the end of any period. When such notice is to the tenant, it may be served upon him or upon anyone holding under him the leased premises, or any part thereof. When it is by the tenant, it may be served upon anyone who at the time owns the premises in whole or in part, or the agent of such owner, or according to the common law. This section shall not apply where, by special agreement, some other period of notice is fixed, or no notice is to be given; nor shall notice be necessary from or to a tenant whose term is to end at a certain time.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-30 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at code.wvlegislature.gov
Also relied on in: West Virginia Squatters Rights and Adverse Possession Laws (2026), West Virginia Landlord-Tenant Laws (2026): Deposits, Entry, and Tenant Rights
United States Code Title 18
§ 2702Voluntary disclosure of customer communications or recordsIn forcecited in 19 of our articles
Except as provided in subsection (b) or (c)— a person or entity providing an electronic communication service to the public shall not knowingly divulge to any person or entity the contents of a communication while in electronic storage by that service; and a person or entity providing remote computing service to the public shall not knowingly divulge to any person or entity the contents of any communication which is carried or maintained on that service— on behalf of, and received by means of electronic transmission from (or created by means of computer processing of communications received by means of electronic transmission from), a subscriber or customer of such service; solely for the purpose of providing storage or computer processing services to such subscriber or customer, if the provider is not authorized to access the contents of any such communications for purposes of providing any services other than storage or computer processing; and a provider of remote computing service or electronic communication service to the public shall not knowingly divulge a record or other information pertaining to a subscriber to or customer of such service (not including the contents of…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at uscode.house.gov
Cited in 259 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
In the courts (editorial summary, independently checked):Freeman v. Directv, Inc. (2006) held Sections 2702 and 2707 do not support secondary liability claims such as aiding and abetting or conspiracy. Alexander v. Verizon Wireless (2017) applied Section 2702(c)(4)'s emergency exception and found a provider's good-faith reliance on a law enforcement request a complete defense.
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Matthew Alexander v. Verizon Wireless Services, LL (Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit 2017, 875 F.3d 243)✓A detective sent Verizon a certified emergency form after an arson, and Verizon released the subscriber's non-content cell records; the Fifth Circuit applied an objective good faith standard to section 2702(c)(4) and held Verizon statutorily immune from the SCA suit.
- Doe 1 v. AOL LLC (Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit 2009, 552 F.3d 1077)“…rs, alleging violations of federal electronic privacy law, 18 U.S.C. § 2702 (a). A subclass of AOL members who are…”
- Freeman v. Directv, Inc. (Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit 2006, 457 F.3d 1001)✓Users whose message board posts were seized from a website operator and passed to DirecTV sued for aiding and abetting and conspiracy; the Ninth Circuit held sections 2702 and 2707 name who can be liable and do not support secondary liability, affirming dismissal.
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Stored Communications Act Explained: 18 U.S.C. § 2701, Georgia Ring Doorbell Laws: What You Need to Know in 2026, Hawaii Ring Doorbell Laws: What You Need to Know in 2026
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Sources and References
- W. Va. Code 62-1D-3 - Interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications(code.wvlegislature.gov).gov
- W. Va. Code Article 62-1D - Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Act(code.wvlegislature.gov).gov
- W. Va. Code 62-1D-12 - Civil action for damages from illegal interception(code.wvlegislature.gov).gov
- W. Va. Code 61-8-28 - Criminal invasion of privacy(code.wvlegislature.gov).gov
- W. Va. Code 61-8-28A - Nonconsensual disclosure of private intimate images(code.wvlegislature.gov).gov
- W. Va. Code 21-3-20 - Employer electronic surveillance restrictions(code.wvlegislature.gov).gov
- W. Va. Code Chapter 36B - Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act(code.wvlegislature.gov).gov
- W. Va. Code 36B-3-101 - Organization of Unit Owners' Association(code.wvlegislature.gov).gov
- W. Va. Code Chapter 37, Article 6 - Landlord and Tenant(code.wvlegislature.gov).gov
- W. Va. Code 37-6A - Residential Rental Security Deposits(code.wvlegislature.gov).gov
- FTC Settlement with Ring LLC - Privacy and security violations(ftc.gov).gov
- Ring Law Enforcement Information Request Guidelines(ring.com)
- W. Va. Code 62-1D-2 - Definitions, including oral communication(code.wvlegislature.gov)