What is a potential outcome of a lease not having a forfeiture clause in West Virginia?

A lease that does not include a forfeiture clause indicates that there are no automatic provisions for terminating the lease agreement upon certain violations or noncompliance, such as nonpayment of rent. Consequently, the lease remains active despite instances of nonpayment occurring. This situation protects the tenant from abrupt lease termination, allowing them to potentially rectify their default, catch up on missed payments, and continue their tenancy without fear of immediate eviction.

This context is essential in tenant-landlord dynamics, particularly under West Virginia law, where the inclusion of a forfeiture clause can significantly affect the rights of landlords and tenants. If a lease contains such a clause, it would typically allow a landlord to terminate the lease automatically upon default. In the absence of this clause, tenants have a greater opportunity to comply with their leasing obligations without the threat of immediate eviction.