West Virginia § 38-11-13 - 38-11-13. How possessory lien may be waived, lost or released.

Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 38-11-13 — 38-11-13. How possessory lien may be waived, lost or released., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 38-11-13. 38-11-13. How possessory lien may be waived, lost or released.

Any lien or pledge mentioned in this article which is dependent upon the lienor's possession shall be released by the lienor:

(a) By the voluntary surrender of the possession of the property upon which the lien is claimed;

(b) By the payment or tender by the owner of such property, or any person having an interest in such property, to the lienor, of the amount of the debt due such lienor, for which debt such lien is properly held;

(c) By the assertion of the person holding such property of some other claim or interest in the property, inconsistent with the right of the owner to have possession of his property upon the payment of the debt for which a lien might lawfully have been claimed;

(d) By the fraudulent assertion of a claim of an amount greater than is due to such claimant for the services or charges for which the lien is claimed;

(e) By the removal of the property, by the lienor, outside the State of West Virginia, without the written consent of the owner of the property: Provided, however, That this subdivision shall not apply to notes, bonds, certificates of stock, warehouse receipts, bills of lading, or other evidences of indebtedness or deposit;

(f) By the failure or refusal, upon the written demand of the owner of the property, or upon the written demand of any other person lawfully entitled to discharge the lien and receive the property into his possession, to return the property without expense to the owner thereof, other than the expense mentioned in section ten of this article, to the place where the property was first deposited with the lienor by the owner, so that the owner or such other person may redeem the property: Provided, however, That if such place is no longer within the possession or control of the lienor, the lienor may designate some other convenient place, not more than one fourth mile distant from such place of deposit, where, at some convenient time within ten days after the demand made upon the lienor, the owner or other person entitled to do so may receive the property upon the payment of the debt and other lawful charges for which the lien is held, and, in such case, unless the owner shall appear at such time and place and pay or tender the amount of the debt and other lawful charges, the lienor's lien shall not be lost, but the lienor shall have a lien for the expense of bringing such property to such place.

Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 38-11-13

What does West Virginia Code § 38-11-13 cover?

Section 38-11-13 ("38-11-13. How possessory lien may be waived, lost or released.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite West Virginia § 38-11-13?

A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 38-11-13" (West Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of West Virginia law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.

How does West Virginia § 38-11-13 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.