Advocacy & Government Affairs

Rental housing policy is decided with or without you at the table. MLA makes sure owners have a seat — at city hall, the county commission, and the West Virginia Legislature.

Our mission

A unified voice for rental housing providers

We advocate for fair, workable housing policy that protects property rights while supporting quality, affordable rental homes across Mercer County. When ordinances, taxes, or state law change, our members hear about it first — and have a champion.

  • Monitor city, county & state legislation affecting rentals
  • Provide testimony and comment on proposed rules
  • Build relationships with elected officials
  • Mobilize members through Calls to Action
Priority

Reasonable rental-registration & inspection rules

Supporting safety without duplicative fees or burdensome red tape on responsible owners.

Priority

Fair & predictable landlord-tenant law

Clear notice periods, enforceable leases, and a functional eviction process.

Priority

Property-tax fairness

Opposing disproportionate assessments and fees on rental housing.

Legislative tracker

Illustrative examples of the kinds of measures MLA tracks for members — not a live bill-status feed. Confirm any specific measure with the issuing body.

MeasureLevelMLA PositionStatus
Rental Compliance & Safety Code (Art. 1752)City of PrincetonMember guidanceIn effect since 2018
Notice-to-Vacate Period UpdateWV LegislatureSupportIntroduced
Habitability & Inspection StandardsCounty CommissionEngagedUnder review
Short-Term Rental ZoningCity of BluefieldMonitoringPublic comment

Positions are set by the MLA Board and Government Affairs Committee. Members receive detailed alerts through the portal.

Get involved

Join the Government Affairs Committee

Lend your experience, meet with officials, and help shape the rules that govern your properties. Open to all members in good standing.