At a Glance
| Question | Answer | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit limit? | 3 months' rent | No distinction for furnished vs. unfurnished |
| Rent control? | No | Statewide preemption prohibits local rent control |
| Required notice to raise rent? | 45 days | 45 days' written notice required |
| Lease required in writing? | Yes, for leases > 1 year | Month-to-month can be oral |
| Landlord entry notice? | 24 hours | Written notice required before entry |
Security Deposits
Nevada law allows landlords to collect a security deposit of up to three months' rent. This is among the more permissive deposit limits in the country.
Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days of the tenant vacating the unit. The landlord must provide an itemized written statement of any deductions along with the remaining balance. If the landlord fails to return the deposit within 30 days, the tenant may recover the full deposit amount.
cite: Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.242
Eviction Procedures
Nevada requires landlords to follow specific legal procedures to evict a tenant. Self-help evictions (changing locks, shutting off utilities, removing belongings) are illegal and may subject the landlord to penalties.
Notice Requirements
- 7-Day Notice: For nonpayment of rent (judicial eviction required)
- 5-Day Notice: For lease violations or failure to maintain the premises; tenant has 5 days to cure or vacate
- 30-Day Notice: For termination of a month-to-month tenancy without cause
- Immediate Notice: For illegal activity or assignment/subletting without permission (3 days to vacate, no opportunity to cure)
After the notice period expires, if the tenant has not complied, the landlord must file an eviction action (unlawful detainer) in court. Only a court can order a tenant to be physically removed.
cite: Nev. Rev. Stat. § 40.2512 – § 40.254
Rent Control
Nevada does not have rent control. In fact, state law includes a preemption provision that prohibits local governments from enacting rent control ordinances. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide at least 45 days' written notice before a rent increase takes effect.
cite: Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.330
Lease Agreements
Nevada does not require a written lease for tenancies of one year or less. However, any lease for longer than one year must be in writing to be enforceable. Written leases are strongly recommended to clearly define the terms and responsibilities of both parties.
Required Disclosures
Nevada landlords must provide the following disclosures:
- Lead-based paint (pre-1978 properties)
- Move-in inspection checklist: Landlord must provide a checklist documenting the condition of the unit at move-in
- Foreclosure status: If the property is in foreclosure, the landlord must disclose this before accepting a deposit or rent
- Authorized agents: The name and address of the property manager or agent authorized to act on the landlord's behalf
- Nuisance and crime: Information about maintaining the premises free of nuisance and criminal activity
cite: Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.200
Tenant Rights
Nevada provides important protections for tenants:
- Habitability: Landlords must maintain rental units in habitable condition, including working plumbing, heating, electrical systems, and structural integrity
- Retaliation protection: Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants who exercise their legal rights, such as reporting code violations or requesting repairs
- Discrimination protection: Fair housing laws prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, familial status, and ancestry
- Right to privacy: Landlords must provide at least 24 hours' written notice before entering a tenant's unit, except in emergencies
- Domestic violence protections: Tenants who are victims of domestic violence may terminate their lease early with proper documentation
- Repair and deduct: Tenants may arrange for essential repairs and deduct reasonable costs from rent if the landlord fails to make repairs after proper notice