Your comprehensive guide to rental laws, guidelines and advocacy in Nevada
Nevada law allows landlords to charge late fees if specified in the lease agreement. Late fees must be reasonable and clearly stated in the lease. The lease should specify the amount of the late fee and when it will be charged. Nevada courts may find excessive late fees unenforceable. Best practice is to keep late fees proportional to actual costs incurred due to late payment.
Nevada law limits security deposits to three month's rent. Landlords must return deposits within 30 days after the tenant moves out, along with an itemized list of any deductions. Nevada requires landlords to provide written notice of the tenant's right to be present during the move-out inspection. Tenants should document the condition of the unit at move-in and move-out with photos and a written inventory to protect their deposit.
Nevada requires: 1) 7-day notice for non-payment of rent, 2) 30-day notice for lease termination in month-to-month tenancies, 3) 30-day notice for lease violations. Self-help evictions are illegal. Landlords must file an eviction action in court. Tenants may defend against eviction if they can prove rent was paid or the landlord violated the lease. Nevada law provides protections for tenants, including the right to repair and deduct costs under certain circumstances. The eviction process must follow specific procedures in Nevada courts.
Nevada law requires landlords to maintain: 1) Building structural elements in good repair, 2) Plumbing, heating, and electrical systems in working order, 3) Weather protection and waterproofing, 4) Safe and sanitary common areas, 5) Compliance with local housing codes. Nevada follows the implied warranty of habitability, requiring rental properties to be fit for human habitation. Tenants should provide written notice of repair needs. If landlords fail to make necessary repairs, tenants may have the right to repair and deduct costs from rent, but should consult with legal counsel before taking such action.
Nevada law requires landlords to provide reasonable notice before entering a rental unit, typically 24 hours unless specified differently in the lease. Entry must be during reasonable hours unless there's an emergency. Landlords must have a legitimate purpose for entry such as repairs, inspections, or showing the unit. Tenants cannot unreasonably deny access. Unauthorized entry may violate tenant's right to quiet enjoyment and privacy.
Nevada law requires landlords to provide written notice before increasing rent, typically at least 45 days in advance for rent increases greater than 5%. For fixed-term leases, rent can only be increased at renewal unless specifically allowed in the lease. Rent increases cannot be retaliatory or discriminatory. Nevada has no statewide rent control laws, though some local jurisdictions may have specific regulations. Landlords can increase rent by any amount with proper notice. However, increases must not be discriminatory or retaliatory in nature.
Nevada tenants have repair rights under state law: 1) Notify landlord in writing of needed repairs, 2) Give landlord reasonable time to make repairs (typically 14 days), 3) If landlord fails to make repairs affecting habitability, tenants may have the right to repair and deduct costs from rent or terminate the lease. Nevada law requires rental properties to be habitable and provides specific protections for tenants. Tenants should document all repair requests and landlord communications. For serious habitability issues affecting health/safety, tenants may have grounds to terminate the lease.
Nevada landlords can deduct for: 1) Unpaid rent or utilities, 2) Damage beyond normal wear and tear, 3) Other lease violations. They must return deposits within 30 days of move-out and provide an itemized list of deductions. Security deposits are limited to three month's rent. Tenants should document the unit's condition at move-in and move-out. Landlords who wrongfully withhold security deposits may be liable for penalties under Nevada law.
Nevada law requires working smoke detectors in all rental units. They must be installed outside each sleeping area and on every level of the dwelling. Smoke alarms must be UL listed and properly maintained. Carbon monoxide detectors are required in residential properties with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages. Landlords must ensure detectors are working at the start of each tenancy. Tenants are typically responsible for testing devices and replacing batteries during their tenancy. Tampering with smoke detectors is prohibited.
Nevada landlords must disclose: • Lead paint (pre-1978 buildings) as required by federal law • Security deposit terms • Property manager/owner contact information • Utility arrangements and responsibilities • Any existing damage or defects • Notice of entry rights • Information about any outstanding code violations • Smoke detector compliance • Presence of known environmental hazards • Flood zone information (if applicable) • Tenant's rights and obligations under Nevada law
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. While we strive to keep the information up-to-date and accurate, laws and regulations can change frequently. Specific situations may vary, and the application of rental laws can depend on numerous factors. We recommend consulting with a qualified legal professional for advice regarding your specific circumstances.