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Nevada Landlord Tenant Law

Nevada Landlord Tenant Law

Nevada Landlord Tenant Law: A Comprehensive Guide

Nevada is a state known for its thriving entertainment and tourism industry, attracting people from all over the world. But it’s not just a great place to live and visit, but also a great place to invest in rental properties. If you’re planning to become a landlord in Nevada, it’s essential to understand the state’s landlord-tenant laws to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to the Nevada landlord tenant law, covering everything from lease agreements to eviction procedures.

Lease Agreements: What You Need to Know

Under Nevada law, lease agreements can either be written or verbal. However, to avoid confusion and misunderstandings, it’s always best to have a written lease agreement. The lease agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms of the tenancy, including the rent amount, security deposit, late fees, and lease duration. The lease should also include details about who is responsible for maintenance and repairs.

Another important thing to note is that landlord-tenant laws prohibit landlords from discriminating against tenants based on their race, sex, religion, national origin, or disability. If you are found guilty of violating these laws, you could face legal action.

Security Deposits: Limits and Procedures

Nevada law allows landlords to charge tenants a security deposit, but it’s essential to abide by the state’s regulations. A security deposit is an amount of money paid by a tenant to a landlord at the beginning of the lease term. The purpose of the security deposit is to cover any damages caused by the tenant while living on the property.

Under Nevada law, landlords are required to provide a written receipt to tenants for the security deposit. This receipt should include the amount paid, the date paid, and the terms for returning the deposit. Landlords are also required to refund the security deposit within 30 days of the lease’s termination, minus any deductions for damages.

The maximum amount a landlord can charge as a security deposit in Nevada is three months of rent. If the tenant has a pet, the landlord can charge an additional pet deposit, but this cannot exceed one month’s rent.

Rent Increases: Notice Requirements

Nevada law allows landlords to increase the rent, but strict notice requirements must be followed. Before increasing the rent, the landlord must provide the tenant with written notice at least 45 days before the increase takes effect. If the tenant has a lease agreement, the rent cannot be increased until the lease term ends.

The written notice must specify the new rent amount, effective date of the increase, and the reasons for the increase. Landlords cannot increase the rent as retaliation for a tenant exercising their legal rights, such as filing a complaint or joining a tenant union.

Tenant Rights: Fair Housing and Privacy

Tenants in Nevada have several rights that landlords must respect. One of the essential tenant rights is the right to privacy. Landlords cannot enter the tenant’s unit without reasonable notice and the tenant’s consent. In emergency situations, such as a gas leak or water leak, landlords may be permitted to enter the unit without notice.

Fair housing is another crucial tenant right. Landlords cannot discriminate against tenants based on race, sex, religion, national origin, or disability. If you’re a tenant in Nevada and have faced discrimination, you should know that Nevada has an Anti-Discrimination hotline where you can file a complaint.

Eviction Procedures: What You Need to Know

Eviction is a process that can be stressful and emotionally taxing for both landlords and tenants. However, under certain circumstances, eviction may become necessary. In Nevada, landlords can evict tenants for several reasons, including non-payment of rent, violating the lease agreement, or engaging in illegal activities on the property.

Before evicting a tenant, landlords are required to provide a written notice of the eviction. The notice should include the reason for the eviction, the date when the tenancy will end, and the tenant’s rights to contest the eviction. The tenant then has five days from receipt of the notice to pay rent or comply with the lease agreement to avoid further proceedings.

If the tenant fails to comply with the notice of eviction, the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit with the court. The court will then schedule a hearing to determine whether the eviction is valid. If the court rules in favor of the landlord, the tenant will be required to vacate the property and may still be liable for any outstanding rent or damage.

Conclusion

As a landlord in Nevada, it’s essential to understand the state’s landlord-tenant laws to avoid any legal issues and ensure a successful tenancy. This article has provided a comprehensive guide to Nevada landlord-tenant law, covering lease agreements, security deposits, rent increases, tenant rights, and eviction procedures. By being aware of the regulations and following the proper procedures, both landlords and tenants can enjoy a more harmonious and stress-free rental experience.


Quick Guide to NV Landlord/Tenant Law 

Nevada Landlord/Tenant Laws

There are two public resources that provide valuable information about some of the most important sections of Nevada landlord/tenant law: the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the state’s revised statutes.  The majority of information about Nevada landlord/tenant law in this article is referenced the revised statutes, but you can find more information under HUD at the following link:

Obligations of Landlord under Nevada Landlord/Tenant Laws

NV landlord/tenant laws give specific responsibilities to the landlord under NRS 1118A.290.  This section of Nevada landlord/tenant law states a landlord is responsible for all of the following:

1. Maintaining habitable condition of apartment to meet health and safety codes, which constitutes the following under Nevada landlord/tenant laws:

• effective waterproofing and weather protection

• all plumbing facilities

• supplying hot and cold running water with fixtures and a connected sewage disposal

2. Provide working heating and ventilating facilities in accordance with applicable NV landlord/tenant law

3. Provide electrical lighting, outlets, wiring, and associated facilities

4. Provide the tenant with clean and sanitary premises at the beginning and throughout the tenancy

5. Maintain all floors, walls, ceilings, stairways, railings, and other structures under Nevada landlord/tenant law

Obligations of Tenant under Nevada Landlord/Tenant Laws

The basic responsibilities of the tenant under NV landlord/tenant law are located in NRS 118A.310.  According to this section, a tenant is responsible for all if not more of the following under NV landlord/tenant law:

1. Comply with all terms of the lease

2. Keep the premises which is occupied in clean and safe condition

3. Dispose of all ashes, garbage, rubbish and other waste from the dwelling unit in a clean and safe manner

4. Keep all plumbing fixture clean and in working condition

5. Use all facilities, like electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, and others under Nevada landlord/tenant law, in reasonable manner

6. Keep from deliberately or negligently destroying, defacing, damaging, or removing any part of the premises according to Nevada landlord/tenant law

7. Conduct themselves in reasonable and polite manners to respect the peace of other tenants

Nevada Landlord/Tenant Laws for Security Deposits

NRS 118A.242 of the Nevada landlord/tenant law provides comprehensive rules for security deposits.  According to this NV landlord/tenant law, a landlord cannot demand or receive a security or surety bond whose value exceeds 3 months’ periodic rent.  Once a tenancy is terminated, a landlord must provide the tenant with an itemized list of deductions (if applicable) within 30 days to the tenant’s last known address under Nevada landlord/tenant laws.

Additionally, if a landlord refuses to provide the remainder of the security deposit, the tenant may receive the amount of the entire deposit and another sum determined by the court according to Nevada landlord/tenant law.

Termination of Tenancy 

Under certain Nevada landlord/tenant laws, a tenant may terminate their tenancy under the lease immediately.  For example, NRS 118A.350 states a tenant can terminate the rental agreement immediately if the landlord fails to comply with a part of the rental agreement or other NV landlord/tenant law.

Additionally, Nevada landlord/tenant laws NRS 118A.355 through NRS 118A.380 provides situations where a tenant may terminate the lease immediately.  NV landlord/tenant law NRS 118A.390 provides procedures for unlawful exclusion or interruption of the tenant.