Nevada Tenant Rights: Know Your Rights as a Renter

When it comes to renting a property, tenants have rights and protections under Nevada law. These laws are designed to ensure that tenants are treated fairly and have the right to live in safe, habitable housing without fear of retaliation or discrimination. In this article, we will explore the rights and protections afforded to tenants in Nevada, including the right to a habitable living space, the right to privacy, the right to be free from discrimination, and more.

The Right to a Habitable Living Space

One of the most fundamental rights of tenants in Nevada is the right to a habitable living space. This means that landlords have a legal obligation to provide tenants with a dwelling that is safe, sanitary, and fit for human habitation. Specifically, landlords must ensure that the rental property meets the following standards:

– The property must have a working plumbing system, including toilets, sinks, showers, and hot water systems.
– The property must have a working electrical system, including outlets, switches, and lighting fixtures.
– The property must have a working heating system.
– The property must be free from pest infestations, including rodents, insects, and other pests.
– The property must be free from mold and other hazardous conditions that could pose a risk to the health or safety of occupants.

If a rental property does not meet these standards, tenants have the right to request repairs or modifications from their landlord. If the landlord fails to make necessary repairs in a timely manner, tenants may be able to withhold rent until the repairs are made or even terminate their lease agreement.

The Right to Privacy

Tenants in Nevada also have the right to privacy. Landlords cannot enter a tenant’s rental property without providing notice and obtaining consent. Specifically, landlords must provide written notice to tenants at least 24 hours before entering the property. There are exceptions to this rule in cases of emergency, or if the tenant has relinquished their right to notice in writing.

Additionally, landlords cannot use illegal or intrusive surveillance methods to monitor tenants. This includes installing hidden cameras or other devices that infringe upon the tenant’s right to privacy.

The Right to Be Free from Discrimination

Tenants in Nevada are also protected against discrimination. Landlords cannot discriminate against tenants on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status. This means that landlords cannot refuse to rent to tenants based on any of these characteristics or treat tenants differently based on them.

If a tenant believes that they have been discriminated against by a landlord, they may file a complaint with the Nevada Equal Rights Commission. The commission investigates complaints of discrimination and can take action to hold landlords accountable for violating anti-discrimination laws.

The Right to a Safe Living Environment

Tenants in Nevada also have the right to a safe living environment. This means that landlords must take steps to ensure that the rental property is safe from hazards and dangers that could harm tenants. Specifically, landlords must:

– Keep common areas, such as hallways and stairwells, clean and free from hazards.
– Provide working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in all units.
– Ensure that all electrical systems and appliances are in good working condition and are not likely to cause fires or other hazards.

Tenants should take steps to report any safety concerns to their landlord as soon as possible. If the landlord fails to take necessary steps to address safety concerns, tenants may have the right to withhold rent or even terminate their lease agreement.

The Right to Retaliation Protection

Finally, tenants in Nevada have the right to protection against retaliation from landlords. This means that landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for exercising their legal rights or for complaining about unsafe or unlivable conditions in the rental property.

Examples of retaliatory actions by landlords include:

– Increasing rent or making other changes to the terms of the lease agreement.
– Threatening tenants with eviction or legal action.
– Reducing services or failing to make necessary repairs.

If a tenant believes that they have been retaliated against by a landlord, they may file a complaint with the Nevada Real Estate Division. The division investigates complaints and can take action against landlords who engage in retaliatory actions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tenants in Nevada have a variety of rights and protections under the law. These rights include the right to a habitable living space, the right to privacy, the right to be free from discrimination, the right to a safe living environment, and the right to protection against retaliation. Tenants who are aware of their rights and who take action to assert those rights are better able to ensure that they are treated fairly and have a safe, habitable place to call home.

Quick Guide to NV Tenant Rights

Sources for Nevada Tenant Rights

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

Nevada Tenant Right for Landlord’s Maintenance

Nevada tenant rights for maintenance from the landlord are provided under NRS 1118A.290.  This section of law on a specific Nevada tenant right 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 according to NV tenant rights:

• 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 Nevada tenant rights and law

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

4. Provide the Nevada tenant right for clean and sanitary premises at the beginning and throughout the tenancy

5. Maintain all floors, walls, ceilings, stairways, railings, and other structures under state law and NV tenant rights

Nevada Tenant Right in Landlord’s Access to Premises

NRS 118A.330 provides the basic Nevada tenant right against unlawful access from the landlord.  According to this section of law, there is no Nevada tenant right that restricts the landlord from making inspections, making necessary repairs or improvements, supplying agreed services, or showing the premises to future tenants or buyers.

A landlord must respect Nevada tenant rights and give the tenant at least 24 hours notice before entering the premises unless in the case of an emergency.  Additionally, the landlord must respect NV tenant rights and only enter the premises during business hours.

Nevada Tenant Right for Security Deposits

NRS 118A.242 provides comprehensive rules and Nevada tenant rights for security deposits.  According to this section of law, a landlord cannot abuse NV tenant rights and 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 according to NV tenant rights.

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 tenant rights.

NV Tenant Rights against Unlawful Exclusion

NRS 118A.390 states a landlord is in direct violation of a Nevada tenant right if they willingly block or attempt to block the tenant’s entry.  If these Nevada tenant rights are violated, a tenant may terminate the lease immediately.  Additionally, a Nevada tenant right allows the court to request up to $2,500 for damages from the landlord in such a case.

If these NV tenant rights are violated, a verified complaint for expedited relief must be filed with the court within 5 days after the unlawful action.