Overview
Nevada’s security deposit regulations are primarily outlined in the Nevada Revised Statutes § 118A. These laws establish the permissible amounts for security deposits, outline the procedures for their return, and specify allowable deductions, aiming to protect both landlords and tenants.
This guide covers:
How much landlords can charge
Pet deposit rules
Security deposit return timelines and allowable deductions
Penalties for non-compliance
Related Statute: Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A
1. Security Deposit Limits & Pet Deposits
Maximum deposit: Landlords in Nevada may charge a security deposit up to three months’ rent for an unfurnished dwelling. For furnished dwellings, the maximum is one and a half times the monthly rent. This includes any pet deposit.
Pet deposit: Landlords may charge a pet deposit, but the total deposit (including any pet deposit) cannot exceed the limits outlined above.
Law Reference: Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.240
2. Security Deposit Returns & Allowable Deductions
Return deadline: Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days after the tenant vacates the rental unit.
Permissible deductions: Landlords may deduct from the deposit for unpaid rent, cleaning fees (to return the unit to its original condition, excluding normal wear and tear), and repairs for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Itemized statement required: An itemized list of any deductions, along with supporting documentation, must be provided to the tenant within 30 days.
Law Reference: Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.242
3. Interest Payments & Storage Requirements
Interest payments: Nevada law does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits.
Storage requirements: Landlords are not required to place deposits in a separate or interest-bearing account, and there is no need to provide receipts for the deposit.
Law Reference: Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.240
4. Penalties for Mishandling Security Deposits
Tenant remedies: If a landlord fails to return the deposit within 30 days or wrongfully withholds it, the tenant may recover the amount wrongfully withheld.
Bad faith penalties: If the landlord is found to have acted in bad faith, the court may award the tenant up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, in addition to actual damages, court costs, and attorney’s fees.
Law Reference: Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.250
Key Takeaways
Landlords may charge up to three months’ rent for an unfurnished unit and one and a half times the rent for a furnished unit.
Pet deposits are allowed, but they count toward the overall deposit limit.
Deposits must be returned within 30 days, with an itemized statement for any deductions.
Nevada law does not require interest payments or separate storage of deposits.
Landlords who mishandle deposits may face penalties, including the return of the full deposit and possible damages.
Understanding and following Nevada’s security deposit laws ensures fair treatment for both landlords and tenants.
Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should not act or refrain from acting based on any information included in this post without seeking legal counsel or other professional guidance specific to their situation. The information is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the content. Laws and regulations may change and vary by jurisdiction.
