How do I get my residential security deposit back in Nevada?
Nevada law limits what a landlord may keep from a tenant’s security deposit and sets a timeline for returning any remaining funds after the tenancy ends. If a landlord makes deductions, the landlord must provide an itemized, written accounting and return the balance within a set time. If the landlord fails to comply, the tenant may be entitled to damages under state law.
Different statutes cover standard rental units and certain deposit rules for manufactured home parks. Other rules govern transfer of deposits when ownership changes. These statutes also require landlords to provide receipts on request for deposits and other payments.
Current Nevada law
Every answer cites the statute
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The deadline that matters
30 days after termination of the tenancy to return the remaining security deposit (21 days in many manufactured-home-park cases).
What Nevada law says
A landlord may only claim amounts reasonably necessary to cover unpaid rent, repair of tenant-caused damage beyond normal wear and tear, and reasonable cleaning costs, and must provide an itemized, written accounting and return any remaining portion of the security deposit within 30 days after termination of the tenancy, under Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.242. For manufactured home parks, deposits are refundable and must be refunded within 21 days after termination, with other recordkeeping and interest rules in Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118B.060. A landlord must give a signed receipt on request for the security deposit and other payments under Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.250. When a landlord transfers the property, the landlord must either transfer the remaining deposit to the successor or return it and notify the tenant, as described in Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.244. If a landlord fails to disclose required information after demand, the tenant may recover actual damages or $25, whichever is greater, per Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.410.
What to do
A common first step is to request in writing an itemized accounting and the return of the deposit.
A common next step is to demand a signed receipt for the deposit if one was not provided, using the statutory right to a receipt.
Many people send a written demand letter explaining the law and the timeline before filing in small claims court.
Some tenants prepare for small-claims filing by gathering the lease, move-in photos, receipts, the itemized accounting, and copies of written notices.
If ownership changed during tenancy, some tenants verify whether the deposit was transferred or returned and note any successor liability.
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Common questions
How much can a Nevada landlord require for a security deposit?
A landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit, a surety bond, or both, whose total exceeds three months’ periodic rent, under Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.242.
What must the landlord include when keeping part of my deposit?
When deductions are made, the landlord must provide an itemized, written accounting of the disposition of the security deposit as required by Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.242.
What happens if the landlord does not return the deposit within the time required?
If the landlord fails or refuses to return the remainder of a security deposit within 30 days after the end of a tenancy, the landlord is liable for damages equal to the entire deposit and for an additional sum the court may fix up to the amount of the deposit, under Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.242.
Does a landlord have to accept a surety bond instead of a deposit?
A landlord is not required to accept a surety bond purchased by the tenant in lieu of paying a deposit, and may not require a tenant to buy one, per Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.242.
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This is legal information only and not legal advice. CiteLaw is not a law firm and does not represent you. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.
