State Law Guide · Updated January 2026

Nevada Security Deposit Laws

Under Nevada Revised Statutes § 118A.242, Nevada landlords must return security deposits within 30 days of a tenant moving out. Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face penalties of up to Full deposit if no itemization; court may award penalties.

Quick Answer

In Nevada, landlords have 30 days to return your security deposit after you move out and provide a forwarding address. The maximum deposit is 3 months' rent. If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, you can sue in Small Claims Court (up to $10,000) and may recover Full deposit if no itemization; court may award penalties under Nevada Revised Statutes § 118A.242. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of deductions.

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What Nevada Law Requires

Return Deadline

Landlords have exactly 30 days to return your deposit after you move out. If they make deductions, they must provide an itemized statement explaining each charge with documentation.

Penalties for Violations

Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face Full deposit if no itemization; court may award penalties. You can file in small claims court for amounts up to $10,000without needing an attorney.

Interest Requirements

No interest requirement

Common Deductions Landlords Make

Federal guidelines from HUD and the IRS establish "useful life" standards that limit what landlords can charge. Many common deductions are partially or fully invalid under these guidelines.

Carpet Replacement

Typical: $500-1,700

5-year useful life per HUD MAP Guide Appendix 5C. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.

Pool/Spa Maintenance

Typical: $150-500

May be contestable depending on your lease terms and move-in condition.

AC/HVAC System

Typical: $200-700

15-year useful life per IRS Publication 527. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.

Get a Demand Letter That Cites These Laws

Our tool analyzes your landlord's deductions against Nevada Revised Statutes § 118A.242 and federal HUD guidelines, then generates a formal demand letter you can send immediately.

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HUD/IRS Citations

Useful life depreciation built in

$19 · Avg Nevada deposit: $1,450 · Potential 76x return

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Nevada landlord have to return my deposit?

Nevada landlords have 30 days to return your deposit with an itemized statement. Failure to itemize means you get the full deposit.

What is the deposit limit in Nevada?

Nevada allows up to 3 months' rent—higher than most states. Always negotiate.

Can I be charged for AC repairs in Nevada?

Only for damage you caused. Normal heavy use in desert heat is expected. HVAC has 15-year useful life.

City-Specific Rules

Some Nevada cities have additional tenant protections:

  • Las Vegas: High rental market. Additional resources through Clark County.
  • Reno: Growing market with increasing tenant protections.

Official Resources

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Based on Nevada Revised Statutes § 118A.242 · HUD Handbook 4350.1 · IRS Publication 527

Disclaimer: This page provides general information about Nevada security deposit laws and is intended for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Laws may change, and individual circumstances vary. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.

Last updated: January 2026. Sources: Nevada Revised Statutes § 118A.242, HUD Handbook 4350.1, IRS Publication 527.