State Law Guide · Updated January 2026
Your landlord's deductions may not hold up under state law.
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
Your landlord was required to follow these rules exactly. If they didn't, you may be owed your full deposit back — plus penalties. A generic complaint gets ignored. A letter citing Nevada Revised Statutes § 118A.242 deadlines and HUD depreciation schedules gets results. Upload their deduction letter to find out.
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: $500-1,7005-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: $150-500May be contestable depending on your lease terms and move-in condition.
AC/HVAC System
Typical: $200-70015-year useful life per IRS Publication 527. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
How It Works
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Each deduction checked against Nevada law and HUD guidelines
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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
"The property manager charged for painting walls that had minor scuffs from furniture. That's textbook normal wear and tear. Got every penny."
— Henderson, NV
$19 to recover up to $1,450. That's a 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.
Have your landlord's deduction letter handy?
How much can I recover in Nevada for a wrongful deposit withholding?
Nevada allows recovery of the full deposit if the landlord fails to itemize, plus court-ordered penalties under NRS § 118A.242. Small Claims (Justice Court) handles disputes up to $10,000. With Nevada's 3-month deposit cap allowing larger deposits, recoveries can exceed $4,000.
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
- Nevada Attorney General Consumer Protection(Government)
- Nevada Legal Services(Legal Aid)
Compare Other States
See how Nevada's security deposit laws compare to nearby states:
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Average Nevada deposit: $1,450 · Based on Nevada Revised Statutes § 118A.242 · HUD Handbook 4350.1 · IRS Publication 527