Deposit laws by state › Nevada
State law · Nevada
Nevada security deposit law
How long your landlord has to return your deposit, what they can deduct, and what happens if they get it wrong.
Short answer: No later than 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return any remaining deposit with an itemized written accounting, in person or by mail to the tenant's present or last known address.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Nevada?
- Return deadline
- No later than 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return any remaining deposit with an itemized written accounting, in person or by mail to the tenant's present or last known address.NRS 118A.242(4)
- Itemized list
- The itemized written accounting is due within the same 30 days.NRS 118A.242(4)
Prefer a full page? Use the security deposit deadline calculator.
What happens if a Nevada landlord misses the deadline?
- If the landlord misses it
- A landlord who fails or refuses to return the remainder within 30 days is liable for an amount equal to the entire deposit.NRS 118A.242(6)(a)
- Penalty
- On top of the entire deposit, the court may add a sum of up to the entire deposit again, considering the landlord's good faith, the parties' conduct, and the harm to the tenant.NRS 118A.242(6), (7)
What can a Nevada landlord deduct from your deposit?
What can be deducted: Only amounts reasonably necessary for unpaid rent, repairing damage the tenant caused other than normal wear, and reasonable cleaning costs. (NRS 118A.242(4))
Normal wear and tear: The tenant is liable only for damage caused other than by normal wear. (NRS 118A.242(4))
Cleaning: Reasonable cleaning costs may be deducted; a nonrefundable cleaning charge must be agreed to and reasonable. (NRS 118A.242(4), (8))
What the itemized list must include: An itemized written accounting of the deposit. (NRS 118A.242(4))
More on common charges: normal wear and tear, cleaning, painting, and a missing itemized list.
Is there a limit on security deposits in Nevada?
A landlord may not demand or receive a deposit, surety bond or both of more than three months' rent. (NRS 118A.242(1))
Taking a deposit case to small claims court in Nevada
Small-claims limit: Nevada small claims covers claims up to $10,000. (Nevada justice court guidance)
Most deposit disputes never get that far. A clear demand letter, sent by certified mail, often settles them first.
What to do if your Nevada landlord kept your deposit
- Pin down your dates. When you moved out, returned the keys, and gave a forwarding address in writing. Compare them with the deadline above.
- Gather your evidence. Move-in and move-out photos, the lease, the landlord's list of deductions, receipts and messages. The case checklist covers what matters.
- Send a demand letter by certified mail. Ask for the money, cite Nevada's rules, and give a deadline to pay. What a demand letter does.
- If they still don't pay, consider small claims court. You don't need a lawyer there.
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Sources
These rules come from the same verified table the Demand Letter Companion uses, checked against the sources below on October 25, 2026. Laws change; check the current official text before relying on a date.
- NRS 118A.242: nevada.public.law
- Nevada justice court guidance: washoecounty.gov
Other states: see the guides for all 50 states and DC
This page is general legal information, not legal advice. Local ordinances can add rules, and your lease and facts matter. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed attorney in Nevada.