Nevada Security Deposit Laws: 3-Month Max & 30-Day Return

Nevada gives landlords substantial financial protection by allowing relatively high security deposits, but balances this with strict, fast-paced deadlines for accounting and returning funds when a tenancy ends.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general legal information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a Nevada attorney. Information last verified: March 2026.

Maximum Security Deposit Limitations

Under NRS 118A.242, a Nevada landlord can demand a maximum security deposit equal to three months' rent for an unfurnished rental unit.

• Furnished Units: If the rental is fully furnished, the limit drops. Landlords can only charge up to 1.5 months' rent.
• Surety Bonds in Lieu of Deposits: A tenant and landlord can mutually agree for the tenant to purchase a surety bond instead of paying a cash deposit. The cost of the bond, however, combined with any cash deposit, still cannot exceed the three-month maximum.

Non-Refundable Fees

Nevada is distinct in that it explicitly allows non-refundable fees (e.g., non-refundable cleaning fees or pet fees). However, for a fee to be non-refundable, it must be explicitly labeled as such in the written lease agreement. If it is not clearly designated as non-refundable, the court will treat the fee as part of the refundable security deposit.

No Interest Requirement

Unlike states such as Maryland or New Jersey, Nevada does not require landlords to hold security deposits in interest-bearing accounts, nor does it require landlords to pay tenants any accrued interest upon move-out.

The 30-Day Return Timeline

When a lease ends and the tenant vacates the property, the landlord has exactly 30 days to return the security deposit.

If the landlord needs to make deductions from the deposit, they must provide the tenant with an itemized written accounting detailing the exact costs, along with whatever portion of the deposit remains, within that 30-day window.

Allowable Deductions

A landlord may only deduct money from a deposit for:

• Remedying any default in the payment of rent.
• Repairing damages to the premises caused by the tenant (excluding standard "normal wear and tear").
• Cleaning the unit upon termination of the tenancy.

Penalties for Wrongful Withholding

If a landlord fails to provide the itemized list or fails to return the deposit within 30 days, the tenant can sue in small claims court. The judge may award the tenant the full deposit back, plus damages up to an amount equal to the entire security deposit (effectively double damages).

Digital Move-Out Ledgers

Calculating standard wear-and-tear versus actual tenant damage within a strict 30-day window can be stressful. Landager streamlines your property turnover by generating timestamped move-out ledgers, automatically preparing itemized deductions, and reminding you on Day 25 to send your accounting letters to remain strictly compliant with NRS 118A.242.

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