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

Governed by the Nevada Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (NRS Chapter 118A), originally enacted on July 1, 1977, Nevada gives landlords substantial financial protection by allowing relatively high security deposits, but balances this with strict,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.

Maximum Security Deposit Limitations

Under NRS 118A.242, a Nevada landlord can demand a maximum security deposit equal to three months' rent for all residential rental units.

• No Statutory Variation: Unlike some states, Nevada law does not specify a lower cap for furnished units; the three-month maximum applies universally.
• 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 law allows for a non-refundable cleaning fee in a reasonable amount, provided it is explicitly designated as such in the written rental agreement (NRS 118A.242(8)). However, Nevada does not permit other types of non-refundable fees. Any provision in a rental agreement that characterizes any other part of a security deposit as non-refundable is void as contrary to public policy. This includes pet fees, which fall under the definition of a security deposit (NRS 118A.240) and must remain refundable.

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 (NRS 118A.242(4)).

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" as defined in NRS 118A.110).
• 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 Justice Court (Small Claims). 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) pursuant to NRS 118A.242(6).

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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How Landager Helps

Landager tracks lease terms, monitors state specific compliance requirements, and automates rent notices - making it easy to stay compliant with Nevada regulations.

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