General information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant rules change, and cities and counties can add their own. Check the current statute and local ordinances, and talk to a licensed attorney before you act.
Last reviewed
The short version
- The total of any security deposit and surety bond, including last month's rent, may not exceed three months' rent.
- Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the remaining deposit with an itemized written accounting.
- Deductions are limited to unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and reasonable cleaning, and each must appear on the itemized accounting.
- A landlord who fails to return the balance on time can owe the full deposit plus an additional amount set by the court of up to the full deposit again.
Nevada limits the combined deposit and any surety bond to three months' rent. The landlord has 30 days after the tenancy ends to return the balance with an itemized accounting, or can owe up to twice the deposit.
Nevada security deposits at a glance
| Rule | Nevada | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit limit | The total of any security deposit and surety bond, including last month's rent, may not exceed three months' rent. | NRS 118A.242 |
| Deadline to return the deposit | Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the remaining deposit with an itemized written accounting. | NRS 118A.242 |
| Itemized deductions | Deductions are limited to unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and reasonable cleaning, and each must appear on the itemized accounting. | NRS 118A.242 |
| Penalty for wrongful withholding | A landlord who fails to return the balance on time can owe the full deposit plus an additional amount set by the court of up to the full deposit again. | NRS 118A.242 |
How much you can collect
Deposit limit. The total of any security deposit and surety bond, including last month's rent, may not exceed three months' rent. (NRS 118A.242)
Holding the deposit
We could not confirm a statewide rule here. Check your county court or a local attorney.
Deductions and normal wear and tear
A deposit can cover unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear. Everyday aging, such as faded paint, small nail holes or light carpet wear, is not damage.
Itemized deductions. Deductions are limited to unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and reasonable cleaning, and each must appear on the itemized accounting. (NRS 118A.242)
Returning the deposit
Deadline to return the deposit. Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the remaining deposit with an itemized written accounting. (NRS 118A.242)
Penalties for wrongful withholding
Penalty for wrongful withholding. A landlord who fails to return the balance on time can owe the full deposit plus an additional amount set by the court of up to the full deposit again. (NRS 118A.242)
Mistakes to avoid
- Skipping a dated move-in condition report with photos, then having nothing to compare against at move out.
- Charging for normal wear and tear.
- Missing the return deadline, even by a few days.
- Not asking for a forwarding address before the tenant leaves.
- Losing track of deposit money by mixing it with operating funds without a ledger.
Keep the Nevada security deposits summary on file
Free, no sign up. The file downloads straight away.
General information, not legal advice.
Verify current law
We last checked these Nevada rules on . Laws change and cities can add their own, so confirm the current text before you rely on it, and talk to a Nevada attorney about your situation.
Laws named on this page
- NRS 118A.242
Official sources
Nevada forms for this topic
Letters and checklists for this topic
Asked by landlords in this state.
Is there a limit on security deposits in Nevada?
The total of any security deposit and surety bond, including last month's rent, may not exceed three months' rent. Source: NRS 118A.242.
How long does a Nevada landlord have to return a deposit?
Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the remaining deposit with an itemized written accounting. Source: NRS 118A.242.
What happens if a Nevada landlord keeps a deposit wrongly?
A landlord who fails to return the balance on time can owe the full deposit plus an additional amount set by the court of up to the full deposit again. Source: NRS 118A.242.