Nevada security deposit rules
Nevada limits security deposits to 3 months' periodic rent (security deposit plus any surety bond, including last month's rent collected as security). The deposit must be returned itemized written accounting and any remaining deposit returned no later than 30 days after termination of the tenancy, by hand at the place rent is paid or by mail to the tenant's present or last-known address, with an itemised list of any deductions. No interest is owed on the deposit under state law.
What the law requires
3 months' periodic rent (security deposit plus any surety bond, including last month's rent collected as security). Returned Itemized written accounting and any remaining deposit returned no later than 30 days after termination of the tenancy, by hand at the place rent is paid or by mail to the tenant's present or last-known address. Tenant may purchase a surety bond in lieu of deposit only if landlord consents; landlord may not require one. No interest requirement. NRS 118A.242 shows no 2025-session amendment in the Oct 2026 NRS snapshot. 2025 session did add NRS 118A.200, 118A.235, 118A.303 (free rent-payment method; portal-fee limits), 118A.306 (application-fee refunds), 118A.332, 118A.525 and amended 118A.327/118A.335 - fee-transparency measures (AB 121 'all-in pricing' eff. 1 Oct 2025 per secondary source), not deposit or late-fee caps. AB 340 (2025) was a health-insurance bill unrelated to landlord-tenant law. Official leg.state.nv.us text read via 13 Oct 2026 Wayback snapshot (live site returns 403); cross-checked against FindLaw (current through 1 Jan 2025).
- Deductions: unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, itemised in writing. Cleaning and repainting after ordinary use are normal wear in most states.
- Deadline: the 30-day clock usually starts when the tenant moves out and, in many states, when a forwarding address is provided. Missing it typically forfeits the landlord’s right to keep any of the deposit and can add statutory damages.
- Interest: none required under state law. Cities in some no-interest states have their own ordinances, so check the municipal code where you rent.
Move-out checklist
- Give written notice of the move-out date and a forwarding address; many deadlines only start when the landlord has the address.
- Photograph every room after cleaning, with a timestamp. Request a joint inspection where the state allows one.
- If the deadline passes, send a written demand citing NRS 118A.242. Small-claims court handles deposit disputes in every state and most cap the claim well above a typical deposit.
Related Nevada rules
- Late fees: Reasonable late fee set in the rental agreement, not exceeding 5% of the periodic rent; in tenancies longer than week-to-week no fee may be imposed until at least 3 calendar days after rent is due; the fee may not escalate based on previously imposed late fees. Late fee calculator.
- Notice to end a tenancy: At least 30 days' notice for month-to-month and other periodic tenancies, 7 days for week-to-week (NRS 40.251(1)(b)); tenants aged 60+ or with a disability may request an additional 30 days; NRS 118A.220 bars requiring a different notice from the tenant than the landlord must give Notice calculator.
- All rules on one page: Nevada landlord and tenant law.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Nevada?
3 months' periodic rent (security deposit plus any surety bond, including last month's rent collected as security). Tenant may purchase a surety bond in lieu of deposit only if landlord consents; landlord may not require one. No interest requirement. NRS 118A.242 shows no 2025-session amendment in the Oct 2026 NRS snapshot. 2025 session did add NRS 118A.200, 118A.235, 118A.303 (free rent-payment method; portal-fee limits), 118A.306 (application-fee refunds), 118A.332, 118A.525 and amended 118A.327/118A.335 - fee-transparency measures (AB 121 'all-in pricing' eff. 1 Oct 2025 per secondary source), not deposit or late-fee caps. AB 340 (2025) was a health-insurance bill unrelated to landlord-tenant law. Official leg.state.nv.us text read via 13 Oct 2026 Wayback snapshot (live site returns 403); cross-checked against FindLaw (current through 1 Jan 2025).
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Nevada?
Itemized written accounting and any remaining deposit returned no later than 30 days after termination of the tenancy, by hand at the place rent is paid or by mail to the tenant's present or last-known address. The statute is NRS 118A.242.
Does a Nevada landlord have to pay interest on the security deposit?
No. Nevada law does not require interest on residential security deposits.