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Nevada security deposit law

Source: NRS 118A.240–118A.250 · Checked against the statute

Maximum deposit
The deposit plus any surety bond, including last month's rent, may not exceed 3 months' rent (NRS 118A.242(1)).
Return deadline
30 days after the tenancy terminates
If the landlord keeps it wrongly
If the landlord doesn't return the remainder within 30 days, the landlord owes the entire deposit plus up to another amount equal to the entire deposit, set by the court (NRS 118A.242(6)).

Calculate your Nevada deadline

Choose your state and move-out date to see when your landlord must return the deposit.

When the deposit must be returned

  • Return any remaining deposit with an itemized written accounting no later than 30 days after the tenancy ends.

The landlord hands the refund to the tenant at the place rent is paid, or mails it to the tenant's present address. If that is unknown, it goes to the tenant's last known address.

Itemized list of deductions

Required: Yes. An itemized, written accounting of how the deposit or surety bond was used.

What can and can't be deducted

Normal wear is deterioration that happens without negligence, carelessness or abuse by the tenant, a household member or a guest (NRS 118A.110). Deductions are limited to unpaid rent, tenant damage beyond normal wear, and reasonable cleaning costs.

Nonrefundable fees

Any fee used for rent default, damage repair or cleaning counts as a security deposit. A lease can't call the deposit nonrefundable, except for a reasonable nonrefundable cleaning charge (NRS 118A.242(8)).

Interest, bank account and move-in inspection

  • Interest required: No. No statewide interest requirement.
  • Separate account required: No. The statute does not require a separate account. A tenant's claim to the deposit takes priority over the landlord's creditors.
  • Move-in inspection required: Yes. Every written rental agreement must include a signed record of the inventory and condition of the premises under the tenant's exclusive control (NRS 118A.200(3)(k)).

Penalties and bad faith

If the landlord doesn't return the remainder within 30 days, the landlord owes the entire deposit plus up to another amount equal to the entire deposit, set by the court (NRS 118A.242(6)).

In setting the extra amount, the court weighs whether the landlord acted in good faith, the parties' course of conduct, and the harm to the tenant (NRS 118A.242(7)).

Getting your deposit back in court

Justice court small claims up to $10,000 (NRS 73.010). Court information

Before filing, many tenants send a written demand first. Write a Nevada demand letter →

Also good to know

  • With the landlord's consent, a tenant may buy a surety bond instead of paying all or part of the deposit. The landlord can't require it.
  • The landlord must give a signed receipt for the deposit on request. The tenant may withhold rent until the receipt is given (NRS 118A.250).
  • When the property changes hands, the landlord must transfer the deposit to the successor or return it to the tenant. The successor can't demand an additional deposit during the lease (NRS 118A.244).

Sources

Laws change. This page was checked against the sources above on October 11, 2026. It is legal information, not legal advice; see our methodology.