Updated 2026 · Nevada Law
Security Deposit Laws in Las Vegas, Nevada (2026)
Under Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.242, landlords in Las Vegas must return your security deposit within 30 days after you vacate the unit. Failure to comply entitles you to the deposit plus statutory penalties. This page is a plain-language reference to Nevada's security deposit statute as it applies to Las Vegas renters. Las Vegas follows Nevada state law; there is no additional city-specific deposit ordinance.
30
Days to Return
Forfeit + damages
Penalty
$10,000
Small Claims Limit
Nevada Security Deposit Statute — Quick Reference
Statute
Return Deadline
30 days after tenancy ends — Must provide itemized statement
Penalty
Landlord forfeits the right to keep any part of your deposit — you're owed a full refund
Small Claims Limit
$10,000
Filing Fee
$36–$100
The 30-Day Return Deadline in Detail
Under Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.242, a Las Vegas landlord has 30 calendar days after the tenancy ends to return your security deposit. If the landlord makes deductions, they must provide a written, itemized statement of each deduction along with copies of receipts, invoices, or estimates supporting each charge.
Important: Must provide itemized statement. The clock starts when the tenancy legally terminates — typically your move-out date or lease end date, whichever is later. To protect your rights, provide your forwarding address in writing on or before your move-out date.
Penalty for Violation
Nevada Statutory Penalty
Landlord forfeits the right to keep any part of your deposit — you're owed a full refund
Cite: Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.242
May forfeit right to retain deposit. To recover these penalties, file in small claims court in Las Vegas's jurisdiction. You may also send a formal demand letter first — many landlords return deposits once they receive a written legal demand citing the applicable statute.
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Small Claims Court — Nevada
How to find your court
File at the Justice Court in the township where the property is located.
Nevada court finder →Las Vegas Security Deposit FAQ
How long does a Las Vegas landlord have to return my security deposit?
30 days after you vacate the unit and provide your forwarding address, under Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.242(4). The landlord must return the deposit — or a written itemized statement of deductions — within 30 days. Nevada law requires the itemized statement to describe each deduction in reasonable detail.
What happens if my Las Vegas landlord misses the 30-day deadline?
Under Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.242(4), a landlord who fails to comply with the deposit return requirements forfeits the right to retain any portion of the deposit. The tenant may also seek damages in court. While Nevada does not impose a specific penalty multiplier (like 2x or 3x) by statute, a landlord who wrongfully retains a deposit faces liability for the full deposit plus any actual damages suffered.
Can my Las Vegas landlord deduct for carpet cleaning?
Only if the carpet condition exceeds normal wear and tear. Nevada courts have generally found that landlords cannot charge for routine carpet cleaning after a standard tenancy. If the carpet was excessively stained or damaged — beyond what accumulates from ordinary residential use — the landlord may deduct for cleaning or replacement (pro-rated for remaining useful life).
What can a Las Vegas landlord legally deduct from my security deposit?
Under Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.242(1), allowable deductions include unpaid rent, costs to restore the premises to the condition at the start of tenancy (beyond normal wear and tear), costs for cleaning if the unit was left unreasonably dirty, and amounts owed under the rental agreement. Normal wear and tear — including minor scuffs, small nail holes, and carpet fading — is not deductible.
How do I sue my Las Vegas landlord in small claims court for my deposit?
File at the Las Vegas Justice Court, located at 200 Lewis Ave., Las Vegas. Nevada's small claims limit is $10,000. Filing fees are approximately $36–$100 depending on the amount claimed. Attorneys may represent parties in Nevada small claims proceedings. Bring your lease, deposit receipt, forwarding address evidence, move-out photos, and any communications from your landlord.
Related Resources
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Create a free Deposit Deadline account to save your move-out date, get email reminders before the 30-day deadline, and generate a state-specific demand letter citing Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.242.
This page is a general legal reference for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Security deposit laws may change; always verify the current statute before taking action. Full disclaimer →