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Nevada security deposit: 30 days to get it back

No later than 30 days after the tenancy terminates, the landlord must give the tenant an itemized written accounting of the deposit and return any remaining portion. Deductions are limited to amounts reasonably needed for unpaid rent, tenant-caused damage beyond normal wear, and reasonable cleaning costs.

What the law requires

Itemized statement: The landlord must provide an itemized, written accounting of the disposition of the security deposit. The section sets no receipt or documentation threshold. Nonrefundable deposit labels are void, except a reasonable nonrefundable cleaning charge.
Forwarding address: No forwarding address is required to start the clock. The statute refers to the tenant's present address and, if that is unknown, allows the landlord to mail to the last known address.
If the landlord breaks the rules: If the landlord fails or refuses to return the remainder within 30 days, the statute makes the landlord liable for damages equal to the entire deposit, plus a court-fixed sum of up to another full deposit. The court weighs the landlord's good faith, the parties' dealings and the harm to the tenant.
Deposit cap: A security deposit, surety bond, or combination of the two (including last month's rent) may not exceed 3 months' periodic rent. A landlord need not accept a tenant-purchased surety bond and cannot require one in place of a deposit.
Small claims limit: $10,000 in Justice Court (small claims)
Statute: Nev. Rev. Stat. §§ 118A.240, 118A.242

Local rules

NRS Chapter 118A covers dwelling units. Manufactured-home lot rentals are under NRS Chapter 118B, which has its own deposit rules (not reviewed).

If your landlord misses the deadline

Write down your dates and gather proof: move-out date, the date you gave your forwarding address, the deposit amount, and anything the landlord sent. Photos and receipts help.
Send a written demand by certified mail, keep the receipt, and cite Nev. Rev. Stat. §§ 118A.240, 118A.242. Give a date to respond.
If you still aren't paid, file in Justice Court (small claims). Deposit claims up to $10,000 can be filed there, usually without a lawyer. Check the court's website for current filing fees and forms.

What a Nevada demand letter looks like

Re: Demand for return of security deposit / Rental address: [Street address, unit, city, state ZIP]

Dear [Landlord name]:

I rented the property above from you under a lease that began on [lease start date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount] on [date paid]. I moved out and returned possession on [move-out date].

My forwarding address is [forwarding address]. Please send my deposit and any required statement to that address.

[A.] I have not received my deposit or an itemized statement of deductions. Under Nev. Rev. Stat. §§ 118A.240, 118A.242, a landlord must return a tenant's security deposit, or send an itemized statement of any deductions, within 30 days after the tenant moves out. That deadline passed on [deadline date].

Preview of the first part of letter one. Yellow marks the parts you fill in.

Common questions

How long does a landlord in Nevada have to return a security deposit?

What happens if a Nevada landlord keeps the deposit wrongfully?

If the landlord fails or refuses to return the remainder within 30 days, the statute makes the landlord liable for damages equal to the entire deposit, plus a court-fixed sum of up to another full deposit. The court weighs the landlord's good faith, the parties' dealings and the harm to the tenant.

Do I have to give my Nevada landlord a forwarding address?

No forwarding address is required to start the clock. The statute refers to the tenant's present address and, if that is unknown, allows the landlord to mail to the last known address.

Where do I sue for my deposit in Nevada?

Deposit claims up to $10,000 can be filed in Justice Court (small claims). Check the court's website for current filing fees and forms.

Other states

Rules reviewed October 2026. Laws change, so confirm with the statute before you rely on this page.