Know Your Rights: Nevada Rent Increase Laws

Nevada has one of the most expensive housing markets in the U.S. An average renter in Nevada spends up to 46% of their income on rent, which can be tough with rising costs everywhere else. 

Rent prices are likely to keep increasing, but you can better prepare yourself to tackle the market by understanding the state’s rent laws and your rights as a tenant.

Let’s take a look at Nevada’s rent increase laws and how you can negotiate a lower rent to protect yourself from unexpected increases. 

• How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Nevada?
• Nevada’s Rent Increase Laws
• How To Determine Whether a Rent Increase Is Legal
• Tips To Negotiate a Rent Increase in Nevada
• Final Thoughts: Nevada Rent Increase Laws

How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Nevada? 

As of March 2024, there are no laws in the state of Nevada limiting how much a landlord can increase rent. That means Nevada landlords can increase rent as much as they want.

However, there’s one important rule: Nevada’s rent increase laws require the landlord to provide sufficient written notice before an increase. The notice period is based on the length of the tenancy:

• For periodic tenancy of a month or more, the required notice period is 60 days.
• For rental periods less than a month, the required notice period is 15 days. 

As there is no law limiting rent increases, Nevada tenants have dealt with unexpected rent hikes over the years. 

Additionally,  since Nevada is a Dillon’s Rule state, cities and towns can’t implement their own rent control measures. 

Good news, though: In 2023, the Senate passed bill SB426.. The bill limits rent increases in the state by prohibiting landlords from increasing rent within the first year of tenancy. After that, increases will be limited to 5%.

The Senate bill will go into effect July 1, 2024, paving the way for better tenant rights in Nevada.

Nevada’s Rent Increase Laws

Even if there’s no cap on rent increases, you still benefit from understanding Nevada’s tenant protection laws to protect yourself.

In addition to the rent increase notice requirements, here are the stand-out tenant rights you need to keep in mind:

Limited Security Deposits

While landlords have the flexibility to change the rent amount, they can’t meddle with the security deposit. 

Landlords are allowed to charge a maximum of three months’ rent as a security deposit for private housing. For public housing, the limit is even lower, at just one month’s rent. 

Disclosures

As a tenant, you have the right to ensure you get your security deposit back at the end of the tenancy. The landlord must legally disclose the return period of the security deposit by clearly mentioning it in the rental agreement. 

That’s not all. The landlord must also disclose how they intend to use the deposit money and if they will earn any interest on it.

Late Fees

No one wants to be behind on rent payments. However, unexpected situations and rent increases may leave you short on funds. Nevada’s tenant rights will protect you in these situations.

If you can’t pay rent on time due to an increase or otherwise, the landlord cannot collect more than 5% of the rent as a late fee. You will only be required to pay a late fee if you’re at least three days past the due date.

Withholding Rent

Your landlord needs to fund repairs and maintenance using their own money. However, if they fail to address these in a timely manner, Nevada rent increase laws allow tenants to use rent money to fix the issues.

Note that in these situations, the amount your landlord must deduct from your rent should equal the amount you spent on repairs. Alternatively, you can legally withhold or pay only part of the rent until the issue is resolved. 

How To Determine Whether a Rent Increase Is Legal

Due to the lack of rent control laws, any rent increase is legal in Nevada. However, you can appeal to the law against the landlord if they fail to give you proper notice before the increase.

Under Nevada’s Fair Housing Act, landlords are also strictly prohibited from increasing rent based on the tenant’s religion, disability, age, race, or nationality. This is considered discriminatory and could potentially serve as grounds for legal action.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s website provides more information about tenant rights.

If you feel that the rent increase isn’t fair or you’re being discriminated against, contact tenant advocacy groups like Nevada Legal Services. 

Tips To Negotiate a Rent Increase in Nevada 

Nevada is generally considered a landlord-friendly state, but that doesn’t mean renters are powerless. Here’s how to work toward a better deal: 

Research the Market

Before approaching a negotiation, learn about the local real estate market to get a ballpark estimate of the rent you can ask for.

Start by assessing the average rent for a similar apartment in your locality. Is the current rent increase at par with the market rates? For instance, if you rent a two-bedroom apartment, look for other two-bedroom apartments in your locality with similar facilities and compare prices.

If the difference between the average rent price for similar properties and your current rent is significant (whether higher or lower), you’ll have the numbers in mind to approach your landlord for negotiation.

Make sure to also jot down similar places with more affordable prices in case you need to move. 

Propose a Longer-Term Lease Agreement

Repeatedly dealing with new tenants is a hassle for most landlords. Your landlord may be willing to negotiate a lower rent if you sign a rental agreement for a year or more. 

As a tenant, you’ll also benefit from a longer lease term in two ways:

• You’ll have a good chance of avoiding a significant rent hike.
• You’ll be eligible to get a longer notice period in case of further rent increases.

Tone Matters

How and when you negotiate is important if you want the landlord to consider your request. Start by notifying your landlord beforehand that you want to discuss the rent increase. 

While the discussion is in progress, present your points politely, and don’t dismiss what your landlord has to say. Make sure to explain how your tenancy can still benefit your landlord despite requesting a lower rent.

For example, you may actively contribute to maintaining their backyard as a tenant, while others may be unwilling to do the same. 

Be a Responsible Tenant

A bad tenant may incur considerable costs for the landlord, irrespective of the rent amount. 

They may maintain the rental property poorly, resulting in mold, pests, and other forms of damage. They may also cause legal issues.

If you’re a responsible tenant, your landlord may be willing to negotiate a reasonable rent. 

This includes maintaining the property well, paying rent on time, and having a renters insurance policy. 

As renters insurance isn’t mandatory in Nevada, not all renters will opt for one. However, landlords usually prefer renting to tenants with insurance.

After all, even if your landlord has their own insurance, there’s a lot it won’t cover for you as a tenant. It might cover the building and some portion of the damage, but it won’t cover your belongings or incidents you’re liable for. 

Check out our guide if you want to learn more about renters insurance in Nevada. 

Final Thoughts: Nevada Rent Increase Laws

Rent increases in Nevada aren't controlled by law, and landlords are free to increase the rent by any amount if they give enough advance notice. This may change by July 1, 2024, when bill SB426 comes into effect. 

In the meantime, while you can do little against the increase in rent prices, you can still protect yourself by ensuring you’re up to date on the law.

And remember: Whether you decide to move to a place with a lower rent or negotiate with your current landlord, Goodcover renters insurance policy will keep you covered.

Get a quote today.

Note: This post is for informational purposes; insurance regulation and coverage specifics vary by location and person. Check your policy for exact coverage information.

For additional questions, reach out to us – we’re happy to help.