Security Deposit Not Returned in Las Vegas: What Can I Do?
This page explains what happens if your landlord in Las Vegas does not return your security deposit on time. It covers what your landlord can deduct, the deadline to return your deposit, and how to sue if they do not. These rules come from Nevada law and Clark County court rules.
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When your rental ends, your landlord can keep only the amounts reasonably needed for 3 things. These are unpaid rent, repair of damage you caused other than normal wear, and reasonable cleaning costs.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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Normal wear is wear on the home that happens without negligence, carelessness, or abuse by you, your household, or someone there with your consent. For repairs, when your tenancy ends, your landlord can keep only what is reasonably needed to repair damage you caused, not normal wear.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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Your lease cannot call your security deposit nonrefundable. It can include a nonrefundable cleaning charge, if the amount is reasonable. Your lease also cannot take away or change your rights under Nevada's security deposit law, NRS 118A.242. A court will not enforce a lease clause that tries to do these things.
✓ Sources checked September 24, 2026
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When your tenancy ends, your landlord must give you an itemized written accounting of your deposit. This is a written list showing what happened to your deposit money.
✓ Sources checked September 24, 2026
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Your landlord has 30 days to return what is left of your deposit and send the itemized list. The clock starts the day your tenancy ends.
✓ Sources checked September 24, 2026
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Your landlord must return the rest of your deposit no later than 30 days after your tenancy ends. Your landlord can hand it to you in person at the place where you pay rent. Or your landlord can mail it to your present address. If your address is unknown, your landlord can mail it to your last known address.
✓ Sources checked September 24, 2026
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If your landlord misses the 30-day deadline, they owe you your full deposit back. A court can also order up to one more full deposit as extra money. For a $1,500 deposit, that is up to $3,000 total. You get this money only if you win your case and your landlord pays.
✓ Sources checked September 24, 2026
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If your landlord does not return the rest of your deposit within 30 days after your tenancy ends, you can sue your landlord. A claim for money less than $10,000 is a small claims case. You get this money only if you win your case and your landlord pays.
RenterLaw editorial Civil Law Self-Help Center (Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, with Clark County) Small Claims FAQ: What is a small claims case Civil Law Self-Help Center (Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, with Clark County) Security Deposits: What if the landlord fails to return the security deposit within thirty days✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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You can file a small claims case in the justice court for the township where your landlord lives, works, or does business. Clark County has 11 justice courts organized by township, including Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas. If you file in the wrong court, the judge cannot hear your case.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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