Security Deposit Not Returned in Nevada: What Can I Do?
This page explains what to do if your landlord in Nevada does not return your security deposit. It covers what your landlord can keep and the 30-day deadline to return the rest. It also covers how to sue in small claims court if your landlord misses the deadline. These rules come from Nevada state law and apply across the state.
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Nevada's deposit law covers any payment, fee, or charge your landlord collects to cover unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear, or cleaning. It does not matter what your landlord calls this money. If it is used for these purposes, the law protects it as your deposit.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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Your landlord may keep only what is needed to cover unpaid rent, damage you caused beyond normal wear, or cleaning costs. Normal wear means regular use of the home that is not your fault. Your landlord cannot take more from your deposit than these actual costs.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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Your landlord must give you a written list that shows exactly what was taken out of your deposit and why, item by item. It must be written down, not just something your landlord tells you by phone or in person.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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Your lease cannot say your deposit is nonrefundable (meaning you never get it back). It can charge you a separate cleaning fee that you do not get back, if the amount is reasonable. A court will not enforce any part of your lease that tries to take away your rights under Nevada's deposit law.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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If your landlord owes money to other people or businesses, your right to your deposit comes first. Your landlord's other debts do not come before your claim to your deposit.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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Keep a copy of your lease, photos of the home from move-out, and any messages with your landlord. Good records help you prove your case if your landlord does not return your deposit or disagrees about damage.
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Your landlord has 30 days after you move out to send you the rest of your deposit and the written list. The clock starts on the day your rental ends. This deadline applies no matter who ended the rental, you or your landlord, and no matter the reason.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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Your landlord can hand you the deposit in person at the place where you pay rent. Or your landlord can mail it to your current address. If your landlord does not know your address, they can mail it to your last known address instead.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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If 30 days pass and you have not received your deposit or the list, write to your landlord and ask for it in writing. Keep a copy of what you send and any reply you get. This creates a record if you need to go to court later.
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If your landlord does not return the rest of your deposit within 30 days after your rental ends, you get your full deposit back. A court can also order your landlord to pay you up to that same amount again. That means up to 2 times your deposit in total. For example, if your deposit is $1,000, you could get up to $2,000 total. You get this money only if you win your case and your landlord pays.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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A court can also order your landlord to pay you up to one more full deposit as extra money. The exact amount depends on good faith, past conduct between you, and the harm you suffered. For a $1,500 deposit, an extra award at the top amount would add $1,500 more, for $3,000 in total. You get this money only if you win your case and your landlord pays.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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If your landlord does not pay what they owe, you can sue them in Nevada's small claims court. Small claims court handles cases asking for $10,000 or less in money only. You get this money only if you win your case and your landlord pays.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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You file your small claims case in the justice court for your area, where your landlord lives, works, or has a business.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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If you win your case in small claims court, the judge can order your landlord to pay the cost of your case. This is separate from the deposit money you win. Neither side gets money back for a lawyer's fee most of the time. A different Nevada law can allow it in some cases. You get this money only if you win your case and your landlord pays.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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