Renting a home · Updated Oct 2026 · Nevada

Security deposit not returned in Nevada: what to do

Most states set a deadline for the landlord to return your deposit or send a list of deductions after you move out; a few (for example Kentucky and Tennessee) set no number of days but have other rules, which your state page explains. The landlord can generally keep money only for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and other charges your state and lease allow. If the deadline passes or the deductions are wrong, a written demand and then small claims court are the usual path, and some states add a penalty.

This plan is general legal information, not legal advice. RobinClaim is not a law firm. Laws and deadlines change and have exceptions: check with the official source or a lawyer or legal aid office about your own case.

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Your plan for Nevada

Do now

  1. If you answered “No” to “Did you give the landlord a forwarding address in writing?”

    Give the landlord your forwarding address in writing (email or letter) and keep a copy.

    Why: In some states the return deadline, the refund notice or the penalty depends on having your address (for example, Kentucky and Tennessee let the landlord keep an unclaimed refund 60 days after a notice to your last known address).

  2. If you answered “Not yet” to “Have you moved out and returned the keys?”

    Take dated photos and video of every room, inside appliances and closets, and return all keys.

    Why: Proof of the condition at move-out is the main evidence if the landlord claims damage.

  3. Find your state's return deadline (or, in states with no fixed number of days, the rule that applies) and whether an itemized list is required on tenantrightsmap.com.

    Why: The deadline and the penalty for missing it differ by state.

  4. If you answered “Got part of it back, no list” to “Did the landlord send a list of deductions?”

    If you got only part of the money with no list, count the days since you moved out and compare them with your state's deadline and list rule.

    Why: Nearly every state requires a written list of deductions; your state page says what yours requires and what happens if it is missing.

  5. If you answered “Nothing at all” to “Did the landlord send a list of deductions?”

    If you got nothing at all, count the days since you moved out and compare them with your state's deadline.

    Why: Your state page says what happens when the landlord misses the deadline or sends no list (in some states the landlord loses the right to keep any of it).

  6. Collect your lease, move-in checklist or photos, rent receipts and any messages about the deposit.

    Why: You will need them for the letter and, if needed, court.

This week

  1. If the deadline has passed or you disagree with deductions, send a written demand letter asking for the money by a set date (for example 10-14 days).

    Why: A clear written demand gives the landlord a chance to pay and is evidence for court; some small claims courts expect you to ask first (your state's small claims page says if a demand is required).

  2. If you answered “Yes, but I disagree” to “Did the landlord send a list of deductions?”

    For each deduction you dispute, explain why it is normal wear and tear or was already there at move-in, and attach photos.

    Why: Landlords generally can't charge for normal wear and tear; your state page lists what can be deducted.

  3. Keep proof you sent the letter (certified mail receipt, email).

    Why: You may need to show the court when the landlord was told.

If it's not resolved

  1. If you don't get paid, you can file in small claims court in the county where the rental is. Check your state's limit and fee on smallclaimsmap.com.

    Why: Small claims is designed for people without lawyers; deposit cases are common there.

  2. Ask for the penalty your state allows (for example, a multiple of the deposit) if the landlord acted in bad faith or missed the deadline.

    Why: Some states add a penalty on top of the deposit; your state's security deposit page says if yours does and how much.

  3. Bring the lease, photos, letters and proof of mailing to the hearing.

    Why: The judge decides on documents and photos.

  4. If you win and the landlord still doesn't pay, use the court's collection tools.

    Why: A judgment is not automatic payment.

Deadlines

Landlord's deadline to return the deposit or send an itemized list

General rule: see state; Kentucky and Tennessee set no number of days (your state page explains the rule there)

In Nevada:

Deadline
30 days
The rule
No later than 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return what is left of the deposit with a written itemized accounting, either by handing it to you where you pay rent or by mailing it to your present address (or last known address). Give the landlord your new address in writing.

Law: NRS 118A.242 · checked Oct 2026 · Official source · From Tenant Rights Map: Nevada

Last day to sue in court (statute of limitations)

General rule: see state; at least 3 years for a written lease or agreement in every state, and the same or less for an oral one

In Nevada:

Written contract
6 years
Verbal agreement
4 years

checked Oct 2026 · From Small Claims Map: Nevada

Key facts for Nevada

Tenant Rights Map

Deadline to return a deposit
30 days
Security deposit limit
3 months' rent
Notice before an eviction case for unpaid rent
7 business days
Notice before the landlord enters
24 hours

Tenant Rights Map: Nevada · checked Oct 2026

Small Claims Map

Most you can sue for
$10,000
Court
Justice Court
Filing fee
$55–$196
Lawyers
Optional

Small Claims Map: Nevada

Documents to gather

  • Lease
  • Move-in checklist or move-in photos
  • Move-out photos and video (dated)
  • Proof you returned the keys and the move-out date
  • Written forwarding address and proof it was sent
  • Any list of deductions and repair invoices
  • Rent receipts or bank records
  • Messages with the landlord

Letters you can send

Fill in the blanks; the letter updates as you type. Copy it, print it or save it as a text file. Nothing you type is sent or saved: it stays on this page until you close it.

Demand for return of security deposit

Ask for the deposit (or the disputed part) by a date, in writing.

Dear [Landlord name],

I moved out of [Rental address] on [Move out date] and returned the keys. I paid a security deposit of [Deposit amount]. To date I have received [Amount returned]. [Your state's rule (optional)]

Please send the remaining amount, or a written itemized list of any deductions, to [Your forwarding address] by [Deadline date]. If I do not receive it, I plan to file a claim in small claims court.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

Where to go

Costs

Small claims filing fees are set by each state (often about $30 to $100, plus a fee to serve the papers). Most states let you ask the court to waive fees if you can't afford them. See your state page on smallclaimsmap.com.

Talk to a lawyer if

  • The landlord sues you for damages that are more than the deposit
  • The amount is above your state's small claims limit
  • The landlord says you broke the lease and owes you nothing
  • Many tenants in your building have the same problem

Free help

Free legal aid for renters with low income: find your local office through the Legal Services Corporation (lsc.gov/about-lsc/what-legal-aid/i-need-legal-help) or LawHelp.org (lawhelp.org/find-help). Your state page on tenantrightsmap.com lists state tenant help. For help paying rent or utilities, call 211 or visit 211.org. HUD's state pages (hud.gov/states) list local tenant resources.

Guides for your state

Guides for every state

Questions

What is the landlord's deadline to return the deposit or send an itemized list in Nevada?

Deadline: 30 days The rule: No later than 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return what is left of the deposit with a written itemized accounting, either by handing it to you where you pay rent or by mailing it to your present address (or last known address). Give the landlord your new address in writing. (NRS 118A.242)

What is the last day to sue in court (statute of limitations) in Nevada?

Written contract: 6 years Verbal agreement: 4 years

When should I talk to a lawyer?

The landlord sues you for damages that are more than the deposit; The amount is above your state's small claims limit; The landlord says you broke the lease and owes you nothing; Many tenants in your building have the same problem.

How much does it cost?

Small claims filing fees are set by each state (often about $30 to $100, plus a fee to serve the papers). Most states let you ask the court to waive fees if you can't afford them. See your state page on smallclaimsmap.com.

Plans by state

Open the plan with one state's rules filled in:

Sources

Plan checked Oct 2026. Independently fact-checked 2026-10-24.

This plan is general legal information, not legal advice. RobinClaim is not a law firm. Laws and deadlines change and have exceptions: check with the official source or a lawyer or legal aid office about your own case. How we research.