Filing a Landlord Complaint in Nevada: Tenant Rights Guide

If you’re a renter in Nevada and facing issues like unaddressed repairs, illegal rent increases, harassment, or improper eviction notices, knowing how to file a complaint against your landlord can help protect your rights. Nevada’s tenant protection laws offer a clear process—and official resources—to help you resolve disputes and ensure your living situation is safe and fair.

Understanding Your Rights as a Nevada Renter

In Nevada, your rights as a tenant are governed by the Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 118A – Landlord and Tenant: Dwellings. This law covers topics such as security deposits, repairs and maintenance, eviction procedures, and your right to a habitable home. If you believe your landlord is violating these laws, you have several complaint pathways available to you.

When Can You File a Complaint?

You may consider filing a complaint if your landlord:

• Fails to make necessary repairs or maintain the rental property
• Refuses to return your security deposit within the legal timeframe
• Attempts an unlawful eviction (without proper notice or court order)
• Harasses you, discriminates against you, or retaliates for making a complaint
• Increases rent unlawfully or violates the lease agreement

Minor disagreements or misunderstandings can often be resolved through direct communication. However, for serious issues, filing a complaint with the appropriate Nevada agency or court is the best course of action.

Where to File Landlord Complaints in Nevada

There is no single statewide landlord-tenant complaint agency in Nevada. The main options for renters are:

• Nevada Real Estate Division (NRED) – Receives complaints related to property managers and licensed real estate professionals. File a complaint with NRED.
• Local Code Enforcement – Handles issues with health, safety, or habitability (e.g., broken plumbing, mold, no heat). Find your city or county’s code enforcement office.
• Nevada Justice Courts – Handles eviction cases and landlord/tenant disputes. Locate your county’s Justice Court.

Depending on your complaint, you may need to contact more than one agency. Always keep documentation and evidence of the problem and your communication with your landlord.

Official Complaint Forms for Nevada Renters

• NRED Complaint Form (Form 514)
  Download Form 514 – NRED Consumer Complaint
  Use this form if your issue involves a licensed property manager or real estate professional—not for standard landlord-tenant disputes. For example, if a property manager mishandles your security deposit, complete and submit this form to NRED.
• Justice Court Civil Complaint Form
  Download the Civil Complaint Form
  Use this form to file a civil case (such as for withheld security deposit or damages under $10,000) in your county’s Justice Court.
• Local Code Enforcement Complaint Forms
  Each city and county has its own form. For example, the City of Las Vegas offers an online code enforcement complaint system for health and safety violations.

Step-by-Step: Filing a Complaint Against Your Landlord in Nevada

Here is a step-by-step breakdown to help renters start a complaint process:

• 1. Gather evidence: Collect photos, emails, texts, repair requests, and any written communication with your landlord.
• 2. Send written notice: Before filing an official complaint, notify your landlord in writing about the issue. Keep a copy for your records.
• 3. Choose the right agency: See above to determine if your issue should go to NRED, local code enforcement, or the Justice Court.
• 4. Download and complete the official form: Fill out all necessary fields and include supporting documents. For health or safety issues, contact local code enforcement directly.
• 5. Submit the form: Mail, email, or hand-deliver your complaint according to the instructions for each agency. Some forms can be submitted online.
• 6. Follow up: Record your complaint reference number and track responses. If your problem is unresolved, consider mediation or filing a case in Justice Court.

What Happens After You File a Complaint?

The timeline and outcome depend on the agency and the nature of your complaint. For code enforcement, officers may inspect your rental and order repairs if violations are found. For formal complaints to NRED or the courts, investigations and hearings may be scheduled. Always keep copies of your forms and supporting documents.

Official Tribunal for Nevada Renters

The correct body to resolve most landlord-tenant disputes in Nevada is your local Justice Court. Complex or serious issues may eventually be decided by a judge in these courts. Routine habitability concerns are addressed by code enforcement or NRED when property managers are involved.

1. How can I file a complaint if my landlord won’t fix basic repairs?
   Contact your local code enforcement office to report the issue. Provide photos, written requests to your landlord, and the address. Code enforcement can order repairs if there are health or safety violations.
2. What should I do if my landlord refuses to return my security deposit?
   Nevada law requires landlords to return deposits within 30 days of move-out. If not returned, you may file a civil complaint in Justice Court using the Civil Complaint Form.
3. Can I be evicted if I file a complaint against my landlord?
   Landlord retaliation for filing a legal complaint is prohibited by Nevada law. If you face eviction after making a complaint, keep all documentation and connect with legal aid services immediately.
4. Do I need a lawyer to file a complaint?
   No, most renters can complete the complaint forms themselves. However, it’s helpful to seek legal advice if you’re unsure about your rights or if the dispute goes to court.
5. How long does it take to resolve a rental complaint in Nevada?
   It can take a few days to several weeks, depending on the agency’s backlog and the complexity of your case.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Nevada

• Nevada Real Estate Division – Complaint Information: Guidance for reporting issues with property managers
• Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 118A – Landlord and Tenant: Full law text covering your rights
• Nevada Justice Courts Directory: Find your county’s court for tenant disputes
• Nevada Legal Services: Free legal help for renters
• Las Vegas Code Enforcement Complaint Form: Online reporting for city violations

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1. Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 118A — Official text
2. Nevada Real Estate Division Complaint Forms — Official government page
3. Las Vegas Justice Court Civil Forms — Official court form
4. Las Vegas Code Enforcement — Official reporting link

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