Nevada Early Lease Termination Fees: What Renters Need to Know

Moving out before your lease ends in Nevada? Many renters wonder what fees or penalties they might face. Breaking a lease can be stressful, but understanding Nevada's early lease termination rules and your rights as a tenant will help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary costs.

What Is Early Lease Termination?

Early lease termination means ending your rental agreement before the date listed on your lease. In Nevada, this is generally only allowed if both you and your landlord agree, you have a legal reason to leave, or if your lease specifically allows for early termination (sometimes for a fee). If you don’t have a legal excuse, leaving early usually means paying a penalty.

Your Rights and Obligations Under Nevada Law

Both landlords and tenants have responsibilities under the Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 118A – Landlord and Tenant Law.^[1]

• You can be charged "damages" (such as lost rent) if you break your lease without a legally valid reason.
• Your landlord must "mitigate damages" by trying to find a new tenant quickly. They cannot simply leave the property empty and collect double rent.
• Certain situations (like being called for military duty or experiencing domestic violence) allow tenants to leave early without penalty, provided you follow the required steps with notice and documentation.

Typical Early Termination Fees

Some leases include a pre-set early termination fee, which may be a flat amount or a percentage of your remaining rent. Otherwise, you may be charged for the actual rent lost until a new tenant moves in, plus the cost of any advertising required to re-rent the unit.

Legally Accepted Reasons to Break a Lease Without a Fee

• Active military duty (under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act)
• Domestic violence protection – You must give the landlord a detailed written notice and documentation per NRS 118A.345.
• The rental unit is uninhabitable or the landlord is not making necessary repairs (after proper written notice and waiting period).

In these cases, legal protections may allow you to leave without penalty if you follow specific steps. Always document your move-out and keep copies of all communication.

Official Nevada Notice Forms and How to Use Them

1. Notice to Terminate Tenancy Due to Domestic Violence (NRS 118A.345 Notification Form)

• When to use: If you are a survivor of domestic violence and need to terminate your lease early.
• How to use: Complete the form, attach necessary documentation (such as a police report, protection order, or affidavit from a qualified professional), and deliver it to your landlord. This allows you to end your lease with 30 days' written notice per Nevada's laws.
• Official Source: Nevada Housing Division – Tenant Forms

2. Tenant's Notice of Intent to Vacate

• When to use: While not a required state form, providing a written notice to vacate is best practice when ending your lease early by agreement with your landlord.
• How to use: Write a dated, signed notice that clearly states your move-out date and reason for leaving. Hand-deliver or send by certified mail to keep a paper trail.
• Sample language: "This is written notice of my intent to vacate the property at [address] on [date]."

What Happens If You Break Your Lease Early?

If you leave before your lease ends without a legal reason or landlord agreement, your landlord can collect owed rent until the unit is re-rented, as well as some costs related to re-renting. Review your lease for any pre-set "early termination fee." However, landlords have a legal duty under NRS 118A.350 to try and re-rent the unit, and cannot keep charging you if a new tenant moves in.

Who Oversees Tenant-Landlord Disputes in Nevada?

The official body that handles rental disputes is the Justice Court in the county where your rental is located. For Southern Nevada, the Las Vegas Justice Court – Landlord & Tenant Services – is the main tribunal for issues related to early lease termination and other disputes.

How to Protect Yourself When Moving Out Early

• Read your lease for early termination clauses and fees.
• Provide proper written notice to your landlord, keeping copies for your records.
• Understand your rights to exceptions under Nevada law and follow required procedures.
• Communicate openly with your landlord – written agreements are best.
• Document the unit's condition when moving out to protect your security deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Early Lease Termination in Nevada

1. Can I break my lease early in Nevada without penalty?
   You may avoid fees if you qualify under legal exceptions, such as military duty, domestic violence, or if the rental is uninhabitable. Otherwise, you're usually responsible for some costs until the landlord finds a new tenant.
2. How much are typical early termination fees in Nevada?
   It depends on your lease. Some set fees in advance; if not, you may owe rent for the months left or until a new tenant is found, plus reasonable advertising costs.
3. Does my landlord have to try to find a new tenant?
   Yes. Under Nevada law, landlords must make reasonable efforts to re-rent the unit and cannot charge you for rent a new tenant is paying.
4. Is there an official form if I need to break my lease due to domestic violence?
   Yes. Use the NRS 118A.345 Notification Form to notify your landlord and provide documentation.
5. Where can I get help if my landlord disagrees about early termination fees?
   You can contact your local Justice Court, the Nevada Housing Division, or a tenant rights group for guidance or assistance with disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Nevada Housing Division – Renter Forms & Information
• Las Vegas Justice Court – Landlord & Tenant Services
• Read Nevada's Landlord-Tenant Law (NRS Chapter 118A)
• Nevada Legal Services – Ending Your Tenancy

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1. Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 118A – Landlord and Tenant: Dwellings
2. Nevada Housing Division – Official Tenant Forms
3. Las Vegas Justice Court – Landlord & Tenant Disputes

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