Nevada Fair Housing: Protected Classes Explained

Understanding fair housing protections is essential for Nevada renters who want to safeguard their rights during the rental process. Whether you’re dealing with a rental application, responding to a rent increase, or facing possible eviction, knowing which groups are protected under Nevada fair housing laws can empower you to address discrimination confidently. Below, we break down these protected classes, what counts as unlawful discrimination, and how you can take action if you experience unfair treatment in housing.

Overview of Fair Housing Protections in Nevada

Nevada renters are protected by both federal and state fair housing laws. These laws make it illegal for landlords, property managers, or real estate agents to treat renters unfairly or deny housing based on certain personal characteristics, known as “protected classes.”

Who Is Protected? Nevada's Protected Classes

According to the Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 118 and the federal Fair Housing Act, landlords and housing providers cannot discriminate against renters because of:

• Race
• Color
• National Origin
• Religion
• Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
• Disability
• Familial Status (having children under 18 in the home or being pregnant)
• Ancestry (state protection)
• Gender Identity or Expression (state protection)

These protections apply when you are looking for a place to rent, renewing your lease, or living in your rental home.

What Is Housing Discrimination?

Housing discrimination occurs when someone is treated differently, denied housing, or harassed because they are part of a protected class. Examples include:

• A landlord refusing to rent to a family with children
• Charging higher rent to someone from a different country
• Denying reasonable accommodations to a person with disabilities
• Refusing a rental application due to gender identity or sexual orientation

Both direct and indirect actions can be considered discriminatory.

Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Nevada

If you believe you’ve been discriminated against, you have the right to file a complaint with the Nevada Equal Rights Commission (NERC) or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It’s important to act promptly, as there are time limits for filing: usually within one year of the alleged discrimination.

NV Equal Rights Commission: The Official Tribunal

The Nevada Equal Rights Commission (NERC) administers state-level fair housing complaints. NERC investigates claims of discrimination, mediates disputes, and can refer cases for further legal action if necessary.

Key Forms and How to Use Them

• NERC Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
  View & download the form here.
  Situation: If you are denied housing, told an apartment is unavailable, or treated unfairly due to your protected status, fill out this form and submit it by mail, email, or delivery to NERC.
• HUD Form 903 Online Complaint
  Submit a HUD housing discrimination complaint online.
  Situation: If your case involves federal protections (e.g., race, disability, familial status), you can file directly with HUD using this digital form. HUD works alongside NERC on many cases.

What Happens After You File?

Once your complaint is submitted, an investigator will review the details and contact you for more information. The agency may attempt informal mediation between you and your landlord, or it could proceed to a formal investigation.

Related Legislation

• Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 118 – Discrimination in Housing
• The Federal Fair Housing Act

These laws set out your rights and the actions that landlords must avoid to remain compliant.

FAQ: Nevada Renters and Fair Housing

1. What should I do if my landlord denies my rental application for an unfair reason?
   If you believe the denial was due to your membership in a protected class, document everything, then file a complaint with NERC or HUD using the official forms above.
2. Are service animals protected under Nevada fair housing laws?
   Yes. Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for renters with disabilities, which includes permitting service animals even in “no pet” housing.
3. Can a landlord charge different rents based on the number of children?
   No. Charging higher rent to families with children is discriminatory and illegal under both state and federal laws.
4. How long does a fair housing complaint investigation take?
   It can vary, but initial contact is usually made within a few weeks. Complex cases may take several months to resolve.
5. Is gender identity really a protected class in Nevada?
   Yes—Nevada law specifically includes gender identity or expression, alongside other classes, as protected from discrimination.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Nevada Renters

• Nevada and federal law protect renters from discrimination in housing based on several personal characteristics known as protected classes.
• If you experience unfair treatment, file a complaint promptly with the Nevada Equal Rights Commission or HUD.
• Official forms and more help are always available from government agencies dedicated to renters’ rights.

Knowing your protections can help you secure fair housing and respond confidently if issues arise.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Nevada Equal Rights Commission (NERC) — Guidance, complaint filing, and investigation for discrimination cases.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) — Federal fair housing assistance and complaint portal.
• Nevada Revised Statutes: Chapter 118 — State law outlining your rights and landlord obligations for fair housing.
• Contact NERC Directly — Find office locations, phone numbers, and emails.

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1. Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 118 – Discrimination in Housing
2. Federal Fair Housing Act Overview (HUD)
3. Nevada Equal Rights Commission
4. NERC Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF)
5. HUD Fair Housing Online Complaint Portal

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