Nevada Rental Housing Health Code Standards: Renter Guide

Renters in Nevada have important protections when it comes to the health and safety of their homes. Understanding minimum housing health codes is crucial for ensuring your rental unit is habitable, safe, and up to state standards. This guide will break down Nevada’s health and safety requirements for rental properties, what to do if your landlord isn’t meeting them, and how to protect your rights under Nevada law.

Key Health and Safety Standards for Nevada Rentals

State and local housing regulations require landlords to provide and maintain rental units that meet specific standards for health, safety, and habitability. These laws ensure that you have a safe place to live and set out the basic responsibilities for both landlords and tenants.

What Must Be Provided in a Habitable Nevada Rental?

• Safe and Operational Utilities: Landlords must supply and maintain heating, plumbing, electricity, and hot/cold running water.
• Weatherproofing: Roofs, windows, doors, and exterior walls must protect against the weather and be free from leaks.
• Functioning Sanitary Facilities: Private, functioning bathroom facilities for sanitation and bathing are required.
• Pest Control: Rentals should be free from infestations such as roaches, mice, or bed bugs (unless infestations are caused by the tenant).
• Smoke Detectors: Working smoke detectors in specified areas according to law.
• No Housing Code Violations: Properties must comply with state and local building and health codes.

These requirements are set forth in the Nevada Revised Statutes - Chapter 118A (Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) and local city/county housing codes.^[1]

Common Violation Examples

• No heat in winter or air conditioning not working in extreme heat
• Leaking plumbing, mold, or raw sewage backups
• Broken windows or doors, creating security risks
• Infestations (rodents, insects, bed bugs)
• Non-operational smoke detectors

If you notice these issues, Nevada law gives you several ways to take action and protect your right to a habitable home.

How to Address Health and Safety Issues With Your Landlord

If your rental does not meet Nevada’s minimum health standards, you should:

• Notify your landlord in writing, detailing the problems and requesting repairs
• Keep a copy of all communications and take photos as proof of issues
• Allow a reasonable time (generally 14 days) for the landlord to complete repairs

Using Official Nevada Forms: Notice of Intent to Withhold Rent

If your landlord doesn’t fix serious health or safety issues after reasonable notice, you may use the following form:

• Form Name: "5-Day Notice of Intent to Withhold Rent"
• Purpose: Notifies your landlord that you intend to withhold rent if repairs are not made. Using this form is only legal for substantial habitability issues.
• Get the Form: 5-Day Notice of Intent to Withhold Rent (Clark County Civil Law Self-Help Center)

Example: If your rental has no heat in winter and your landlord has not fixed it after you notified them in writing, you may deliver this notice to start the process.

Complaints to Local Housing Authorities

If your landlord does not respond or repairs are not made, file a complaint with your city or county code enforcement or health department. Each city (such as Las Vegas or Reno) has a housing or code enforcement division. For example:

• Las Vegas Code Enforcement
• Washoe County Code Enforcement

They may inspect your rental and issue orders to the landlord if violations are found.

Which Board Handles Nevada Rental Disputes?

In Nevada, rental disputes including those over health and safety standards are addressed by the Las Vegas Justice Court Housing Court (for Clark County and Las Vegas) or your local Justice/Municipal Court. Courts rely on the Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 118A.^[1],[2]

Summary: Filing a Complaint or Starting Legal Action

• Document the problem and your communication
• Use the appropriate notice/form as above if repairs are not made
• If still unresolved, contact your local code enforcement or file a claim in Housing Court

FAQ: Nevada Rental Property Health Codes

1. What does "habitable" mean in Nevada rental law?
   Habitable means your rental has essential services, is safe, weatherproof, free from health hazards and pests, and follows building codes under state law.
2. Can my landlord evict me if I complain about health code violations?
   Retaliation for good faith complaints about health and safety is illegal in Nevada. Landlords cannot evict you simply for reporting or requesting repairs.
3. Who enforces rental health codes in Nevada?
   Local city or county code enforcement and health departments handle most habitability complaints. Unresolved disputes may be referred to your local Housing Court.
4. What is the process if my rental is not up to health code?
   Notify your landlord in writing. If not fixed, issue a formal notice or file a complaint with local code enforcement or, if needed, the Justice Court.
5. Where can I get official forms for Nevada rental complaints?
   The Clark County Civil Law Self-Help Center and your local court website provide official rental forms, including notices for repairs and withholding rent.

Conclusion: What Every Nevada Renter Should Know

• Landlords must provide and maintain safe, healthy, code-compliant rental homes in Nevada.
• Document all problems and communication, and act promptly if health or safety issues arise.
• Contact your local code enforcement or Justice Court if repairs are not made after proper notice.

Knowing these requirements helps you safeguard your rights and live in a healthy, safe environment.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 118A (Residential Landlord and Tenant Act)
• Nevada Housing Search (State Housing Help)
• Clark County Civil Law Self-Help Center
• Las Vegas Code Enforcement
• Nevada Courts Directory

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1. Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 118A – Residential Landlord and Tenant. Available at: Nevada Landlord-Tenant Law
2. Las Vegas Justice Court Housing Court. Available at: Official Las Vegas Housing Court

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