Nevada Renters: How to Transfer a Lease to a New Tenant

If you’re a renter in Nevada and need to move before your lease is up, transferring your lease—sometimes called a "lease assignment"—can be a helpful solution. This process lets you find a new tenant to take over your current lease, possibly saving you from costly penalties or early termination fees. But Nevada has specific laws and procedures to follow. This guide explains the process in plain language, highlights required forms, and tells you where to get help.

Understanding Lease Transfers in Nevada

In Nevada, transferring your lease generally requires your landlord’s written consent. This process is called a lease assignment. If your landlord agrees, the new tenant (the “assignee”) takes over all your rights and responsibilities for the rest of the lease term. Nevada law typically gives landlords the power to approve or refuse assignments, unless your lease says otherwise. You should always read your lease agreement—many leases contain specific rules about subletting or assignments.

Key Terms Explained

• Lease Assignment: Transferring your entire rental agreement to someone else, who will be responsible for the lease after you leave.
• Subletting: You remain on the lease, but let someone else live in the apartment (usually for a shorter period).

Steps to Transfer Your Lease in Nevada

Most renters will need to take these steps to successfully transfer a lease:

• Check your lease for assignment provisions.
• Ask your landlord for permission to assign the lease in writing.
• Find a suitable new tenant (the “assignee”).
• Complete all required paperwork, including an assignment agreement.
• Submit any forms or documents the landlord requests for screening (e.g., rental application).
• Make sure both you and the new tenant sign the lease assignment form and submit it to the landlord for approval.

Important Nevada Forms for Lease Transfer

• Lease Assignment Agreement (Form): This legal document transfers your rights and responsibilities to the new tenant. Nevada does not provide a standard form, but many landlords require you to complete one. Example: After getting landlord approval, you and the new tenant sign a Lease Assignment Agreement provided by your property manager.
• Nevada Uniform Residential Rental Application: Landlords may need the new tenant to complete the Nevada residential rental application for screening.

Where to Find Forms: Ask your landlord/property manager if they have a preferred Lease Assignment Agreement. If not, forms are sometimes provided by the Nevada Housing Division or may be available from legal aid offices.

Landlord Consent and Legal Requirements

Under the Nevada Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, there’s no automatic right for tenants to assign or sublet their leases. The Nevada Housing Division oversees rental housing issues. Your landlord typically has the right to approve or reject lease transfers based on reasonable criteria (like the new tenant’s income or rental history).

• Lease transfers should not be unreasonably withheld if your lease allows assignment.
• All agreements and permissions should be in writing for your protection.

What to Do If Your Landlord Refuses

If your landlord refuses a lease transfer even though your lease allows it, you can file a complaint. Contact the Nevada Housing Division or seek guidance from Nevada’s court system for renter disputes and mediation services.

What Happens After Assignment?

Once the new tenant and landlord sign the Lease Assignment Agreement and, if required, the new tenant passes screening, your financial responsibility for future rents ends (unless your lease says otherwise). You may still be responsible for any damages or unpaid rent that occurred before the transfer.

FAQ: Lease Transfers for Nevada Renters

1. Can my landlord refuse to let me transfer my lease?
   Yes, unless your lease specifically allows assignments. In practice, most landlords retain the right to approve or deny transfers, but cannot do so unreasonably if the lease allows assignment.
2. What forms do I need to transfer my lease in Nevada?
   You’ll usually need a Lease Assignment Agreement (provided by your landlord or agent) and the Nevada Uniform Residential Rental Application completed by the new tenant.
3. What is the difference between subletting and assigning?
   Assignment fully transfers the lease to another person; with subletting, you remain legally responsible, and the new occupant is more like a guest or sub-tenant.
4. Does Nevada law set a standard assignment form?
   No. You should use a written Lease Assignment Agreement supplied by the property manager, legal aid, or drafted based on accepted templates.
5. If I assign my lease, am I fully released from liability?
   Generally, yes, for new rent or damage after the assignment. But you’re still responsible for anything up to the transfer date, unless the assignment or landlord agreement says otherwise.

Key Takeaways for Nevada Renters

• Lease transfers (assignments) in Nevada require written landlord consent.
• Use a Lease Assignment Agreement and ensure all parties sign.
• Contact the Nevada Housing Division for questions or disputes.

Always document all communications and follow Nevada's rental laws to protect your rights when transferring your lease.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Nevada Housing Division – State agency for housing issues, complaints, and resources
• Nevada Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – Official legislation governing leases and assignments
• Nevada Courts – Civil Self-Help Center – Mediation, forms, and renter support
• Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada – Free legal help for renters

---

1. Nevada Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, NRS Chapter 118A
2. Nevada Housing Division, Tenant Resources
3. Nevada Courts – Civil Self-Help
4. Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations