Nevada Renters’ Rights and Internet Service in Apartments

Whether you’re moving into a new Nevada apartment or facing issues with your current internet connection, understanding the laws around internet service responsibilities can help you avoid surprises. In Nevada, renter and landlord duties around utilities like internet are outlined in both your lease and state law.

Who Is Responsible for Apartment Internet Service?

Responsibility for paying and arranging internet service in a Nevada apartment usually depends on the lease agreement. Most of the time:

• If your lease says YOU pay for internet: You will need to set up, pay, and manage your own internet account with your chosen provider. The landlord is generally not responsible for service availability or issues.
• If your lease says the LANDLORD provides internet: The landlord must deliver a "habitable" space with the agreed internet included. If internet is bundled as a utility or amenity, the landlord is responsible for outages and repairs as described in your lease.

If you’re unsure, check your lease terms carefully. If internet is listed as a service provided and included in rent, landlords have an obligation to keep it working as described. You can refer to NRS Chapter 118A – Residential Landlord and Tenant Act for general utility obligations.¹

Common Issues: Billing, Access, and Service Interruption

Let’s look at some common renter questions and issues related to internet service in Nevada apartments:

• Who chooses the provider? Unless the landlord is paying, you usually choose your internet provider. However, some buildings are pre-wired for only one company. Your lease should clarify this.
• If the landlord pays, can they enter my unit to fix internet? Yes, but they must give you at least 24 hours written notice except in emergencies (see NRS 118A.330 covers right of entry).²
• What if my landlord shuts off the internet? If internet is an included utility, it is illegal for landlords to terminate service to force you out or collect unpaid rent (see NRS 118A.510).³
• Shared networks and privacy: If internet is shared (like apartment-wide Wi-Fi), understand your privacy options. You may want a written agreement regarding monitoring or restrictions.

Changing or Adding Internet Service

If the lease is silent about internet, you can usually arrange your own service. But check first—modifying the apartment (like drilling for cables) may require landlord approval to avoid damage charges.

What to Do if There's a Problem With Internet Service

If your lease promises internet or it is included in rent, and service is disrupted, here’s what to do:

• Inform your landlord in writing about the issue as soon as possible.
• Allow a reasonable time for repairs after notifying them.
• If unresolved, you may have options like mediation or filing a complaint, especially if loss of service makes your apartment non-habitable as outlined in NRS 118A.355.
  • See the Tenant's Complaint About Tenant Rights Violation (Form: Summons & Complaint) explained below.

Always keep copies of your correspondence and any internet bills paid, as these may serve as evidence if you need to pursue further action with the tribunal or in court.

Relevant Official Form: Tenant’s Complaint (Summons & Complaint)

• Name: Tenant’s Complaint – Summons & Complaint (No form number)
• When to use: If your landlord fails to provide promised services (such as included internet), you can use this form to open a formal complaint with the court.
• Example: If your lease states that the landlord provides internet and they refuse to repair a prolonged outage, file this form in the appropriate Nevada Justice Court.
• Access the official form and renter information here.

The court that handles these matters is your local Justice Court, operating under the Nevada residential landlord-tenant laws. See the Nevada Judiciary: Justice Courts Directory.

FAQ: Nevada Renters and Internet Service

1. Can a landlord turn off my internet if I’m late on rent? No. Under NRS 118A.510, landlords may not disconnect utilities (including internet if it’s included) to pressure tenants for payment.
2. What if my apartment offers only one internet provider? Landlords may contract with specific providers, but you can ask if individual installation is possible. The lease should describe any limits in advance.
3. How much notice must my landlord give before entering my unit to fix included internet? At least 24 hours written notice (except emergencies), as per NRS 118A.330.
4. Is internet considered an essential service under Nevada law? Not by default, unless specifically included in the lease as a condition for habitability.
5. Where can I file a complaint if my landlord isn’t upholding the lease regarding utilities? File a complaint at your local Justice Court using the official tenant complaint process described in Nevada law.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Nevada Supreme Court – Landlord & Tenant Resources
• Nevada Housing Division for general renter support and contacts.
• Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 118A – Tenancy Legislation
• Washoe County Tenant/Landlord Forms and Info (covers Reno & Sparks)

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1. Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 118A – Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
2. NRS 118A.330 – Landlord Right of Entry
3. NRS 118A.510 – Unlawful Exclusion or Interruption of Essential Services

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