Nevada Roommates: What Joint and Several Liability Means

If you’re renting with roommates in Nevada, understanding how joint and several liability works is crucial. Many shared housing agreements include this legal concept, which directly shapes your responsibilities when it comes to paying rent and covering damages. Although sharing expenses can help you afford a better place, it’s important to know how Nevada law treats multiple tenants on one lease.

What Does Joint and Several Liability Mean for Nevada Roommates?

When a lease agreement states that tenants are "jointly and severally liable," it means each roommate is responsible for the full amount of rent and any damages, not just their portion. If one person doesn’t pay or damages the property, the landlord can legally ask any or all tenants for the entire balance.

• If your roommate moves out early, you could be held responsible for 100% of the rent until the lease ends or a replacement is found.
• If property damage occurs, the landlord can pursue any or all roommates for the full repair cost, regardless of who caused it.

This is a standard practice under Nevada law and is usually included in leases signed by two or more tenants.^[1]

Relevant Nevada Law and Tenant Protections

Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 118A cover landlord-tenant relationships in residential rentals. While the law does not use the exact term "joint and several liability," it allows landlords and tenants to agree to these terms within their lease.

• Always check your lease for clauses about joint responsibility.
• Each signed tenant can be pursued individually for unpaid rent or damages.

The official body handling residential tenancy disputes in Nevada is the Nevada Judiciary, including the local Justice Courts.

Official Forms for Nevada Renters

• Five-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit (Form N1):
  Official N1 Form
  Use This If: You receive this notice as a roommate, it means the landlord can legally demand all owed rent from any of the tenants. For example, if your roommate skips town and the rent isn't paid, you’ll likely get this notice addressed to everyone listed on the lease.
• Answer to Summary Eviction (Form N10):
  Official N10 Form
  Use This If: You want to contest an eviction action—important if you feel you’re being wrongfully held responsible for another roommate’s share. Submit this to the appropriate Nevada Justice Court within the required time frame noted on your eviction notice.

Practical Example for Nevada Roommates

Three friends rent an apartment together in Las Vegas. After a few months, one moves out and stops paying. The landlord can demand the full rent from the two remaining tenants under joint and several liability—even if each expected to pay only a third. If rent goes unpaid, all listed tenants could receive a Five-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit.

Roommate Agreements in Nevada

While not required by law, a written roommate agreement between co-tenants can clarify responsibilities and help avoid disputes. However, this agreement does not limit the landlord’s ability to collect the full rent or damages from any one roommate. For more details, see Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 118A—Landlord and Tenant: Dwellings.^[1]

Action Steps If a Roommate Leaves or Fails to Pay

• Review your lease for joint and several liability terms.
• Communicate with your landlord about the situation.
• Keep records of all payments and correspondence.
• Consider seeking legal advice or using Nevada’s housing self-help resources.
• If served with a court notice, respond promptly using the appropriate Answer to Summary Eviction form.

FAQ: Nevada Roommates and Joint Liability

1. Can my landlord make me pay the whole rent if my roommate doesn’t?
   Yes. Under most Nevada leases with joint and several liability, any tenant can be held responsible for the full amount of rent if it is not paid in full.
2. What happens if my roommate moves out but is still on the lease?
   You and any remaining tenants are still collectively responsible for all obligations under the lease, including rent and damages, unless the landlord officially releases the departing roommate.
3. Can I use a roommate agreement to limit my liability?
   No. While a roommate agreement can clarify responsibilities among roommates, it does not override your legal obligations to the landlord.
4. What should I do if I receive a Five-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit?
   Take immediate action: communicate with your landlord, pay the overdue rent if possible, or submit an Answer to the court if you wish to contest the notice.
5. Where can I get help if there is a dispute involving my roommate or landlord?
   You can contact the Nevada Judiciary’s self-help center or your local Justice Court for guidance and official forms. See resources below.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Nevada Judiciary: Eviction & Housing Self-Help Guide
• Nevada Self-Help Center: Eviction Resources & Forms
• Nevada Housing Division – Tenant Rights and Resources
• Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 118A – Landlord and Tenant

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1. Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 118A, Landlord and Tenant: Dwellings. See Section 118A. Official government site.
2. Nevada Judiciary, Eviction & Housing Self-Help Guide.
3. Nevada Self-Help Center, Eviction Forms.

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