Nevada Rules for Emergency Maintenance Hotlines

Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Nevada published June 21, 2025 Flag of Nevada

If a critical problem arises in your rental home after business hours, quick action is essential. In Nevada, renters have certain protections ensuring prompt access to emergency repair services. This article explains what state law requires of landlords, how after-hours emergency maintenance hotlines work, and what your options are if help isn't available when you need it.

What Counts as an Emergency Maintenance Issue?

Under Nevada law, an emergency maintenance situation is any problem that seriously affects your health, safety, or the basic habitability of your home. Common emergencies include:

  • No heat or air conditioning in extreme weather
  • Major water leaks or flooding
  • No running water or electricity
  • Broken locks or doors that threaten your security
  • Sewage backups

These must be addressed promptly, no matter the time of day.

Do Nevada Landlords Have to Provide an Emergency Hotline?

Nevada's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act requires landlords to maintain their rental units in a fit and habitable condition. While the law doesn't specify a statewide requirement for a formal after-hours hotline, landlords have a legal responsibility to make emergency repairs in a timely manner—even outside business hours.[1]

  • Some local jurisdictions (for example, Clark County or the City of Las Vegas) may require property managers of multifamily dwellings to clearly post a 24-hour contact number or emergency maintenance hotline for tenants.
  • Many Nevada landlords provide an after-hours emergency number as a best practice.

If your rental agreement promises a specific hotline or after-hours response, your landlord is contractually bound to honor that commitment.

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What Should You Do If You Have an After-Hours Emergency?

If you experience an urgent issue:

  • Call any emergency maintenance or after-hours number provided by your landlord.
  • If there is no number, use the main office line and leave a detailed voicemail and also send a written notice (email, text, or written letter) describing the emergency. Keep a copy for your records.
  • State the date and time you reported the problem and be specific about the impact (such as "the apartment has no heat and the temperature is below freezing").

If your landlord or property manager fails to promptly address genuine health or safety emergencies, Nevada law may allow you to seek repairs yourself and deduct reasonable costs from your rent, or even move out in severe cases—but strict rules and notice requirements apply.

Key Legal Notice Forms for Renters

  • Notice of Required Repairs (NRS 118A.355): Use this form to notify your landlord in writing of hazardous or urgently needed repairs. This triggers your landlord's duties under state law. There isn’t a single official state-issued form, but sample formats are provided by the City of Las Vegas.

For renters needing to escalate:

  • Complaint Form – Manufactured Housing Division for mobile home park tenancies: Nevada Complaint Form MHD-048. Use if you live in a mobile home park and emergency repairs are not addressed. Submit directly to the Nevada Manufactured Housing Division.
If your landlord refuses necessary repairs, especially emergencies, document all contact attempts and keep copies of every notice you send. This creates a clear record if you need to take further legal steps.

Who Handles Rental Disputes and Emergency Complaints?

Most tenant-landlord disputes in Nevada are handled by the Justice Court of Nevada in your county. For mobile home parks, the Nevada Manufactured Housing Division investigates complaints. You may also contact local code enforcement for health and safety code violations.

Your Rights and Protections Under Nevada Law

The Nevada Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (NRS 118A) protects renters by ensuring landlords must maintain basic services and address emergencies as quickly as possible. If your rental is unlivable and your landlord fails to act, you could be eligible to:

  • Withhold rent until repairs are made (after proper written notice)
  • Terminate your lease and move, in extreme circumstances
  • File a complaint with the court or local agency

Before withholding rent or pursuing "repair-and-deduct," always consult your local Justice Court or a legal aid agency to avoid risking eviction.

FAQ: Emergency Maintenance and Your Rights in Nevada

  1. Does my landlord have to provide a specific emergency hotline in Nevada?
    There is no statewide legal requirement for a formal hotline, but landlords must respond quickly to true emergencies—even after business hours—and some lease agreements or local codes may mandate a posted number.
  2. How fast does my landlord have to fix an emergency issue?
    Nevada law requires landlords to begin repairs "as soon as possible" for emergencies that affect health and safety. Most urgent problems should be addressed within 24 hours.
  3. What if my landlord doesn't respond to an emergency maintenance call?
    Document your request. If the landlord fails to act, you may have options such as seeking repairs yourself, withholding rent, or contacting your county's Justice Court for help. Always provide proper written notice first.
  4. Is it legal to withhold rent for emergency repairs?
    Yes, but only after giving required written notice and following strict rules under NRS 118A.355. It's risky—get legal advice before withholding rent.
  5. Who do I contact for complaints if emergencies aren't fixed?
    Start with your local city or county code enforcement office. If unresolved, you can file a case with your local Justice Court or the Nevada Manufactured Housing Division for mobile home parks.

Key Takeaways on Emergency Maintenance in Nevada

  • Landlords must respond to emergencies, but there isn't always a dedicated hotline—check your lease or local requirements.
  • Document all requests for urgent repairs in writing, especially if there's no after-hours contact information.
  • Know your rights under Nevada law before withholding rent or arranging your own repairs.

Prompt and clear action helps protect your health, your rights, and your tenancy.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

  1. Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 118A – Landlord and Tenant: Dwellings
  2. Nevada Housing Division – Official State Resource for Tenants
  3. Clark County Justice Court Landlord-Tenant Information
  4. Nevada Manufactured Housing Division – Official Forms

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Renter Rights USA

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

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