Nevada Tenant Rights: Utility Shutoff Protections Explained

If you’re renting a home or apartment in Nevada, keeping your power, water, and gas running is essential for your safety and comfort. But what happens if you get a shutoff notice or your landlord is behind on utility bills? Nevada has specific laws to help protect tenants from sudden or unlawful utility shutoffs. This guide explains your protections, how to respond to utility threats, and where to get support if you need it.

Understanding Utility Shutoff Protections in Nevada

Utility shutoff protections are legal safeguards that prevent essential services—like electricity, water, and gas—from being disconnected unfairly. In Nevada, utility shutoff procedures are governed by a mix of landlord-tenant laws and public utility regulations. These are designed to ensure tenants receive proper notice and can take action before utilities are disconnected.

Who Is Responsible for Paying Utilities?

Check your rental agreement to see whether you or your landlord is responsible for paying utilities. If your landlord provides utilities (meaning you pay them as part of your rent), they must keep those accounts current.

• If utilities are in your name, you must pay the provider directly.
• If utilities are in your landlord's name, it's their responsibility to pay.

If your landlord fails to pay and you face a shutoff, you have certain legal rights and remedies in Nevada.

What Landlords Can—and Can’t—Do

Nevada law forbids landlords from turning off utilities to force you out or for any reason not allowed by law. This includes cases of late rent or disputes. Doing so is known as a "self-help eviction," and it’s strictly illegal under the Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 118A – Residential Landlord and Tenant Act^[1].

• Landlords cannot shut off electricity, gas, water, or any essential service to make a tenant leave.
• They may be required to restore services and could face penalties if they violate this law.

Utility companies in Nevada have their own regulations. If you get a shutoff notice, you must be given proper notice and an opportunity to resolve the issue. Some providers also offer delayed shutoff or payment assistance for qualifying tenants.

What to Do If You Receive a Utility Shutoff Notice

If you receive an urgent notice or your utilities have already been disconnected due to your landlord's non-payment, follow these steps:

• Contact your landlord immediately and ask them to resolve the issue.
• Notify the utility company that you are a tenant (not the account holder) and ask about options to keep services on or restart them in your name.
• Consider filing a complaint or emergency motion with the local court for relief.

Relevant Official Forms

• Tenant's Emergency Motion Regarding Essential Services
  Name/Number: Emergency Motion - Essential Services (No standardized statewide number; varies by county)
  When & How: If your landlord has failed to provide essential services (such as water, heat, or electricity), you may file this motion in your local Justice Court. For example, if your landlord hasn't paid the water bill and your supply is disconnected, file this motion to ask the court to order the landlord to restore service.
  Where to find: Nevada Civil Law Self-Help Center – Landlord/Tenant Forms (See "Tenant's Emergency Motion Regarding Essential Services")
• Complaint to the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada
  Name/Number: Consumer Complaint Form
  When & How: If you suspect a utility company has unlawfully shut off service or failed to provide proper notice, submit this complaint.
  Where to find: Public Utilities Commission of Nevada – File a Consumer Complaint

Your Rights Under Nevada’s Landlord-Tenant Laws

The Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 118A protect tenants from utility shutoff situations caused by landlord negligence or as an eviction tactic. Key protections include:

• A landlord cannot willfully or negligently fail to supply essential services as required by the rental agreement.
• If essential services are interrupted, tenants have the right to go to court for immediate help, reduce their rent, or potentially terminate their lease.

How to Get Relief from the Court

If your landlord cuts off essential utilities, Nevada law allows you to file an emergency motion in Justice Court. The court can order your landlord to restore services quickly and may grant you monetary relief or a rent reduction. See the "Tenant's Emergency Motion Regarding Essential Services" form linked above.

Where to File Housing and Utility Complaints

Residential tenancy disputes in Nevada are generally handled by the Nevada Justice Court in your local county. For utility company complaints, use the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord legally shut off my water or electricity for late rent in Nevada?
   No, Nevada law forbids landlords from shutting off utilities to force renters out, even if rent is overdue.
2. What should I do if my utilities are shut off because my landlord didn’t pay?
   Contact your landlord, notify the utility company, and file a Tenant’s Emergency Motion in Justice Court if needed.
3. Can I pay the utility company directly if my landlord fails to pay?
   You may be able to arrange to pay the utility provider directly or open a new account in your name; discuss with the utility company for their policies.
4. Who handles rental utility disputes in Nevada?
   The Nevada Justice Courts handle most tenant-landlord disputes. Utility provider issues can also be brought to the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Nevada Renters

• You cannot be lawfully evicted via utility shutoff in Nevada—this practice is prohibited by state law.
• If you face an unlawful shutoff, document everything and quickly file the appropriate emergency motion in court.
• Help and resources are available through the Justice Courts and Public Utilities Commission.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Nevada Justice Courts – Find Your Local Court
• Public Utilities Commission of Nevada – Consumer Complaints
• Civil Law Self-Help Center – Landlord/Tenant Resources

---

1. Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 118A – Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
2. Public Utilities Commission of Nevada – Tenant Utility Rights Information

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