Nevada Rent Escrow for Repairs: A Guide for Renters

If you're renting a home or apartment in Nevada and your landlord hasn't made needed repairs, you have special legal protections. One helpful option is "rent escrow," which lets you pay your rent to a court instead of your landlord until repairs are completed. This article explains Nevada’s rent escrow process, your rights, and how to use official forms and resources.

What Is Rent Escrow in Nevada?

Rent escrow is a formal way for Nevada renters to ask the court for help when major repairs (like heating, plumbing, or electricity) aren’t made on time. Instead of withholding your rent completely (which can put you at risk of eviction), you pay it to the court using a legal process supported by Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 118A – Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. If the court agrees, the repairs must be addressed, or your landlord might lose the right to your rent during that period.^[1]

When Can Renters Use Rent Escrow?

Rent escrow is an option for serious maintenance or habitability issues—problems that make your rental unsafe or unlivable, such as:

• No heat in the winter or no air conditioning in harsh summer conditions
• Broken plumbing or unsafe electrical systems
• Major roof leaks or no hot water

Minor issues (like sticky door locks or small holes in the wall) do not qualify.

How the Rent Escrow Process Works

Follow these steps if you're considering rent escrow in Nevada:

• Step 1: Notify your landlord in writing. Clearly describe the repair needed and ask for it to be fixed within the legal timeframe (usually 14 days for most repairs).
• Step 2: Wait for the landlord’s response. If repairs aren't completed after proper notice, you may have a right to rent escrow.
• Step 3: Complete and file the correct court forms.
• Step 4: Continue to pay your rent. Do not stop paying! Instead, deposit it with the court after you have filed for rent escrow.

Official Nevada Rent Escrow Forms

• "Tenant's Verified Complaint for Rent Escrow" (No standard statewide form number)
  When and how to use: File this with the justice court in your township after you've given your landlord the required written notice and repairs have not been made. Example: Your furnace has been broken for weeks in winter—after giving your landlord 14 days to fix it, you file this complaint to start the escrow process.
  Clark County Justice Court – Tenant’s Verified Complaint for Rent Escrow (Sample & Instructions)
• "Order for Rent Escrow" (No standard statewide form number)
  When and how to use: This is generally filled out by the court once your complaint is processed and sets out whether you can pay rent into escrow. Example: After filing, the judge completes this order to direct the next steps.
  Clark County Justice Court – Order for Rent Escrow (Sample)

Check with your local Nevada Justice Court for exact forms and instructions in your county.

Which Tribunal Handles Rent Escrow?

Rent escrow complaints are handled by the Nevada Justice Court in your township.

Important Legal Protections for Renters

• Under the Nevada Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, landlords must keep rentals in a habitable condition.^[1]
• You cannot be evicted for starting rent escrow if you follow the steps and pay rent into court.
• Never simply stop paying rent—always use the court process to avoid eviction risk.

How to Start the Nevada Rent Escrow Process

• Give your landlord written notice of what needs to be fixed. Use certified mail or another method that gives you proof.
• Wait at least 14 days for a response or for repairs to be completed (unless the repair is an emergency).
• If not fixed in time, fill out the Verified Complaint for Rent Escrow form and file it with your local Justice Court. Attach proof of your notice and documentation of the problem.
• The court may schedule a hearing. If approved, you will pay rent to the court on schedule until repairs are done.

For more details, visit the Clark County Justice Court Rent Escrow page or your county’s Justice Court website.

FAQ: Nevada Rent Escrow and Repairs

1. Can I use rent escrow for minor repairs in Nevada?
   No. Rent escrow is allowed only for substantial habitability issues, such as a lack of heat, running water, or electricity.
2. Will rent escrow stop an eviction?
   If you use the court process correctly and pay the court on time, you are protected from eviction based on nonpayment.
3. Do I still owe the rent during escrow?
   Yes, but you pay it to the Justice Court instead of the landlord until repairs are complete.
4. What if my landlord ignores the court’s order?
   The court may let you use the rent to pay for repairs or reduce what you owe your landlord. Always follow the court's instructions closely.
5. How do I find the forms I need?
   Check your local Justice Court’s website or the Clark County Rent Escrow Forms page for downloadable documents and instructions.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Nevada Justice Court Directory: Find your local court for filing forms and questions.
• Nevada Housing Division: Official tenant resources and links.
• Nevada Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (NRS 118A): Full state law protecting renters.
• Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada: Free legal help for eligible renters.

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1. Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 118A – Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
2. Nevada Justice Courts – Official Tribunal for Residential Tenancy Disputes.
3. Clark County Justice Court – Landlord/Tenant Forms and Escrow Instructions.

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