Reno is Nevada's second-largest city and one of the fastest-growing rental markets in the American West. Located in Washoe County, Reno's renter population has expanded rapidly alongside a surge in housing costs driven by tech industry growth and migration from higher-cost states. Renters in Reno frequently search for information about rent increase limits, security deposit rules, and what to do when a landlord fails to make repairs — all governed exclusively by Nevada state law.
Unlike some states, Nevada does not allow cities or counties to create their own tenant protections beyond what state law provides. That means Reno renters rely entirely on the Nevada Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (NRS Chapter 118A) for their core protections. These include caps on security deposits, habitability standards, anti-retaliation rules, and a formal eviction process that prohibits self-help evictions such as lockouts or utility shutoffs.
This page summarizes the tenant rights that apply to Reno renters under Nevada law. It is intended as an informational resource only and does not constitute legal advice. If you are facing an eviction or a dispute with your landlord, contact a qualified attorney or a legal aid organization serving Washoe County.
There is no rent control in force in this city, or anywhere else in Nevada. No Nevada jurisdiction has enacted a residential rent-control or rent-stabilization ordinance, and the state has no statewide rent cap, so there is no limit on how much a landlord may charge or how much they may raise the rent. Contrary to a common misstatement, no Nevada statute expressly preempts local rent control for conventional residential housing — NRS Chapter 118B, which is sometimes cited for this, governs manufactured home parks, not standard apartments and houses. Whether Nevada cities and counties even have the legal authority to enact rent control is an unresolved question under the state's local-government law. As of 2026, the practical result is the same statewide: no rent control applies.
Because there is no rent cap, a landlord may raise your rent by any amount as long as they give the legally required written notice before the increase takes effect. For a month-to-month tenancy, Nevada requires at least 30 days' written notice to terminate the tenancy (NRS § 40.251). For a fixed-term lease, rent cannot be raised until the lease expires unless the lease itself permits a mid-term increase. Renters facing a large increase can negotiate with the landlord, choose not to renew, or contact a Nevada legal-aid organization for guidance.
Nevada's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (NRS Chapter 118A) establishes the baseline protections that apply to all Reno renters. Key protections include:
Habitability (NRS § 118A.290 & § 118A.355): Landlords are legally required to maintain rental units in a habitable condition — meaning functioning plumbing, heating, electrical systems, weather-tight structure, and freedom from pest infestations. If your landlord fails to make a required repair, you must provide written notice. After written notice, the landlord has 14 days to begin repairs for standard defects, or 48 hours for emergency conditions that endanger health or safety. If the landlord does not comply, tenants may pursue remedies including repair-and-deduct (for costs up to one month's rent) or termination of the lease under NRS § 118A.355.
Security Deposit Rules (NRS § 118A.242): Landlords may collect a security deposit of no more than 3 months' rent. Within 30 days of move-out, the landlord must return the deposit along with an itemized written statement of any deductions. Wrongful withholding entitles the tenant to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees.
Notice to Terminate (NRS § 40.251): For month-to-month tenancies, the landlord must provide at least 30 days' written notice before terminating the tenancy. Tenants must provide the same notice to the landlord when they choose to vacate.
Anti-Retaliation Protection (NRS § 118A.510): A landlord may not increase rent, decrease services, or initiate eviction proceedings in retaliation for a tenant reporting housing code violations, contacting a government agency about the rental unit, or exercising any other legal right. Retaliatory conduct within 60 days of a protected tenant action is presumed retaliatory under Nevada law.
Lockout & Utility Shutoff Prohibition (NRS § 118A.390): Self-help eviction is illegal in Nevada. A landlord who changes your locks, removes your belongings, or intentionally shuts off electricity, water, or other utilities to force you out may be liable to you for actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney's fees. If this happens, you may apply to a court for an order restoring your access to the unit.
All-Inclusive Rent and Fee Disclosure (AB 121, 2025): Effective October 1, 2025, Assembly Bill 121 (2025, Chapter 227) amends NRS § 118A.200 to require landlords to state rent as a single all-inclusive 'maximum total periodic rent' — base rent plus any mandatory recurring fees — wherever rent is advertised or listed in the lease, and they may not charge more than that figure (variable utility pass-throughs are excepted). Landlords must also offer at least one rent-payment method that charges no fee and does not require sharing bank-account information, and must refund an application or screening fee when the unit is rented to a different applicant or no screening was performed. This is a disclosure-and-fee protection, not rent control. See AB 121 (2025) and NRS § 118A.200.
Nevada law places firm limits on security deposits and requires landlords to follow specific procedures when a tenant moves out. These rules are governed by NRS § 118A.242.
Deposit Cap: A landlord in Reno cannot collect more than 3 months' rent as a security deposit. This cap applies regardless of what any lease clause may say — a lease provision requiring a larger deposit is unenforceable under Nevada law.
Return Deadline: After you vacate the rental unit, your landlord has 30 days to either return your full deposit or provide you with an itemized written statement listing the specific deductions and the reasons for each, along with any remaining balance. The itemized statement must be accompanied by receipts or invoices for any repair or cleaning charges deducted.
Permitted Deductions: Landlords may deduct for unpaid rent and for damage to the unit beyond normal wear and tear. They may not deduct for ordinary cleaning between tenants or for deterioration that results from normal everyday use of the unit.
Penalty for Wrongful Withholding: If your landlord willfully withholds your deposit or any portion of it without proper justification, you are entitled to receive twice the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees, under NRS § 118A.242(3). To protect yourself, document the unit's condition thoroughly at move-in and move-out with dated photographs or video.
In Reno, evictions must follow the formal legal process established under Nevada law. A landlord cannot remove a tenant through self-help methods — any eviction that does not go through the courts is illegal.
Step 1 — Written Notice: Before filing in court, the landlord must serve the tenant with the appropriate written notice. The type of notice depends on the reason for eviction:
Step 2 — Court Filing (Unlawful Detainer): If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord may file an eviction (unlawful detainer) action in Washoe County Justice Court. The tenant is served with a summons and has the right to contest the eviction by filing an answer with the court.
Step 3 — Hearing: A hearing is scheduled where both parties may present evidence and testimony. If the court rules in the landlord's favor, it will issue a judgment for possession.
Step 4 — Lockout Order: After a judgment for possession, the court issues a writ of possession. A constable or sheriff — not the landlord — carries out the physical lockout. The landlord has no authority to personally remove the tenant or their belongings.
Self-Help Eviction Is Illegal: Under NRS § 118A.390, a landlord who changes locks, removes doors or windows, shuts off utilities, or removes a tenant's personal property to force them out without a court order is liable for actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney's fees. If this happens to you, contact Washoe Legal Services or Nevada Legal Services immediately and consider applying to the court for an emergency order restoring your possession of the unit.
No Just Cause Requirement: Reno and Nevada do not require landlords to have a reason (just cause) to terminate a month-to-month tenancy. However, if you believe a termination is retaliatory — for example, following a complaint about housing conditions — you may raise retaliation as a defense under NRS § 118A.510.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws can change, and the application of any law depends on the specific facts of your situation. RentCheckMe is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. If you are facing an eviction, a security deposit dispute, or any other housing legal issue in Reno, Nevada, you should consult a licensed attorney or contact a qualified legal aid organization such as Washoe Legal Services or Nevada Legal Services. Always verify current statutes and local ordinances independently, as laws may have changed since this page was last updated in April 2026.
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