Before You Rent

Before you sign any rental agreement, be sure you’ve been given a tour of the exact home or apartment that you’re going to rent and not a model. If there are any problems with the house or apartment you’ll be moving into, provide a detailed list and give it to the landlord or owner. Indicate you want these items repaired before you move in. If these items are not fixed by the time that you move in, document the things that need to be repaired or replaced in writing and with photographs. Send a copy to the landlord or owner and keep a copy for yourself. These things should include any chips in the walls, broken appliances and anything in the house that looks worn or deteriorated. In the event that a deposit is held for any of these items, you now have proof that they were in existence before you moved in.

It’s a good idea to request that the locks are changed before you move into your new place. Once new keys are made, ask the landlord or owner to tell you who has copies of the keys. Usually, the only other person(s) who should have access to your home are the owner and/or the landlord.

Tenant’s Rights in Nevada

When you live in an apartment, you have both rights and responsibilities. Be sure you know what's expected of you - and what you can expect in return. All pertinent information will be found in your rental agreement or lease.

Health and Safety

You have a right to demand that the landlord repair any condition that materially affects your health and safety. Under Nevada law, by renting you the property, the landlord guarantees that the unit will be a fit place to live.

Addressing Repair Issues

Most apartment complexes employ full-time maintenance people to handle repairs and perform preventive maintenance, with some offering 24-hour emergency repair services. If leasing from an owner, be sure to establish responsibilities for repairs and maintenance. Depending on your lease, the owner may or may not be responsible for minor problems like leaky faucets or issues with appliances. However, if the landlord won’t make repairs needed to protect your health, safety or security, and you follow the procedures required by law, you may be entitled to end the lease, to have the problem repaired and deduct the cost of the repair from the rent, or to file suit to force the landlord to make the repairs. If the owner or landlord is unresponsive to repairing major problems or avoids meeting with you for any other major dispute after you’ve moved in, submit a repair request in writing. If this is not acted upon, then propose mediation with the owner. There are independent agencies that will be able to hear both sides of a case and help the parties in the dispute come to a reasonable agreement.