Nevada renters insurance and security deposit guide

Short answer: In Nevada, renters insurance covers your belongings, liability and loss of use, which your landlord's policy doesn't. Under NRS 118A.242, a security deposit or surety bond, including last month's rent, can't exceed three months' periodic rent. With the landlord's consent, you can buy a surety bond instead of paying all or part of the deposit, though the landlord can't require one. After the tenancy ends, the landlord has 30 days to give you an itemized written accounting and return the rest.

This guide is general information for Nevada renters. It isn't legal advice, and local ordinances can add rules. Your lease and policy wording control.

Your landlord's policy covers the building, not your belongings or liability. A renters policy (HO-4) covers personal property, personal liability and loss of use; flood is generally excluded (see FloodSmart). Coverage basics: renters insurance. Roommates: whether renters insurance covers roommates. Liability: how much renters liability coverage you need.

Step 1: Deposit limits and surety bonds

Under NRS 118A.242:

• A security deposit, surety bond, or both, including last month's rent, can't exceed 3 months' periodic rent.
• If the landlord consents, you may buy a surety bond in place of all or part of the deposit. The landlord isn't required to accept one and can't require you to buy one.

Step 2: Getting the deposit back

• When the tenancy ends, the landlord may claim only what's reasonably necessary for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear, and reasonable cleaning.
• The landlord must provide an itemized, written accounting and return the remainder no later than 30 days after the tenancy ends, either in person where rent is paid or by mail to your present or last known address.
• If the landlord fails or refuses to return the remainder within 30 days, they're liable for the entire deposit plus up to another amount equal to the deposit, set by the court based on factors including good faith.
• You can dispute items on the accounting under the statute's procedure.

Step 3: Heat, power and fire

Nevada renters should check coverage for fire and smoke, and ask about food spoilage from outages. Flash flooding is generally excluded from renters policies; see FloodSmart.

Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Nevada.

Frequently asked questions

Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.