Nevada Security Deposit Law
Nevada rules on security deposits for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-22.
Short answer: Security deposit plus any surety bond may not total more than 3 months' periodic rent. NRS 118A.242(1)
The rules in Nevada
| Security deposit limit | Security deposit plus any surety bond may not total more than 3 months' periodic rent. Nevada lets a tenant use a surety bond in place of all or part of a cash deposit; the 3-month cap applies to the combined total. Section last amended 2021 per NRS history note. Source: NRS 118A.242(1) |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 30 days after termination of the tenancy. Returned by handing it to the tenant at the place rent is paid, or by mail to the tenant's present address (or last known address if unknown). Source: NRS 118A.242(4) |
| Itemized deductions | Landlord must give an itemized, written accounting of the disposition of the deposit (and/or surety bond) with any remaining balance within 30 days. Deductions limited to unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear, and reasonable cleaning costs. If a surety bond was used, a tenant who disputes an item in writing to the surety within 30 days blocks credit reporting of the claim unless the surety gets a judgment (NRS 118A.242(5)). Source: NRS 118A.242(4) |
| Interest on deposits | No statutory interest requirement found. The deposit sections of NRS 118A (118A.240, .242, .244) contain no interest provision. Absence of a requirement; not an affirmative statutory statement. Source: NRS 118A.240-118A.244 |
| Penalty for withholding | If the landlord fails or refuses to return the remainder within 30 days, the landlord is liable for (a) an amount equal to the entire deposit, plus (b) a court-fixed sum of up to the entire deposit. For the extra sum, the court considers whether the landlord acted in good faith, the course of conduct between the parties, and the degree of harm to the tenant. Source: NRS 118A.242(6)-(7) |
Free calculators
- Security Deposit Deadline Calculator — See when your landlord must return your deposit, and the penalty your state sets if they don't.
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Related questions
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit?
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit?
- What can a landlord charge for at move-out (cleaning, painting, carpet)?
Nevada vs. neighboring states
| State | Security deposit limit | Deposit return deadline | Itemized deductions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | Security deposit plus any surety bond may not total more than 3 months' periodic rent. NRS 118A.242(1) | 30 days after termination of the tenancy. NRS 118A.242(4) | Landlord must give an itemized, written accounting of the disposition of the deposit (and/or surety bond) with any remaining balance within 30 days. Deductions limited to unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear, and reasonable cleaning costs. NRS 118A.242(4) |
| Arizona | One and one-half months' rent, counting all security however labeled, including prepaid rent. A tenant may still voluntarily prepay more rent. A.R.S. § 33-1321(A) | Within 14 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered, and the tenant demands the deposit. A.R.S. § 33-1321(D) | The landlord must provide an itemized list of all deductions together with any amount due to the tenant. Deductions may cover rent, charges specified in the signed lease (subject to the duty to mitigate), and damages from the tenant's noncompliance with § 33-1341. If the tenant does not dispute the deductions within 60 days after mailing, the list becomes final and further claims are waived. A.R.S. § 33-1321(D) |
| California | One month's rent, in addition to the first month's rent. Small-landlord exception: up to two months' rent if the landlord is a natural person (or an LLC whose members are all natural persons) who owns no more than two residential rental properties with no more than four units in total. The exception does not apply if the prospective tenant is a service member. Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(c)(1), (c)(5) | No later than 21 calendar days after the tenant vacates. The landlord must return the remaining deposit with an itemized statement. Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(h)(1) | The landlord must give an itemized statement of deductions. For deductions over $125, it must include copies of receipts or invoices, or the landlord's own time and hourly rate. If work cannot be finished within 21 days, a good-faith estimate is allowed, with documents due within 14 days of completion. Deductions for repairs or cleaning must include photographs. The tenant may also request a pre-move-out initial inspection, at which the landlord lists proposed deductions so the tenant can fix them. Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(f), (g), (h)(2)-(5) |
| Idaho | No statutory cap on the amount of a security deposit. Idaho Code § 6-321 | 21 days after the tenant surrenders the premises if the lease sets no time; the lease may set a different period but never more than 30 days. Idaho Code § 6-321 | If only part of the deposit is refunded, the landlord must include a signed statement itemizing the amounts kept, the reasons, and the expenditures. Deductions may not be taken for normal wear and tear. Idaho Code § 6-321 |
| Oregon | No statutory cap on the amount of a security deposit. ORS 90.300 | 31 days after the tenancy terminates and the tenant delivers possession. ORS 90.300(12)-(13) | Within the same 31 days, the landlord must give a written accounting stating specifically the basis of each claim. Deductions are limited to amounts reasonably necessary to remedy tenant defaults (including unpaid rent) or repair damage beyond ordinary wear and tear. ORS 90.300(7), (12) |
| Utah | No statutory cap. Utah Code 57-17-1 to 57-17-5 | No later than 30 days after the renter vacates and returns possession. If the owner misses it, the renter may serve a statutory 'Tenant's Notice to Provide Deposit Disposition', after which the owner has five business days to comply. Utah Code 57-17-3(2)-(5) | Required: written notice itemizing and explaining the reason for each deduction, with the balance of the deposit and any prepaid rent. Deductions allowed for rent, damage beyond reasonable wear and tear, other contractual costs and fees, and cleaning. Utah Code 57-17-3(1)-(2) |
City rules that may add to state law
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Nevada Security Deposit Law FAQ
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Nevada?
Security deposit plus any surety bond may not total more than 3 months' periodic rent. (NRS 118A.242(1))
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Nevada?
30 days after termination of the tenancy. (NRS 118A.242(4))
Does a landlord in Nevada have to give an itemized list of deposit deductions?
Landlord must give an itemized, written accounting of the disposition of the deposit (and/or surety bond) with any remaining balance within 30 days. Deductions limited to unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear, and reasonable cleaning costs. (NRS 118A.242(4))
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Nevada?
No statutory interest requirement found. (NRS 118A.240-118A.244)
What happens if a landlord in Nevada wrongfully keeps a security deposit?
If the landlord fails or refuses to return the remainder within 30 days, the landlord is liable for (a) an amount equal to the entire deposit, plus (b) a court-fixed sum of up to the entire deposit. (NRS 118A.242(6)-(7))
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.