As a tenant in Nevada, one of the most important things to understand is how and when your rent can be increased. Nevada does not have statewide rent control laws, meaning that landlords have significant flexibility in raising rent, as long as they follow the proper procedures and avoid discrimination or retaliation.
Whether you have a lease or a month-to-month rental agreement, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about rent increases in Nevada.
When Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Nevada?
In Nevada, the ability of a landlord to raise rent depends on the type of agreement the tenant has—whether it’s a lease or a month-to-month rental agreement.
- For Tenants with a Lease: Rent cannot be increased until the lease expires, unless the lease specifically allows for mid-term rent increases. Once the lease expires, the landlord can raise the rent, but they must provide the tenant with a 30-day notice before the new rent takes effect.
- For Month-to-Month Tenants: If you have a month-to-month rental agreement, a landlord can raise the rent, but they must provide a 45-day written notice before the increase becomes effective.
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Nevada in 2025?
Nevada law does not limit the amount by which a landlord can increase rent, meaning that a landlord could, theoretically, raise the rent by any amount, as long as they follow the proper procedures and provide adequate notice.
However, the increase must be reasonable and not excessive when compared to market rates in the area.
While landlords have a lot of flexibility, rent increases should not be discriminatory or retaliatory. For example, landlords cannot raise rent because a tenant filed a complaint about the property or engaged in legal activities like joining a tenants’ union.
Can Rent Increases Be Illegal in Nevada?
There are a few circumstances under which a rent increase can become illegal in Nevada. These include:
- Discrimination: Landlords cannot increase rent based on a tenant’s race, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, or any other protected category under the Fair Housing Act.
- Retaliation: Rent cannot be increased as a form of retaliation against a tenant for exercising their legal rights, such as reporting unsafe living conditions, organizing tenants, or requesting necessary repairs.
- Breach of Contract: If a tenant has a lease agreement that specifies the rent amount for the duration of the lease, a landlord cannot increase rent during that term unless the lease allows for such an increase.
- Excessive Increase: If the rent increase is deemed excessive compared to market rates for similar properties in the area, it could be challenged as unreasonable. This is particularly important in cities where rents are already high.
How Can You Have Fixed Rent in Nevada?
A fixed rent agreement is set through a lease agreement. This legal contract between the landlord and tenant outlines the rent amount for the agreed-upon length of time. During the term of the lease, the rent cannot be changed.
Once the lease expires, the landlord has the option to raise the rent, provided they give proper notice. This is typically a 30-day notice before the new rent takes effect. If you’re on a month-to-month agreement, the rent can increase with a 45-day notice.
Rent Control in Nevada
While there are no statewide rent control laws in Nevada, certain cities or regions may have rent regulations that limit how much rent can be increased. For example, Reno has a 5% plus inflation cap on rent increases for certain properties.
Therefore, it is always a good idea to check local ordinances to ensure there are no specific rent control rules in your area.
What Should Tenants Do if They Feel the Rent Increase is Unreasonable?
If you believe that a rent increase is unreasonable or violates any of your legal rights, you can:
- File a Complaint: You can file a complaint with local housing authorities or the Nevada Department of Business and Industry, Housing Division.
- Seek Legal Assistance: If necessary, consult with a lawyer or a tenants’ rights organization to understand your rights and options.
- Review the Lease Agreement: Double-check the lease for terms related to rent increases. If the lease prohibits rent increases during the lease term, the landlord cannot raise the rent until the lease ends.
The Importance of Proper Notice
In Nevada, proper notice is required for any rent increase, and the notice must be given in writing. The amount of notice depends on whether the tenant has a lease or a month-to-month agreement:
- Leaseholders: A 30-day notice is required before the rent increase can take effect when the lease expires.
- Month-to-Month Tenants: A 45-day notice is required before the rent increase can take effect.
Make sure to keep a copy of any rent increase notices and other important communications with your landlord. This ensures you’re aware of when the new rent will be applied and gives you a record in case you need to dispute the increase.
In Nevada, landlords have significant flexibility when it comes to raising rent, but they must follow certain procedures, such as providing adequate notice.
While the state does not impose limits on the amount of a rent increase, it’s important for both tenants and landlords to be aware of their rights and responsibilities.
Tenants should always ensure they receive proper notice, understand the terms of their lease agreement, and know what to do if they believe a rent increase is unreasonable or illegal.
