Nevada Security Deposit Demand Letter (NRS 118A.242)
Moved out and still waiting on your deposit? A clear, written demand is usually the first step — and often the last one needed. Answer the questions below and your letter fills itself in as you type.
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[Your forwarding address]
October 15, 2026
[Landlord or property manager name]
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — [Rental address]
Dear [Landlord or property manager name],
I was a tenant at [Rental address] and moved out on [Move-out date]. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of [Deposit amount ($)]. So far none of my deposit has been returned, and I have not received an itemized statement of deductions.
Under NRS 118A.242, a landlord must return any remaining security deposit, with an itemized written accounting of any deductions, no later than 30 days after the tenancy ends. Based on my move-out date, that deadline was [Move-out date].
Please send [Deposit amount ($)] to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 29, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for the entire deposit, plus an additional amount of up to the full deposit set by the court.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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How security deposits work in Nevada
Nevada landlords must return any remaining security deposit no later than 30 days after the tenancy ends. Deductions are limited to amounts reasonably needed to cover unpaid rent, to repair damage the tenant caused beyond normal wear, and to pay the reasonable cost of cleaning. A lease can't make the deposit nonrefundable, although a reasonable nonrefundable cleaning charge is allowed.
Along with any balance, the landlord must give the tenant an itemized written accounting of how the deposit was used, handed over at the place where rent is paid or mailed to the tenant's present address, or to the last known address if the present one is unknown. Nevada caps the combined deposit and any surety bond, including last month's rent, at three months' rent.
If the landlord fails to return the remaining deposit within 30 days, the landlord can owe the entire deposit plus an additional amount, set by the court, of up to the full deposit again. In setting that extra amount, the court looks at whether the landlord acted in good faith, the parties' course of dealing, and how much the tenant was harmed.
What to do, step by step
Fill in your details
Answer the questions above. Your letter updates live as you type, so you can check every detail before you send it.
Send it in a way you can prove
Mail the letter by certified mail with return receipt and keep the receipt. If your lease lists an email address for notices, send a copy there too.
Wait for a reply
Give your landlord the 14 days stated in the letter. For reference, Nevada's own deadline under NRS 118A.242 is 30 days after move-out.
Gather your evidence
Collect your lease, move-in and move-out photos, any inspection checklist, rent receipts and every message about the deposit.
File in small claims if needed
If the deposit still doesn't come back, you can file in small claims court (Nevada limit: $10,000). Bring this letter and your proof of mailing.
What if the landlord ignores the letter?
Silence doesn't end the matter. Your letter creates a dated record that you asked for the deposit back and gave a reasonable deadline — exactly what a small claims judge will want to see.
In Nevada, the rules are set out in Nevada Revised Statutes § 118A.242. If a landlord keeps a deposit without following them, a court may award the entire deposit, plus an additional amount of up to the full deposit set by the court.
Small claims court is designed for people representing themselves: filing fees are modest, forms are short, and hearings are informal. In Nevada the limit is $10,000, which covers nearly every deposit dispute.
Example Nevada security deposit demand letter
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Jordan Rivera
88 Pine Ave, Springfield
October 5, 2026
Oakview Property Management
500 Market St, Suite 200, Springfield
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield
Dear Oakview Property Management,
I was a tenant at 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield and moved out on August 31, 2026. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of $1,800.00. So far you have returned $300.00, leaving $1,500.00 outstanding.
Under NRS 118A.242, a landlord must return any remaining security deposit, with an itemized written accounting of any deductions, no later than 30 days after the tenancy ends. Based on my move-out date, that deadline was September 30, 2026.
I returned all keys on August 31 and took dated photos of every room, which show the unit clean and undamaged apart from normal wear and tear.
Please send $1,500.00 to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 19, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for the entire deposit, plus an additional amount of up to the full deposit set by the court.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
Jordan Rivera
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Nevada landlord have to return a deposit?
30 days after the tenancy ends. Within that time the landlord must return the remaining deposit and provide an itemized written accounting of any deductions for rent, damage or cleaning.
Can a Nevada lease make my deposit nonrefundable?
No. A lease can't label any part of the security deposit as nonrefundable or waive your rights under the deposit statute, and any such clause is void. The one exception is a separate nonrefundable cleaning charge in a reasonable amount.
What can I recover if my Nevada landlord misses the deadline?
A court can order the landlord to pay the entire deposit, plus an additional sum of up to the amount of the deposit. The extra amount depends on factors such as the landlord's good faith and the harm you suffered.
What is the small claims limit in Nevada?
Nevada justice courts hear small claims for money of up to $10,000. A case is generally filed in the township where the defendant lives, does business or works, so check with the justice court in that area before filing.
Do I have to send a demand letter before going to small claims?
Many courts expect you to have asked for the money first, and a written demand is the simplest proof that you did. It also resolves a large share of disputes on its own.
How should I send the letter?
Use a method that gives you proof of delivery, such as certified mail with return receipt. Keep a copy of the letter and the receipt together.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.