Getting an unexpected letter from your landlord announcing a steep rent increase can feel overwhelming, especially if you are unsure about the legality of it all. Understanding how the law works in Nevada can help you confidently handle the situation when this happens.
First, there are no statewide rent control laws. As such, landlords are not bound by a specific limit when increasing rent and do not need to provide reasons for doing so. However, they must adhere to particular notice periods before implementing any increase to ensure tenants have sufficient time to prepare for any changes.
Required notice periods
Nevada law requires landlords to provide written notice before raising rent, depending on your tenancy. For a periodic tenancy of one month or more, they must notify you at least 60 days before the increase takes effect. If your periodic tenancy is less than one month, a 30-day notice is required.
Can you challenge a rent hike?
While the law does not cap rent increases, you can challenge it if it’s retaliatory. For instance, if your landlord hiked rent because you filed a complaint about unsafe living conditions or discrimination, it could be considered illegal.
What to do if you receive a rent increase notice
The first thing to do once you get a rent increase notice is to review your lease agreement and ascertain that your landlord adhered to the required notice period and other terms of the lease agreement. Consider negotiating with them if the increase feels unmanageable or unreasonable. Open communication can sometimes lead to a compromise that works for everyone.
If you are unsure of whether your landlord followed due process or your legal rights as a tenant in Nevada, seeking legal guidance can help you make informed decisions and protect your interests.
