Know your rights: What Nevada tenants can do about neglected repairs and infestations
East Las Vegas residents highlight importance of understanding legal protections against negligent landlords
Nevada tenants struggling with unresponsive landlords and deteriorating living conditions have more power than they might realize, according to legal experts who are highlighting the state’s habitability laws following complaints from frustrated renters across Las Vegas.
The issue came to light after residents of an East Las Vegas apartment complex spoke out about persistent maintenance problems, including a significant rodent infestation that management has failed to adequately address despite repeated requests for repairs.
When maintenance becomes a legal issue
Milani Jones, who has lived in the complex for over a year, documented her ongoing battle with rodents and incomplete repairs. Photos she shared show water damage and holes in walls that have remained unrepaired since last year, creating entry points for mice and rats.
“Every time we put in the order, it takes a while for them to come, and some of the issues aren’t even fixed. It just gets worse, or they have to keep coming back,” Jones told KSNV, pointing to holes left by plumbing work that have never been properly sealed.
Nevada’s guarantee of habitability
Under Nevada law, every rental agreement includes an implied “guarantee of habitability,” meaning landlords must provide and maintain livable conditions. This isn’t just a courtesy—it’s a legal requirement that gives tenants specific rights when problems arise.
“There is a guarantee of habitability in landlord-tenant agreements. That means the landlord has to provide a home that’s livable,” explained Jordan Savage with the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada. “If there’s an infestation, mold, or other serious issues, tenants do have remedies under the law.”
Essential services required by law
Nevada law defines “habitable condition” as a rental property where an average person could reside in reasonable comfort. Landlords must provide certain “essential items or services,” including:
- Heating and air conditioning
- Running water and hot water
- Electricity and gas
- Functioning door locks
- Other essential items or services (unless the lease specifies otherwise)
Five steps to enforce your rights
When facing habitability issues, tenants should follow these legal steps:
Step 1: Determine if your problem is “essential” or “nonessential” Step 2: Mail your landlord a written notice of the problem Step 3: Wait the legally required time for repairs (14 days under Nevada law) Step 4: Enforce your rights if the landlord fails to repair Step 5: Monitor what your landlord does in response
Your options after 14 days
If a landlord fails to address essential repairs within 14 days of written notice, Nevada law provides tenants with several options:
- Fix and deduct: Make the repairs yourself and deduct the cost from rent
- Withhold rent: Stop paying rent until repairs are completed
- Move out: Terminate the lease and relocate without penalty
- Request relocation: Ask to be moved to another unit within the same property
“I would hope they’d listen to requests. If a tenant paying rent on time asks to move to a different unit because of issues, I think that should be granted,” Jones said of her own situation.
Getting help
Tenants facing habitability issues don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. The Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada offers free assistance with tenant rights and housing issues, helping renters understand their options and properly document their cases.
The key is documentation: take photos, keep copies of all maintenance requests, save any communication with management, and follow the proper legal procedures for notice. This paper trail becomes crucial if legal action becomes necessary.
For many tenants like Jones, simply knowing these rights exist can be empowering. While no one should have to live with rodent infestations or dangerous conditions, understanding the law ensures that when landlords fail to maintain their properties, tenants have recourse beyond simply hoping for better treatment.
Image Sources: https://news3lv.com/news/local/east-las-vegas-tenants-allege-management-neglect-amid-rodent-infestation
Category: Real Estate, Local News
Subcategory: Rental Market
Date: 09/4/2025
