Under the landlord-tenant laws of Nevada, a landlord is allowed to make deductions on a tenant's security deposit only if the tenant has unpaid rent, if there are critical damages on the property that goes beyond normal wear and tear and if there are any other costs incurred due to breach of lease agreement such as unpaid utility bills. The balance along with the itemized list of deductions and receipts proving expenditure must be sent to the tenant within 30 days after the end of the tenancy.
Normal wear and tear refer to damages resulting from inevitable regular activities such as dry cleaning the carpet which may cause it to wear over time and curtains which fade due to exposure to the sun and paint fading. Costs incurred in repairing or making replacements on such damages cannot be deducted from the tenant's security deposit. Only on crucial instances like a damaged appliance and cracked sinks can the landlord make deductions on the tenant's security deposit.
In case you feel that the landlord has overcharged or made some irrelevant deductions on your security deposit, there are a number of ways to get back your security deposit. The first and best option that tenants should opt for is to send a well-written letter. The letter should confirm receipt of the itemized list of deductions sent by the landlord then express the tenant's concerns about the unnecessary deductions clearly stating why you are disputing. Any form of communication with the landlord or property management should be put in writing to avoid any issues in future and also act as proof should the matter end up in court.
This HomeTitan Damages Claim Dispute Letter has been created with reference to Nevada's landlord-tenant laws and is intended to remind the landlord of their obligation on security deposits and making them understand that you are aware of your rights as a tenant. A clearly written letter that professionally addresses your concerns while sounding a legal warning to the landlord usually works in settling disputes without needing to go to court. To be certain that the letter is delivered to the landlord, send it via certified mail and keep your own copy.