Nevada Repair Request Letter
Landlords in Nevada are under legal obligation to maintain their rental properties to make it safe, healthy, clean and comfortable for the residents. This is by ensuring that all safety and essential repairs and maintenance on the premise are tended to with urgency. It is therefore, the duty of the landlord to keep the rental property weather-tight, remove any pest infestations such as rats, ensure that there is clean running water and proper plumbing fixtures to make your home hospitable to you and your family. Although rare, some lease agreements may have clauses that restrict tenants from demanding repairs from landlords, therefore, you should carefully go through the lease to know what rights you have as a tenant.
Among some of the things that the landlord cannot be held liable for includes damages that are caused by the tenant's negligence and mistakes. These are damages such as broken furniture, broken door handles, burns in carpet and gouged wood floors. As a tenant, you are expected to abide by all the lease agreements including paying your rent in time and ensuring the property is clean. Doing this gives the landlord no excuse for not making the necessary repairs.
Under NRS 118A.380, a tenant is required to send the landlord a written notice to make necessary repairs on the property within 48 hours (excluding holidays and weekends) before taking any legal actions. This professionally written letter cordially requests the landlord to make these repairs with urgency. The letter also gives them a reasonable time to respond by ensuring that the repairs are done and the premise is habitable as it should. It is always important to take photos or videos as evidence of the damages you need repaired and attach them when sending the letter.
Can you repair and deduct in Nevada?
If the landlord doesn't make the repairs which impact your safety and habitability, there are several options that you can opt for. Pursuant to the sanitary housing code of Nevada, tenants have a right to withhold rent or "Repair and Deduct". Also, Nevada housing laws has stronger remedies to punish landlords violating the housing code. Reminding the landlord of these state laws and the consequences they risk is a good way to prompt them to make the necessary repairs fast.
To retain future proof of your correspondence with the landlord, make a copy of this letter and also send it by certified mail to get a return receipt.
