Rental Property Rules in Reno, NV: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Reno or are thinking about moving there, rental property rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Reno has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of rental property rules, and some of them might surprise you.
Repairs & Habitability
Reno enforces the International Property Maintenance Code as its citywide habitability standard for rental housing, covering structural, sanitation, and occupancy conditions in every dwelling unit.
Key details: Adopted code: 2012 International Property Maintenance Code. Citation: RMC § 14.05.010. Enforcement: City code enforcement, citywide. Max penalty: $1,000 fine, 6 months jail.
Violations are misdemeanors under RMC § 1.04.010, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and/or six months in county jail, with each day a separate offense; the city can also pursue civil abatement.
Security Deposit Rules
Reno landlords follow Nevada NRS 118A.242, which caps residential security deposits at three months of periodic rent and requires return within thirty days of tenant move-out, with itemized deductions in writing for any withheld amounts.
Key details: Deposit cap: Three months of rent. Return deadline: Thirty days after move-out. Itemized deductions: Required in writing. Statute: NRS 118A.242.
Charging a deposit above three months rent, hiding non-refundable fees, missing the thirty-day return deadline, or failing to itemize deductions can trigger small-claims liability and statutory damages on top of the original deposit.
Rent Control
Nevada preempts local rent control; Reno cannot cap rents. NRS 118A governs landlord-tenant, requiring 45-day written notice for month-to-month rent increases but no cap on the amount.
Key details: Local Rent Control: Not permitted in NV. Law: NRS 118A. Notice: 45 days month-to-month. Security Deposit: Max 3 months rent. Just Cause: Not required.
Improper notice of rent increase: tenant can refuse increase and continue paying prior amount for notice period. Eviction without proper notice: dismissed by court.
The rules around rent control in Reno lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
The Bottom Line
Reno's rental property rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Reno is broadly strict or permissive.
These rules come from Reno's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.