Nevada · Security deposit dispute

Security deposit dispute in Nevada small claims

Landlord kept your deposit? Take it to small claims.

If your landlord did not return your security deposit, or kept part of it without a proper itemized reason, small claims court is the usual place to get it back. Most states require the landlord to return the deposit (or send an itemized list of deductions) within a set number of days after you move out. Because that specific deadline varies by state and is not a filing statute of limitations, verify it with your court or state housing agency before you rely on it.

In Nevada, small-claims cases are heard in the Justice Court (small claims division) and you can sue for up to $10,000.

Security deposit dispute: steps that matter

  1. Document the unit's condition at move-out (photos, video, a signed walkthrough) and keep your lease and move-in records.
  2. Send the landlord a written demand for the deposit, with your forwarding address, and keep proof you sent it.
  3. Check your state's deposit-return rules (how many days the landlord had, and whether an itemized statement was required) with your court or state housing agency.
  4. If the deposit is not returned, file in small claims within the deadline below and bring your lease, photos, and demand letter.

Filing your Affidavit of Complaint in Nevada

  1. Confirm the right court and that your claim is $10,000 or less. Small claims handle money-only disputes up to $10,000. File in the Justice Court for the township where the defendant lives, works, or does business, or where the events occurred.
  2. Make a demand for payment. Most townships require a demand first. North Las Vegas requires a certified-mail demand and a 15-day wait before filing; Las Vegas requires only that a demand was previously made. Check your township's rule.
  3. Complete and file the Affidavit of Complaint. Fill out the Affidavit of Complaint, make the required copies, and file it with the court with any demand-letter proof and the fee. The court sets a hearing date and issues a Summons and Order to Appear.
  4. Serve the defendant. A file-stamped copy of the Affidavit and Summons must be served on each defendant by the constable, sheriff, a licensed process server, or any uninvolved adult over 18. North Las Vegas requires service at least 15 days before the court date.
  5. File the Affidavit of Service and prepare for the hearing. File the Affidavit of Service (North Las Vegas requires it at least 10 days before the court date) and bring your evidence and witnesses. There is no written answer; the dispute is decided at the hearing.

Filing fees: Filing fees are set by each Justice Court and scale with the claim, so there is no single statewide figure. North Las Vegas's 2025 schedule runs from $66 (claims up to $1,000) to $196 (claims up to $10,000). Fee waivers are available; verify with your court.

Deadline that applies to your security deposit dispute

A security-deposit claim is generally treated as a contract claim (your lease), so the contract statute of limitations below is the usual outer deadline to sue. Many states ALSO set a separate, shorter deadline for the landlord to return or itemize the deposit — that landlord deadline is set by your state's landlord-tenant statute, not shown here, so confirm it with your court or state consumer/housing agency.

Written contract: 6 years (NRS 11.190(1)(b))

Answering a lawsuit: No written answer is required. The defendant is ordered to appear at a court-set trial date (North Las Vegas requires service at least 15 days before); failing to appear can result in a default judgment.

Serving the defendant: A file-stamped copy of the Affidavit of Complaint and Summons and Order to Appear must be served on each defendant by the constable, sheriff, a licensed process server, or any uninvolved adult over 18. In North Las Vegas, service is due at least 15 days before the court date and the Affidavit of Service at least 10 days before.

Appeals: Either party may appeal to the District Court; deadlines are set by each Justice Court (the Las Vegas Justice Court allows 5 judicial days from entry of judgment). A typed transcript is required, so confirm with the court that ruled.

This page is general information, not legal advice, and CaseBySelf is not a law firm. Rules, fees, and deadlines change and vary by court: verify with the specific court where you file. Source: Nevada Administrative Office of the Courts: Small Claims Court. Last reviewed 2026-06-24.