Housing assistance in Nevada
Nevada's Energy Assistance Program is run statewide by the Division of Social Services and is paid for by federal LIHEAP funds plus the state's Universal Energy Charge; applications are accepted year-round through June 30, until funds run out. Public housing and vouchers are run by the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority (Las Vegas area), the Reno Housing Authority and Nevada Rural Housing (rural counties). Unpaid-rent evictions use a 7-judicial-day pay-or-quit notice, and tenants can contest the case by filing an affidavit with the court.
Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers
Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.
Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.
Programs and free legal help in Nevada
Energy and utility bills
- Energy Assistance Program (EAP) Nevada Division of Social Services
Pays a once-a-year benefit, usually directly to the household's energy provider, funded by LIHEAP and Nevada's Universal Energy Charge. The program year runs July 1 to June 30; apply through Access Nevada or at a Division of Social Services office.
Call 775-684-0800
Free legal help
- Nevada Legal Services Nevada Legal Services
Free civil legal help for low-income Nevadans, including tenants' rights, habitability, security deposits, illegal lockouts and evictions. Offices are in Las Vegas, Reno, Carson City and Elko, and you can apply online.
- Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada
Free legal aid for Clark County residents. The center also runs the Civil Law Self-Help Center (civillawselfhelpcenter.org), which offers eviction forms and guidance on responding to notices.
No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.
Key tenant laws in Nevada
Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.
- Security deposit limit
The security deposit and/or surety bond, including any last month's rent, cannot total more than 3 months' rent. The landlord may not require a surety bond instead of a deposit, but the tenant may buy one if the landlord agrees.
- Deposit return deadline
Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the remaining deposit with an itemized written accounting. Deductions are limited to unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and reasonable cleaning. A landlord who fails or refuses to return it on time can owe the full deposit plus up to another amount equal to the deposit.
- Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent
7 judicial days' written notice to pay rent or surrender the premises (a 4-day option applies to weekly tenancies under 45 days old). The notice must tell the tenant they can contest the eviction by filing an affidavit with the court within the notice period; if they do, the landlord cannot lock them out.
- Landlord entry notice
At least 24 hours' notice, and entry only at reasonable times during normal business hours, unless the tenant agrees to shorter notice or other hours for that entry. No notice is needed in an emergency.
- Rent increases and rent control
Nevada's landlord-tenant law (NRS 118A) does not cap rent increases, but the landlord must give 60 days' written notice before a rent increase (30 days for tenancies shorter than month-to-month).
- If the landlord won’t make repairs
If written notice of a habitability problem is not fixed (or best efforts made) within 14 days, the tenant may end the lease, sue for damages, or withhold rent without late fees until it is fixed. For repairs costing less than $100 or one month's rent (whichever is greater), the tenant may have the work done and deduct the cost from rent, within the same limit per 12 months.
This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.
Phone lines that serve Nevada
- Shelter, rent help, and local services211
- HUD-approved housing counseling800-569-4287
- Housing discrimination complaints (HUD)800-669-9777
- Energy assistance referral (LIHEAP)866-674-6327
- Veterans at risk of homelessness877-424-3838
- Domestic violence hotline800-799-7233
More local contacts: HUD’s Nevada resource page.
Next steps
Sources
Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.
- NRS Chapter 118A Landlord and Tenant: Dwellings (Rev. 4/15/2026)Nevada Legislature
- NRS Chapter 40 Actions and Proceedings Concerning Property (Rev. 4/15/2026)Nevada Legislature
- Energy Assistance ProgramNevada Division of Social Services
- Nevada Legal ServicesNevada Legal Services
- Legal Aid Center of Southern NevadaLegal Aid Center of Southern Nevada
- Civil Law Self-Help CenterLegal Aid Center of Southern Nevada
- Southern Nevada Regional Housing AuthoritySouthern Nevada Regional Housing Authority
- Reno Housing AuthorityReno Housing Authority
- Nevada Rural HousingNevada Rural Housing