Nevada Tenant Screening

Last Updated: February 2, 2015

Nearly three-quarters of Nevada’s people live in Clark County, which contains the Las Vegas-Paradise metropolitan area where the state’s three largest incorporated cities are located.

How to Screen a Tenant in the State of Nevada

DISCLAIMER: We do our best to keep this information accurate and up-to-date, but we cannot guarantee either. The most recent law changes may not be reflected here. We do not intend this information to be legal advice, nor are we qualified to advise you regarding legal matters. We highly recommend consulting a lawyer qualified to discuss landlord-tenant law to advise you. We do not specifically endorse any of the websites linked from these pages, nor are we in any way affiliated with the agencies or individuals who have published them. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of information posted on these sites. If you find a problem on this page, please contact us so that we can get it fixed.

Step 1: Know Your Rights & Responsibilities

The Laws

Landlords and property managers are subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act [PDF] (FCRA) during the tenant screening process. Additionally, Nevada has laws that affect the tenant screening process. You can find the current Nevada Housing Codes on the Nevada State Legislature website. If you are finding the formalities of the state code daunting, you might want to check out these friendlier sites:

Recent Landlord Law News

Questions of landlord rights arise after fire kills dogs. “There are immediate, expedient remedies available to landlords in the state of Nevada. It is very landlord friendly,” attorney Steven Marzullo said. LAS VEGAS

Step 2: Required Forms & Disclosures

Tip: before you rent for the first time, consider hiring a lawyer to review all of the documents you will use during the application and rental process to ensure that you are protected to the fullest extent of the law.

Before Screening:

  1. Rental Application [PDF] (this must be completed in full by the applicant prior to screening)
  2. Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act [PDF]
  3. Consumer Report Disclosure [PDF]

After Screening:

If you are ACCEPTING an applicant:

  1. Move-In Checklist [PDF]
  2. Lease Agreement (written), containing or attaching the following information:
    1. Owner/Agent Identity – this should include name and address, and if the owner/agent is out-of-state it must include contact information for a resident of the COUNTY in which the rental is located that can act as an agent for the purposes of serving notices and process.
    2. Security Deposit – this must include the amount of the deposit and the conditions under which some or all of the deposit may be withheld. It must also include the name and banking institution holding the deposit.
    3. Non-refundable Fees – explicitly describe any non-refundable fees, and state clearly that they are non-refundable.
  3. Fire Protection & Safety Information: You must disclose the available fire protection and safety information specific to the unit you are renting, including smoking policy, evacuation plans, and who to notify in case of emergency.
  4. Nonrefundable Fees: The purpose of all nonrefundable fees or deposits (which are legal in Nevada, unlike many states) must be stated in writing. Leases must explain fees that are required and the purposes for which they are required. (Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. 118A.200)
  5. Move-In Checklist: Nevada leases must include a signed record of the inventory and condition of the premises under the exclusive custody and control of the tenant. (Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. 118A.200)
  6. Nuisance And Flying The Flag: Nevada leases must include a summary of the provisions of NRS 202.470 (penalties for permitting or maintaining a nuisance), information regarding the procedure a tenant may use to report to the appropriate authorities a nuisance, a violation of a building, safety, or health code or regulation; and information regarding the right of the tenant to engage in the display of the flag of the United States, as set forth in NRS 118A.325. (Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. 118A.325)
  7. Foreclosure Proceedings: Nevada landlords must disclose to any prospective tenants, in writing, whether the premises to be rented is the subject of a foreclosure proceeding (disclosure need not be in the lease). (Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. 118A.275)

If you are DECLINING an applicant:

  1. Adverse Action Notice [PDF]

Step 3: Order a Tenant Screening Report

What You’ll Need

  • A completed rental application signed by the applicant.
  • Some details about your applicant:
    • Name
    • Email address
    • Date of birth
    • Social Security number
    • Previous address
    • Bank account number (optional)
    • Bank routing number (optional)

What Will Be Covered

  • Package Options
  • Background Report Coverage for Nevada:
    • Criminal, OFAC/Patriot Act & Sex Offender Records – A nationwide search is always performed. These jurisdictions specifically are available in Nevada: Clark County Justice Courts, Clark District Court, NV Department Of Corrections, NV Sex Offender Registry, Vegas Sex Offender Registry.
    • Eviction Records – records are available from the following counties: Carson City, Churchill, Clark, Douglas, Elko, Esmeralda, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lincoln, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Pershing, Storey, Washoe, White Pine.
    • Bankruptcies, Liens & Judgments – records are available from the following counties: Carson City, Churchill, Clark, Douglas, Elko, Esmeralda, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lincoln, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Pershing, Storey, Washoe, White Pine.
    • Social Security Number validation, Death Index, credit checks, previous addresses, alias names, and the Rent Check Advisor® include all information available regardless of location.

Resources for Nevada Landlords

Legal

Informational

States

View All States

 

 

 

Ready to screen with confidence?

GET STARTED