Can my landlord charge a pet deposit AND a monthly pet fee in Nevada?

Yes. The one-month deposit cap applies only to deposits (refundable charges), not to monthly pet fees (non-refundable rent surcharges). So your landlord could legally charge up to one month's rent in pet deposits plus charge $25–$50 per month as a pet fee, though you should verify this in your lease so there are no surprises.

What if my landlord charged me more than one month's rent in pet deposits before I knew about this law?

You potentially have a claim for a refund of the excess. Send your landlord a written demand asking for the overage, citing NRS 118A.210. If they refuse, you can file in small claims court (Nevada's limit is $15,000) or contact Nevada's Division of Regulation and Licensing to file a complaint against the landlord.

Do emotional support animals or service animals count toward the pet deposit limit?

Service animals trained to perform specific tasks are typically exempt from pet deposits and fees under federal law (the Fair Housing Act), but emotional support animals may not be. Nevada follows federal law here, so a legitimate service dog can't be charged a pet deposit, but an ESA's status depends on the specific circumstances—get this clarified in writing with your landlord.

Pet Deposit Limits in Nevada

The Big Misconception About Pet Deposits in Nevada

Here's what most Nevada tenants believe: landlords can charge whatever they want for a pet deposit, and it's completely separate from their regular security deposit. That sounds reasonable on the surface, right? You've got your security deposit for general wear and tear, and then your pet deposit for any dog-related destruction. Two buckets, two limits.

Except that's not quite how Nevada law works anymore.

What Actually Changed (and When)

Real talk — Nevada significantly tightened pet deposit rules in recent years, and most tenants don't know about it. The state consolidated how landlords can charge for pets, which means your landlord can't just stack deposits on top of each other like they're building a financial Jenga tower.

Under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 118A.210, landlords can't charge a pet deposit that exceeds one month's rent. That's the hard cap. But here's where it gets interesting: Nevada law treats a "pet deposit" as part of your overall security deposit, not as a separate thing.

This matters because it means your landlord can't charge you a full month's rent as a regular security deposit AND then turn around and charge you another month's rent as a pet deposit. (More on this below.) The combined total of all deposits—security deposit plus any pet-related charges—can't exceed one month's rent.

Breaking Down the One-Month Rule

Let's say you're renting a place in Las Vegas for $1,500 a month and you've got a golden retriever (adorable, but also a flight risk when it comes to carpet). Your landlord can charge you up to $1,500 in total deposits. Period.

That $1,500 could be structured as:

• $1,000 security deposit + $500 pet deposit, or

• $1,200 security deposit + $300 pet deposit, or

• $1,500 in a single "security deposit" that covers both regular wear and pet damage

The landlord gets to decide the breakdown, but they can't exceed that total monthly rent figure. It's a unified cap, not separate buckets. — and that can make a big difference

Wait, What About Pet Fees (Not Deposits)?

Now here's where it gets confusing, because Nevada also allows landlords to charge a "pet fee." This is different from a deposit.

A pet deposit is refundable (you get it back if your pup doesn't destroy anything). A pet fee is non-refundable monthly rent—think of it like a surcharge that keeps going. Some landlords charge $25 or $50 per month per pet. This fee isn't capped by the one-month deposit rule because it's technically rent, not a deposit.

So theoretically, a landlord could charge you $1,500 in deposits (the maximum) AND $50 per month in pet fees. The deposit rule and the fee rule are separate things. Check your lease carefully, because some landlords bundle these charges and don't always label them clearly (which is annoying but legal).

Recent Changes That Affect You

Nevada's pet deposit restrictions tightened as part of broader tenant protections that expanded around 2019 and continued through recent legislative sessions. The state moved toward treating pet deposits as part of the overall security deposit framework rather than as a wild-card charge.

Before these changes, landlords had more flexibility. You'd see leases where a landlord charged $1,200 for a regular security deposit and then slapped on another $600 for a pet deposit without much regulation. That's essentially banned now.

The practical effect? If you're a pet owner in Nevada, your costs are more predictable and capped. Your landlord can't nickel-and-dime you with surprise pet charges that blow past the one-month threshold.

What Deposits Actually Cover (and What They Don't)

Honestly, this is where a lot of disputes happen. Tenants think pet deposits cover any pet-related damage, but Nevada law is more specific than that. Your landlord can only deduct from your pet deposit for actual damage caused by your pet beyond normal wear and tear.

Normal wear and tear—scratches on the floor from regular dog nails, minor carpet matting from years of a pet living there—shouldn't trigger deductions. But if your dog dug a hole through the drywall or destroyed the carpet with accidents, that's fair game for the landlord to charge.

The tricky part is that Nevada doesn't give a precise dollar amount or percentage for what counts as "pet damage" versus "normal wear." That's left somewhat to interpretation, which is why disputes end up in small claims court more often than landlords and tenants would prefer.

Moving to Nevada With Pets? Here's What to Watch For

If you're shopping for an apartment or house in Nevada and you have pets, ask your potential landlord directly about their deposit structure during the lease negotiation phase. Don't wait until you've signed.

Request that the lease clearly separates how much is being charged as a regular security deposit versus a pet deposit. Make sure the total doesn't exceed one month's rent. If it does, that's a red flag—your landlord either doesn't know Nevada law or is hoping you don't.

Get everything in writing about what specific pet damage the deposit can cover. Some landlords will agree in writing that minor scratches or normal accidents won't be deducted from the pet deposit. Others will reserve the right to deduct for anything. You want clarity upfront because disputes happen when expectations are murky.

What Happens When Your Lease Ends

Nevada law requires landlords to return deposits within 30 days of your move-out (NRS 118A.430), though they can deduct for actual damage. Your landlord should provide an itemized list of any deductions they're making from your pet deposit.

If your landlord keeps part of your pet deposit without explaining why, or if the deduction seems unreasonable (like charging $800 to fix a small scratch), you've got options. You can send a written demand letter requesting the funds back, and if that doesn't work, small claims court is available in Nevada.

Small claims court in Nevada handles disputes up to $15,000 for most cases, which covers just about any deposit dispute. Filing fees are around $65–$200 depending on the amount, and you don't need a lawyer.

The Practical Next Step

If you're currently renting in Nevada with pets, pull out your lease right now and check what you were charged. Add up your security deposit and any pet deposit—does it exceed one month's rent? If it does, you might have a claim for a refund of the excess.

Document what you paid, take photos of the unit's condition (especially the floors and walls), and send your landlord a polite email asking for clarification about how your deposits are allocated. Sometimes landlords just need a gentle reminder that they've overcharged. If they won't budge and they've genuinely violated NRS 118A.210, you can file a complaint with Nevada's Division of Regulation and Licensing or pursue a small claims case. Either way, know your number: one month's rent is the limit.