What Are the Consequences for Landlords Who Violate Nevada’s Landlord Tenant Laws?
As a landlord, you are responsible for following Nevada’s established laws when it comes to renting out property. Knowing and abiding by the Nevada Landlord Tenant Law is crucial in order to ensure that both tenant and landlord rights are honored. While most people tend to focus on what tenants need to obey, if a landlord violates this law they face serious consequences.
Read on as we discuss what these consequences may be and how landlords can protect themselves from facing them.
Civil Penalties & Damages
If a landlord is found to have violated Nevada landlord tenant laws, they could be liable for civil penalties and damages. This includes paying any back rent owed, compensating the tenant for any costs incurred because of the violation (such as emergency housing costs), and reimbursing them for any security deposits that were not returned on time or were unlawfully withheld. In some cases, landlords may also be required to pay attorney fees and court costs.
Criminal Charges
In extreme cases, landlords who violate Nevada’s landlord tenant laws may face criminal charges. This includes engaging in retaliatory behavior such as changing locks without notice or shutting off utilities in order to evict a tenant without going through proper legal channels. It’s important to note that criminal charges can carry serious consequences including jail time and fines.
License Suspension/Revocation
Finally, landlords who violate Nevada’s landlord tenant laws may have their licenses suspended or revoked by local authorities depending on the severity of the violation(s). This can prevent them from operating legally within their jurisdiction which can have severe financial implications. It is important to note that license revocations are typically permanent meaning the license cannot be reinstated at any time in the future so it is in every landlord’s best interest to comply with all applicable laws at all times.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, it is extremely important for all landlords in Nevada to understand their rights and obligations under state law. Failure to comply with these laws can lead to serious civil penalties and even criminal charges depending on the severity of the violation(s). Additionally, local authorities may suspend or revoke a landlord’s license which could prevent them from operating legally within their jurisdiction indefinitely. As such, it is essential that all landlords take steps to ensure compliance with Nevada’s landlord tenant laws at all times in order to avoid these potential consequences.
