How to Sue for Unpaid Rent in Nevada Small Claims Court

Your tenant moved out owing three months of rent, or left property damage that exceeded the security deposit. If the total is $10,000 or less, Nevada small claims court is the fastest way to recover the money without hiring a lawyer.

Small Claims vs. Eviction — Two Different Courts

This is the part most landlords get wrong. A small claims case under NRS Chapter 73 recovers money only — unpaid rent, cleaning costs, or damage beyond normal wear and tear. It cannot remove a tenant from the property. If you need possession, file a separate summary eviction case under NRS Chapter 40 in Justice Court. You can file a money claim for rent or damages separately; it does not have to wait until an eviction is complete.

Calculate What You Are Owed

Add up every month of unpaid rent, any utility charges the lease makes the tenant responsible for, and repair costs for damage beyond ordinary wear and tear. Do not include normal wear items — repainting after several years of tenancy, minor carpet wear, small nail holes. Judges see landlords overreach on these regularly, and it weakens your credibility. Get written repair estimates or invoices from licensed contractors for legitimate damage.

If the total exceeds $10,000, you can file for $10,000 and waive the rest, or move to the general civil division (claims up to $15,000).

Send a Certified Demand Letter

Before filing in Clark County courts, a written demand letter sent via USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt is mandatory. State the total owed, itemize the charges (unpaid rent by month, damage repair costs with receipts), and give a deadline. Keep the green return receipt card for your court filing.

If your former tenant moved out of state, use their forwarding address. If the certified mail comes back unclaimed, keep the unopened returned envelope — it counts as proof of attempted demand.

Choose the Correct Venue

File in the township where the rental property is located. Under NRS 73.010(2), venue is proper where the contractual obligation was performed — and rent was owed at the address of the unit. For a Las Vegas rental, that means Las Vegas Justice Court. For a property in Henderson, it is Henderson Justice Court. Filing in the wrong township results in dismissal or a $125 transfer fee.

Evidence a Landlord Needs

Your evidence file should include the signed lease agreement showing the rent amount and terms, a ledger of payments received and amounts outstanding, the move-out inspection report with photos (dated), repair invoices or written estimates from contractors, your demand letter and the certified mail receipt, and any text or email exchanges where the tenant acknowledged the debt.

Bring three hard copies of everything — one set for the judge, one for the tenant, one for yourself. Sparks Justice Court requires exhibits submitted at least five judicial days before the hearing.

The Hearing and After

Small claims hearings are informal and typically take about 10 to 15 minutes. The judge will ask you to present your case, show your evidence, and state the total. If the tenant does not appear and your proof of service is on file, request a default judgment.

If you win, the judgment does not force the tenant to pay immediately. Collection options include wage garnishment, bank account levies, and property liens. Post-judgment interest accrues at the statutory prime rate plus two percent under NRS 17.130.

The complete Nevada filing guide covers every step — from drafting the demand letter through the hearing — and includes fillable trackers for deadlines, evidence, and service of process.

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