Nev. Rev. Stat. ch. 118A § 118A.520
When lien or security interest in tenant’s household goods may be enforced; distraint for rent abolished; damages.
Operative Text
1. Any lien or security interest in the tenant’s household goods created in favor of the landlord to ensure the payment of rent is unenforceable unless created by attachment or garnishment. 2. Distraint for rent is abolished. 3. A landlord who retains the household goods or other personal property of a tenant in violation of this section is liable to the tenant for damages as provided in NRS 118A.390. PROGRAM FOR REPORTING RENTAL PAYMENTS TO CREDIT REPORTING AGENCY
Under Nev. Rev. Stat. ch. 118A § 118A.520, Nevada law renders unenforceable any lien or security interest a landlord holds in a tenant's household goods as a way to secure rent payment, unless that interest was established through formal court processes like attachment or garnishment. The provision also formally abolishes the old common-law remedy of distraint for rent, which once allowed landlords to seize a tenant's belongings without court involvement. A landlord who wrongfully holds onto a tenant's household goods or other personal property in violation of this section faces liability for damages under NRS 118A.390.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Nev. Rev. Stat. ch. 118A § 118A.520 makes clear that Nevada landlords cannot rely on informal liens or security interests in a tenant's household goods as a mechanism to collect unpaid rent. Compliant operators do not seize, hold, or otherwise exercise control over a tenant's personal property outside of court-authorized processes such as attachment or garnishment. Retaining a tenant's belongings in violation of this provision exposes a landlord to statutory damages under NRS 118A.390.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Nev. Rev. Stat. ch. 118A § 118A.520 protects tenants in Nevada by making it illegal for a landlord to hold or claim a lien on household goods as leverage for unpaid rent, except through formal court proceedings. If a landlord retains personal property in violation of this section, the tenant may be entitled to damages as outlined in NRS 118A.390. Tenants who believe their property has been wrongfully withheld may consider contacting a local tenant-rights organization, filing a complaint with a relevant housing authority, or raising the violation as a defense or claim in a civil proceeding.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 22, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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