Tenant Rights & Help
Facing a Housing Problem?
You have rights as a tenant. Here are common housing problems and resources:
Eviction Notice
If your landlord has given you an eviction notice, you have legal rights and time to respond.
- Nevada law requires proper notice (5 days for non-payment, 30 days for other violations)
- You have the right to be in court with a lawyer
- Many evictions can be stopped or delayed
Do not ignore an eviction notice. Act immediately.
Contact legal aid →Rent Increase
Landlords can raise rent, but there are limits and proper procedures.
- 30-day written notice required for increases
- Some increases may be illegal if done as retaliation
- Collective action: organize with neighbors if many are facing increases
Maintenance Problems
Landlords must maintain habitable living conditions.
- Broken heating, water damage, pest infestations, broken windows are landlord responsibility
- Give written notice (email, text, or letter) of the problem
- If not fixed, you may have legal options
- Do NOT make repairs yourself and deduct from rent without legal advice
Pro tip: Organize with other tenants having same issue. Collective pressure works.
Landlord Harassment
Landlords cannot threaten, harass, or discriminate against you for exercising your rights.
- Retaliation for complaining about maintenance is illegal
- Discrimination based on race, religion, disability, family status is illegal
- Unauthorized entry into your unit is illegal
- Document all instances (photos, videos, written records)
Free Legal Help
Northern Nevada Legal Services
Free legal aid for low-income tenants
Phone: (775) 329-5699 | Website: www.nv-legal.org
Reno-Sparks Tenants Union
We connect tenants with legal help and support
Email: renotenantsunion@gmail.com
What to Do Right Now
- Document everything: Take photos, keep written records, save emails and texts
- Get legal help: Contact legal services (free for low-income)
- Know your rights: Read tenant rights documents (available below)
- Connect with neighbors: You're not alone. Others likely have the same problem
- Contact RSTU: We can help organize your building for collective action