Owning a rental property isn’t just about rent checks and maintenance. Sometimes, landlords are put in tough situations where eviction becomes the only option, and it’s never an easy process.
We understand that, as a landlord, you don’t want to remove someone from their home. But sometimes, eviction becomes necessary if the rent goes unpaid, lease terms are ignored, or communication completely breaks down. Still, one wrong step in the eviction process can cost you time, money, and legal trouble.
So how do you handle eviction notices the right way, without violating tenant lockout rights or risking a lawsuit?
Don’t worry! This blog walks you through the eviction process in detail, so you can stay in compliance with the Nevada law, protect your property, and get faster results.
Why Proper Eviction Is Important for Landlords in Las Vegas
Handling eviction notices correctly is your shield against lawsuits, delays, and fines. Nevada law bans self-help evictions, meaning landlords cannot take matters into their own hands.
A landlord is not allowed to do a few things, even if the tenant is violating the agreement.
Change or block the tenant’s locks without a court order.
Shut off essential services, like electricity, gas, water, heat, or air conditioning.
Remove or disable essential items such as door locks or access points.
Harass, intimidate, or make living conditions unbearable to force a tenant out.
Take possession of the rented property unless the tenant has legally moved out or a court-approved eviction is in place.
In Nevada, tenant lockout rights are strictly protected. If a landlord performs any of the actions listed above without a court-approved eviction in place, the tenant has the right to file a complaint with the Justice Court. This can slow down or stop the eviction altogether.
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Legal Eviction Guide for Landlords in Las Vegas
1. Make Sure You Have Legal Grounds For Eviction
Before you serve any eviction, pause and ask yourself - “Do I legally have the right to evict this tenant?”
In Nevada, landlords can only evict tenants for specific, lawful reasons, like -
Nonpayment of rent
Lease violations (unauthorized occupants, pets, damage, illegal activity)
Expired lease or holdover tenancy
Health or safety concerns
Personal disagreements or frustration are not valid legal reasons. If you’re unsure, getting guidance from a professional who handles evictions regularly can save you time and frustration.
2. Choose the Correct Eviction Notice
Eviction notices are of various types, and each one serves a different purpose. Serving the wrong notice in Nevada is the most common mistake that landlords often make.
| Type of Eviction Notice | When It’s Used | What It Means for the Tenant | Typical Notice Period in Nevada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay or Quit Notice | When rent is unpaid | Tenant must pay the full amount owed or move out | 7 days to pay rent or vacate |
| Cure or Quit Notice | When the tenant violates the lease terms | Tenant is given time to fix the violation or leave | 5 days to correct the issue or move out |
| Unconditional Quit Notice | For serious or repeat violations | Tenant must leave without a chance to fix the issue | 5 days to vacate |
| No-Cause / End-of-Lease Notice | When a lease ends or for month-to-month tenancies | Tenant is informed that the tenancy is ending | 30 days (may vary based on tenancy type and length) |
Note - Notice periods can change based on the situation, lease terms, and local court rules. Using the wrong notice or timeline, even by one day, can delay or dismiss an eviction case. When in doubt, contact a professional eviction team that can help in handling the eviction process correctly from the start.
3. Serve the Eviction Notice Properly
Serving the notice is not just about handing over a piece of paper by any random person. Nevada law requires eviction notices to be delivered in specific ways.
The landlord can personally serve the notice to the tenant.
Sometimes, any attorney agent can also serve the notice.
Mailing or posting the notice isn’t allowed.
Hiring a professional eviction service in Las Vegas also helps in the serving process.
4. File an Eviction Case With the Court
If the tenant ignores the notice, the next step is to file an eviction case.
File the proper paperwork with the Justice Court.
Pay filing fees.
Make sure the tenant receives court documents.
5. Attend the Hearing
If the tenant doesn’t answer by the deadline, you get the default judgment fast.
If the tenant answers, hearings are scheduled, and you may need to present the evidence, like the lease agreement, payment records, photos of damage, a copy of the eviction notice, and other related documents.
That’s where a reputable eviction service in Las Vegas can help. They know the whole process and also guide you about gathering the required documents before the court hearing.
6. Obtain the Order For Removal
If the court rules in your favor, it will issue an Order for Removal.
This order confirms that the tenant’s presence is now unlawful and authorizes law enforcement to act.
However, you still can’t enforce the order yourself. The order must be delivered to the Constable's office. Only a Constable has the legal authority to remove a tenant and oversee the lockout physically.
7. The Lockout
Once the Constable gives an order, the tenant is legally removed, the locks are changed, and the landlord gets possession.
What happens to a tenant’s belongings after eviction?
During the first 5 days after eviction, you must give the tenant a reasonable opportunity to collect essential personal items.
You can notify the tenant in writing. Once that notice is sent, you must wait another 14 days before disposing of or selling the property.
Nevada law requires landlords to store a former tenant’s personal property safely for 30 days after eviction or abandonment and give the tenant a chance to retrieve their items.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The tenant offered partial rent. Should I take it?
Be careful! In many cases, accepting a partial payment can cancel your eviction notice. If you accept $200 of a $1,200 balance, a judge may rule that you have reached a new agreement and stop the eviction. Therefore, always consult with a professional eviction service or your attorney before accepting money once the eviction process has started.
Can I evict a tenant without going to court in Nevada?
No. If a tenant does not move out on their own after receiving a proper eviction notice, court involvement is required. A landlord can't evict the tenant on their own.
In Nevada, only the court can authorize an eviction, and only a constable or sheriff can legally remove a tenant. Landlords are not allowed to force a tenant out themselves, even if rent hasn’t been paid or the lease has been violated.
How long does an eviction take in Las Vegas?
The eviction process timeline may vary depending on your case. Some evictions are resolved within a few weeks if the tenant doesn’t contest the notice. However, if the tenant challenges the eviction or court schedules are backed up, the process can take longer.
Working with an experienced eviction service in Las Vegas helps prevent mistakes and keeps the eviction process moving without unnecessary delays.
Takeaway
The eviction process can be challenging as it involves laws, timelines, and tenant rights. A small mistake from the landlord's side only delays the process.
But when you follow the correct legal steps and use the right notices, the process becomes much smoother and far less stressful.
All you need is to stay in compliance with the Nevada law and consult a professional eviction service. A properly handled eviction protects your property, your time, and your peace of mind.
Handle Your Eviction the Right Way With the Help of Reno Carson Messenger
If you’re dealing with a difficult tenant and need a reliable Eviction Service in Las Vegas, Reno Carson Messenger can help. We've been providing trusted eviction and lockout support for landlords for over 40 years. Our team knows all the rules and eviction guidelines for both residential and commercial properties in Nevada.
From serving eviction notices and facilitating mutual agreements to filing lockout cases, we handle the entire process safely and in full compliance with Nevada law.
Call us today at 775-322-2424 and start your eviction process with confidence!
