Are you a property owner or a landlord in Reno, Nevada, and your tenant has stopped paying rent?
We completely understand your situation. Many landlords in Reno often have to deal with such difficult tenants. For those who completely rely on rental income to pay the mortgage, bills, or repairs, even one missed rent payment can mess up all finances.
We know that several ideas might be surfacing in your mind right now -
Should I change the locks?
Send daily reminders?
Start the eviction process right away?
But you need to pause and take a step back because changing locks and getting your tenant evicted immediately is not legal and can put you in a serious problem.
Therefore, we’re here to explain everything from non-paying tenant advice to tenant lockout rights. This will protect your rights as a landlord and your property while staying compliant with Nevada’s laws.
What’s the Right Thing to Do If Your Tenant Stops Paying Rent?
Before we break down the steps for you to follow, here's an important reminder -
Note - You cannot legally lock out the tenant or shut off utilities, even if they’ve stopped paying rent. That could land you in legal trouble.
1. Confirm the Missed Payment
It’s not always necessary that your tenant has stopped paying the rent. Sometimes, payment might be delayed due to a banking error or simply be lost in transit. Therefore, you must confirm it before making any decision by -
Reviewing your records
Checking your bank or payment app
Sending a polite, written reminder to your tenant
However, any communication with your tenant should be professional and documented via email or certified mail.
2. Talk to the Tenant
We know you’re frustrated and need a legal solution. But before you jump into any legal action, it’s better to talk at least once to your tenant to understand their point of view. What if they are facing any job loss, medical emergencies, or family issues?
Reach out to them personally (phone call, email, or visit) and ask -
Is everything okay?
Do you need a payment plan?
Can we work out a temporary arrangement?
This can fix the problem quickly and show the court you tried to handle things fairly.
3. Review the Lease Agreement
To clear all your doubts, you should also consider the lease agreement. Maybe you’re missing an important point. It’ll help you recall all the conditions on which you and your tenant agreed while entering the agreement. Look closely at -
Due dates - Check when the rent was actually due; maybe your tenant just forgot or misunderstood the date.
Grace periods - Many leases include a grace period of around 3 to 5 days after the rent due date. That means the tenant isn’t officially late until that window passes. So, before assuming they’ve defaulted, check if your lease allows a short delay without penalty. This helps avoid misunderstandings and keeps things fair.
Late fee structures - Check if you’ve suggested a late fee clause. If yes, what’s the late fee amount? This helps set clear consequences for delays.
Default or eviction clauses - Also, check the default or eviction clauses. It explains what happens if rent isn’t paid. Knowing this helps you take the next step legally.
4. Serve a 7-Day Notice to Pay or Quit
If payment still hasn’t arrived, it’s time to serve formal notice. In Nevada, landlords must serve a 7-day Notice to their tenant to pay rent or quit before filing for eviction. This gives the tenant seven judicial days, which don’t include weekends or court holidays, to either:
Pay the full rent they owe, or
Move out of the property.
If the tenant doesn't respond, you can proceed with the eviction process and secure your rights as a landlord.
Tip - Use a licensed process server or legal service to deliver the notice properly and avoid legal delays.
5. File for Eviction
If there’s no rent or communication from the tenant's part, it’s time to start the formal eviction process.
File an eviction case with the local court - This officially starts the legal action and lets the court know your tenant didn’t respond to the 7-day notice.
Prepare your documents - You need to bring all proof, like the lease agreement, rent records, communication attempts, and a copy of the notice served.
Attend a hearing (if required) - If the tenant files an answer or contest, the court will hold a hearing. Be ready to present your side calmly and clearly.
Get a court order - If everything checks out, the court will issue an eviction order, and a constable will be authorized to remove the tenant.
Tip - You should contact a professional Eviction Services in Las Vegas to take care of all filings, notices, and court steps, so you don’t have to stress.
Talk to Our Eviction Expert Now
What’s Illegal For a Landlord to Do In Case of a Missed Rent Payment?
It’s obvious to make common mistakes when emotions run high, and you’re upset because of the non-payment of rent. Here’s what you cannot legally do in Nevada -
Change the locks
Turn off the water or electricity
Remove the tenant’s belongings
Harass or threaten the tenant
All these activities are illegal. These are called “self-help evictions,” and they can get you into serious trouble. You could face big fines or even a lawsuit from the tenant.
So even if you’re frustrated, it’s always safer to follow the legal process. It protects you, your property, and your reputation in the long run.
How to Protect Yourself From Problem Tenants in the Future?
If you’ve dealt with a non-paying tenant once, you never want to repeat the experience. Here are a few simple ways to safeguard your rental in the future -
Strong Tenant Screening - Background checks, credit reports, and rental history matter. Look for red flags like frequent job changes, evictions, or poor communication.
Use Clear, Legal Lease Agreements - Always have your leases reviewed by a property management or legal expert.
Collect a Sufficient Security Deposit - In Nevada, landlords can collect up to three months’ rent as a security deposit. This can provide a safety cushion if rent is unpaid.
Offer Online Payments - Rent collection tools like AppFolio, Buildium, or even Venmo help you get paid faster, send automatic reminders, and keep clear payment records. They reduce stress and make rent collection easy and professional.
Hire an Eviction Service in Las Vegas - If you have more than one non-paying tenant, working with an eviction expert can help you save time, avoid extra costs, and take the stress off your shoulders.
Takeaway
Dealing with unpaid rent is never easy, but it’s important to stay calm and avoid any illegal actions. The smartest move is to connect with a trusted eviction service in Las Vegas, which can guide you through every step and help protect you from legal trouble.
Dealing With a Non-Paying Tenant? Reno Carson Messenger Is Here to Protect You
Reno Carson Messenger is the #1 process serving company in Reno, Nevada, with over 40 years of experience. Our team of legal experts provides landlords with full support. We take care of everything from notices to court proceedings.
So, if you’re upset because of non-paying tenants and looking for a trusted eviction service in Las Vegas, don’t worry. We’ll guide you through the right steps and handle everything for you.
Call us at 775-322-2424 or fill out the form here to get the legal protection you need.
