The Impact of Nevada’s Eviction Moratoriums on Landlords

The COVID-19 pandemic led to significant legal changes for landlords in Nevada, particularly through eviction moratoriums designed to protect tenants from losing their homes. While these policies provided relief for struggling renters, they also placed a heavy burden on landlords who had to navigate the complexities of unpaid rent, legal limitations, and financial uncertainty.

As a Las Vegas landlord lawyer, I understand the challenges property owners and landlords have faced due to Nevada’s eviction moratoriums. In this article, we’ll explore the impact of these policies, the legal complications they introduced, and what landlords can do to protect their rights moving forward.

Understanding Nevada’s Eviction Moratoriums

During the pandemic, federal and state governments enacted temporary eviction bans to prevent mass homelessness. In Nevada, Governor Steve Sisolak implemented multiple eviction moratoriums that limited a landlord’s ability to remove tenants for nonpayment of rent.

Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also imposed a nationwide moratorium that affected Nevada landlords. These policies created a legal gray area, making it difficult for property owners to enforce lease agreements and collect rent.

While these moratoriums have since expired, their effects continue to influence the rental market, landlord-tenant relationships, and legal disputes over unpaid rent.

Challenges Faced by Las Vegas Landlords

1. Financial Strain from Unpaid Rent

One of the biggest struggles for landlords during the moratoriums was the financial burden caused by nonpaying tenants. While tenants received protection from eviction, landlords were still responsible for:

Mortgage payments

Property taxes

Insurance premiums

Maintenance and repairs

Without rent payments, many landlords fell behind on their own financial obligations, leading to foreclosures, credit damage, and significant financial losses. Unlike large corporate property owners, small landlords with only one or two rental properties were particularly vulnerable.

2. Legal Complications and Eviction Delays

Although the eviction moratoriums were intended to be temporary, their extensions caused prolonged legal uncertainty. Landlords who attempted to file eviction cases often faced:

Backlogged courts, delaying legal proceedings for months

Confusion over which moratorium applied at a given time

Tenants claiming hardship protections, even if they had the means to pay rent

Many landlords were caught in legal limbo, unable to remove nonpaying tenants but still incurring ongoing expenses.

3. Difficulty Accessing Rental Assistance Programs

To help landlords recover some of their lost income, Nevada introduced rental assistance programs. However, these programs had their own set of challenges:

Lengthy application processes

Delayed payments

Complicated eligibility requirements

Some landlords found that tenants were uncooperative in applying for assistance, further limiting their ability to recover unpaid rent. Even when payments were approved, they often did not cover the full amount owed.

4. Increased Risk of Property Damage

Some landlords also experienced property neglect or damage from tenants who knew they could not be evicted. With limited recourse, landlords were forced to absorb the costs of repairing damaged units once the moratoriums ended.

5. Long-Term Impact on Lease Agreements

The moratoriums forced landlords to rethink their lease agreements and tenant screening processes. Many landlords have since adapted by:

Requiring higher security deposits

Implementing stricter income verification policies

Shortening lease terms to minimize long-term risk

These changes, while necessary for financial protection, have also made it more difficult for some tenants to secure housing.

What Las Vegas Landlords Can Do Moving Forward

Although eviction moratoriums have expired, their impact lingers. Landlords must now take proactive steps to protect their investments while staying compliant with Nevada’s landlord-tenant laws. Here’s what you can do:

1. Work with a Las Vegas Landlord Lawyer

If you’re dealing with unpaid rent or eviction-related legal issues, consulting a Las Vegas landlord lawyer is crucial. An attorney can help you:

Understand your rights under Nevada law

File eviction notices properly to avoid legal setbacks

Recover unpaid rent through legal channels

Draft stronger lease agreements to minimize future risks

2. Stay Updated on Rental Laws

The pandemic has shown how quickly rental laws can change. Keeping up with state and federal regulations ensures that landlords don’t accidentally violate new tenant protections or fair housing laws.

3. Strengthen Lease Agreements

Updating your lease agreements can provide additional protection. Consider including clauses that address:

Clear payment deadlines and late fees

Legal consequences of nonpayment

Conditions for lease termination due to property damage

A well-drafted lease can help prevent future disputes and ensure that both landlords and tenants understand their obligations.

4. Screen Tenants More Thoroughly

Tighter screening processes can help landlords select tenants with a reliable payment history. Best practices include:

Running credit and background checks

Verifying employment and income stability

Checking prior rental history and landlord references

5. Explore Rental Assistance Options

While the pandemic-era rental assistance programs have ended, new initiatives may become available in the future. Staying informed about financial relief programs can help landlords recover losses if similar policies arise again.

Conclusion

Nevada’s eviction moratoriums provided temporary relief for tenants during a crisis, but they also placed heavy burdens on landlords. Financial losses, legal complications, and eviction backlogs have forced many property owners to reevaluate their rental strategies.

If you are a landlord facing unpaid rent, eviction disputes, or lease-related legal issues, working with an experienced Las Vegas landlord lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of Nevada’s rental laws. Contact our office today to learn how you can protect your rental property and secure your financial future.