“It Was Hotter Inside Than Outside”: When Your Rental Becomes Unlivable

Maria, a single mother living in a North Las Vegas apartment, came home from work in July to find her AC unit had failed—again. The outside temperature? 113°F. Inside? Even worse.

Her landlord had promised a repair “next week,” but this was the third time the unit had failed that summer. She’d also been dealing with a sewer backup in the guest bathroom, a leaky ceiling that had stained her child’s bedroom wall, and now—bed bugs.

Like many tenants, Maria didn’t know that Nevada law was on her side.

Nevada’s Habitability Law: What Landlords Must Provide

Under NRS 118A.290, Nevada law requires landlords to maintain the premises in a habitable condition, including:

• Proper working plumbing and sewage systems

• Functioning heating and air conditioning units

• Clean, pest-free conditions (no bed bugs or infestations)

• Safe electrical systems

• Watertight roofs and walls

  
  

This is not optional. Failing to meet these conditions is a violation of Nevada's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

🔹 NRS 118A.290(1): Landlords must “maintain the dwelling unit in a habitable condition” and comply with all applicable building and health codes.

Common Habitability Issues We See in Las Vegas

• Air Conditioning Failure – In 110+ degree heat, this isn’t just inconvenient—it’s dangerous.

• Bed Bug Infestations – Tenants aren’t required to tolerate pest-infested housing.

• Sewage Backups or Mold – These present major health risks and must be addressed immediately.

• Electrical Problems – Faulty wiring can be a fire hazard and should never be ignored.

• Roof Leaks – Especially during monsoon season, can lead to interior damage and mold.

What Should Tenants Do?

If you’re facing any of these issues, here’s how to protect your rights:

1. Notify Your Landlord in WritingAlways report issues in writing (email or certified mail). Under NRS 118A.355, landlords typically have 14 days to make repairs unless it's an emergency, which requires a faster response.

2. Document EverythingTake pictures, keep repair logs, record conversations or ignored requests. Evidence is key.

3. File a ComplaintYou can also contact the Southern Nevada Health District or Clark County Code Enforcement to initiate an inspection.

4. Know Your RemediesIf repairs aren't made, NRS 118A.360 allows you to:

   • Withhold rent (with conditions)

   • Make the repair and deduct reasonable costs

   • Terminate the lease and sue for damages

What Can Assured Law Do For You?

When landlords don’t take action, Assured Law steps in.

We’ve helped countless Las Vegas tenants:

• Recover compensation for uninhabitable conditions

• Terminate leases without penalty

• Sue for damages, including:

  • Rent refunds

  • Hotel costs

  • Medical expenses (e.g., heat stroke or bug bites)

  • Emotional distress

  • Punitive damages in severe cases

A Real Difference

Maria contacted Assured Law. Within weeks, her case was settled—she received enough compensation to move into a safer, healthier apartment, and her landlord agreed to a lease termination. She didn’t just regain comfort—she regained dignity.

You Deserve a Safe, Livable Home

You’re not asking for luxury—you’re asking for basic human dignity. If your landlord isn’t listening, we will.

Contact Assured Law today for a free consultation. You have rights. Let us fight to protect them.

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For a personalized evaluation, please consult a Nevada-licensed attorney. Names and people in this blog are fictitious and used for example purposes only.