What late fees can a Nevada landlord charge?
By The Property Management Firm · Last updated
A Nevada landlord may charge a reasonable late fee for late rent if the rental agreement allows it, but NRS 118A.210(4) sets hard limits. For a tenancy longer than week-to-week, no late fee may be charged or imposed until at least 3 calendar days after rent is due. The fee may not exceed 5 percent of the periodic rent, and the maximum may not be increased based on a late fee previously imposed. This is general information, not legal advice.
Sources: NRS 118A.210, NRS 118A.200, Nevada SB 151, Nevada AB 308, Nevada AB 121
What does NRS 118A.210(4) require?
NRS 118A.210 allows a landlord to charge a reasonable late fee for late payment of rent as set forth in the rental agreement, but it then sets limits. In a tenancy that is longer than week to week, no late fee may be charged or imposed until at least 3 calendar days after the date that rent is due. Such a late fee must not exceed 5 percent of the amount of the periodic rent. The maximum amount of the late fee must not be increased based upon a late fee that was previously imposed.
This page does not invent a week-to-week late-fee schedule beyond what the statute says. People sometimes call the wait a "grace period." The statute's own words are "at least 3 calendar days after the date that rent is due," and only for a tenancy longer than week to week. For the related notice rules, see the live AB 308 article.
Does the lease still have to authorize the fee?
Yes. The statute allows a reasonable late fee "as set forth in the rental agreement." A statutory cap is not a substitute for lease language. If the agreement is silent, do not assume a late fee can be added after the fact. The amount in the lease still has to stay within the statute, including the 5 percent cap and the rule against increasing the maximum based on a prior late fee.
How do late fees relate to all-in rent disclosure and portal fees?
Late fees and the one-figure rent disclosure are related but not the same topic. Nevada's rules on disclosing periodic rent as one figure are in NRS 118A.200. Our AB 121 all-in rent article covers that disclosure. On homes we manage, residents pay no portal fees, and rent is one all-in figure. A late fee, if the lease allows one within NRS 118A.210, is a charge for late payment. It is not a portal fee, and this page is not a portal-fee article.
How do late fees relate to nonpayment notices and eviction timing?
A late fee and a nonpayment notice are different tools. The 3-calendar-day wait in NRS 118A.210(4) is a late-fee rule. It is not the same as the judicial-day counts that apply to eviction notices and court process. Do not treat the late-fee calendar days as an eviction clock, and do not treat an eviction notice period as permission to charge a late fee earlier than the statute allows. For late-fee history and related notice rules, read our live SB 151 and AB 308 articles. Those pages, and official Justice Court or Constable materials, are the place for notice and eviction process. This page stays at a high level on eviction.
What should owners put in writing before advertising the home?
Put any late fee in the rental agreement, in an amount that stays inside NRS 118A.210. Keep rent disclosed as one figure where NRS 118A.200 requires it. Do not advertise a late-fee practice that starts sooner than the statute allows or that stacks a higher maximum because of a prior late fee. If a manager will collect rent, the management agreement should say how late rent and any lawful late fee will be handled and reported. We put fee details in writing at a consultation.
Where can I read the official statute?
Read NRS 118A.210 and NRS 118A.200 on the Nevada Legislature site. For related owner-resource explainers, use our live SB 151, AB 308, and AB 121 pages, plus our FAQ and services pages. The Civil Law Self-Help Center is a secondary resource for court and notice topics.
How we handle this at The Property Management Firm
We manage primarily long-term residential rentals — single-family homes, condominiums, and townhomes — in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and Henderson. We do not manage large apartment complexes or commercial property. Residents pay no portal fees, and rent is one all-in figure. Any late-fee language belongs in the lease, within Nevada law.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon can a Nevada landlord charge a late fee?
For a tenancy longer than week-to-week, NRS 118A.210(4) says no late fee may be charged or imposed until at least 3 calendar days after the date rent is due, and only if the rental agreement allows a late fee.
Is there a cap on the late fee?
Yes. The late fee must not exceed 5 percent of the amount of the periodic rent.
Can a landlord raise the maximum late fee because a prior late fee was charged?
No. NRS 118A.210(4) says the maximum amount of the late fee must not be increased based upon a late fee that was previously imposed.
Does rent still have to be disclosed as one figure?
Nevada's one-figure rent disclosure rules are in NRS 118A.200. Read our AB 121 owner-resources page for that topic.
Does this page explain eviction for nonpayment?
Only at a high level. Nonpayment notices and court process are separate. See our SB 151 owner-resources page and the official Justice Court and Constable materials.
Does this page give legal advice?
No. Talk with a Nevada attorney about your lease and facts.
Related Reading
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What Is the Difference Between Leasing-Only and Full-Service Property Management in Las Vegas?
Who is responsible for HOA violations on a Las Vegas rental?
How do I apply for a rental home in Las Vegas with The Property Management Firm?
About the Author
The Property Management Firm is a Nevada-licensed brokerage that manages long-term residential rentals in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Henderson. Meet the brokers.
This is general information, not legal advice. Statutes change, and your lease, management agreement, or HOA documents may add requirements. Talk with a Nevada attorney about your situation.
The Property Management Firm · NV Broker Lic. B.1003288.CORP
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