Nevada Eviction Process and Timeline

Nevada Law has two eviction processes to evict a tenant: “summary”  eviction and “formal” eviction process. 

The “summary” process is much faster and can be used for most evictions except:

  • When the eviction follows a foreclosure process.
  • For the eviction of commercial tenants.
  • For the eviction of tenants renting a lot in a mobile home park

The “summary” eviction process is quick but it doesn’t allow the landlord to get money judgment as part of the eviction lawsuit. The landlord can still pursue money judgment with a separate lawsuit.

Summary Eviction Process

Step 1: Serve the Appropriate Notice or Notices. 

Step 2: File a complaint with the justice court.

Step 3: Attend a hearing if the tenant has filed an answer.

Step 4: Constable posts the eviction order on the door within 24 hours of receiving an order from the court.

Step1: Serve the appropriate notice or notices.

For nonpayment of rent the tenant(s) should be served a 7-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit Notice. The tenant has the right to file an answer with the justice court by the end of the 7th Day.

For lease violations, two notices are required:

  1. Five-Day Notice to Perform Lease Condition or Quit
  2. Five-Day Notice to Quit for Unlawful Detainer 

The second notice is served if the tenant doesn’t cure the lease violation within five days after the first notice is served.

NOTE: Notices should be delivered (served)  by a licensed process server, constable, sheriff, or an agent of an attorney licensed in Nevada. 

Step 2: File a complaint with the justice court.

Filing can be done online, check your justice court website for additional instructions.

Here is an article on how to file without a lawyer.

Step 3: Attend a hearing if the tenant has filed an answer.

If the tenant has filed an answer within the 7 days allowed, a hearing will be scheduled

Here is an article from the Civil Law self-Help Center on what to expect at the eviction hearing.

Step 4: Constable posts the eviction order on the door within 24 hours of receiving an order from the court.

By law, the constable has to post a notice on the front door within 24 hours of receiving the court order. 

How long does it take to evict a tenant?

If the tenant doesn’t file an answer, from the time of filing the Landlord Complaint to the Eviction Order, it can take as little as 2-4 days. If the tenant submits an answer, the summary eviction can last 15-30 days and in some cases longer.

How much does it cost to evict a tenant?

  • Notice delivery, service costs from $69 to $99.
  • Filing fees are from $98 to $300, depending on who is filing the lawsuit.
  • Constable fee $95

In addition to these fees, the landlord may have to pay for a locksmith and storage fees.

If the landlord is represented by an attorney and the tenant files an answer, there will be additional attorney fees for the hearing.

What to do with the tenant’s personal property after the eviction?

If the tenant leaves personal property behind after the eviction. After the locks have been changed if the tenant still has personal items in the property, the landlord must allow access for the tenant to get essential items like medication, baby formula, basic clothing, and personal care items. The rest of the personal items have to be safely stored for 30 days. The landlord has to notify the tenant in writing that their personal belongings will be disposed of or sold to cover the landlord’s expenses. 

NRS 118A.460 Procedure for disposal of personal property abandoned or left on premises

Formal Eviction Process

The formal eviction process is required for certain properties like commercial and lots in mobile parks or for evictions following foreclosure.

Here are the steps in the Formal Eviction Process:

  1. Serve the appropriate notice.
  2. File a Complaint for Unlawful Detainer in the Justice Court.
  3. The Clerk issues a Summons.
  4. File An Application For A “Show Cause” Hearing
  5. Serve The Summons, Complaint, Application, And Order On The Tenant.
  6. Attend the Hearing.
  7. Prepare The Order, Temporary Writ, And Notice Of Security.
  8. Post The Security And Submit Your Order And Writ For Signature.
  9. Post The Security And Submit Your Order And Writ For Signature.

The formal eviction process takes longer and it’s more complicated. It’s advisable to get an attorney to represent you if you have to do a formal eviction. If you are a corporate entity or LLC, you have to be represented by an attorney in a formal eviction process. 

Additional Resources:

Clark County Recorder

Henderson Constable

Las Vegas Constable

Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada

Manufactured Housing Division – Nevada Department of Business and Industry

Nevada Equal Rights Commission

Nevada Legal Services

North Las Vegas Constable

Real Estate Division – Nevada Department of Business and Industry

Silver State Fair Housing Council

Southern Nevada Senior Law Program

State Bar of Nevada Lawyer Referral Service