Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Tenant in Las Vegas When Dealing with Mold and Water Damage
At ACW Decon, we are deeply committed to the safety and well-being of our clients and staff. Founded in 1996, Mold Eliminators has been dedicated to solving mold and moisture problems in both residential and commercial properties. Over the years, we have helped numerous families renting homes or condos understand their rights and responsibilities when dealing with mold or water damage in Las Vegas.
Your Rights as a Tenant
When renting a property, it’s crucial to be aware of your rights, especially when it comes to habitability issues like mold contamination or water damage. In Nevada, the Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 118A outlines the rights and obligations of both landlords and tenants to ensure that properties are maintained in a habitable condition.
According to NRS 118A.290, landlords are required to maintain the dwelling unit in a habitable condition throughout the tenancy. This includes:
- Effective Waterproofing and Weather Protection: Ensuring the roof and exterior walls, including windows and doors, are waterproof and weather-protected.
- Functional Plumbing Facilities: Maintaining plumbing facilities in good working order.
- Approved Water Supply: Providing hot and cold running water connected to an approved sewage disposal system.
- Adequate Heating Facilities: Keeping heating facilities in good working order.
- Safe Electrical Systems: Ensuring all electrical lighting, outlets, wiring, and equipment are safe and functional.
- Proper Garbage Disposal: Arranging for the removal of garbage and rubbish from the premises.
- Clean and Sanitary Premises: Maintaining the building, grounds, and all areas under the landlord’s control in a clean and sanitary condition.
- Maintained Structural Elements: Keeping floors, walls, ceilings, stairways, and railings in good repair.
- Functional Ventilating and Air-Conditioning: Ensuring these systems are maintained in good working order.
If your landlord fails to maintain these standards, you have the right to notify them in writing of the issues and request remediation. If the landlord does not address the problems within 14 days, you may be entitled to terminate the rental agreement, recover damages, or withhold rent until the issues are resolved.
Responsibilities of the Tenant
As a tenant, you also have certain obligations under NRS 118A.310 to maintain the premises in a clean and safe condition. Your responsibilities include:
- Complying with the terms of the rental agreement.
- Keeping the premises clean and safe.
- Disposing of waste properly.
- Maintaining plumbing fixtures in a clean condition.
- Using electrical, plumbing, and other facilities reasonably.
- Not causing deliberate or negligent damage to the property.
- Conducting yourself in a manner that does not disturb neighbors.
Understanding and fulfilling these obligations helps ensure a healthy and safe living environment for you and your neighbors.
Taking Action Against Uninhabitable Conditions
If your landlord fails to maintain the property in a habitable condition and the cost of necessary repairs is less than $100 or an amount equal to one month’s rent, you may have the right to make the repairs yourself and deduct the cost from your rent. This is outlined in NRS 118A.360. However, you must notify your landlord in writing and give them an opportunity to make the repairs first.
Why Choose ACW Decon?
At ACW Decon, we understand the complexities and stress that mold and water damage can bring. We are here to provide professional, efficient, and compassionate remediation services to ensure your living environment is safe and healthy. Our team of experts is trained to handle even the most challenging mold and moisture problems, providing peace of mind for both tenants and property owners.
For more information on your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, or to learn more about our mold removal and remediation services, visit our website or contact us directly. Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities.
Remember, with ACW Decon, people and property matter. Let us help you maintain a safe and healthy home in Las Vegas.