Failure of landlord to comply with rental agreement or maintain dwelling unit in habitable condition where cost of compliance less than specified amount.
1. If the landlord fails to comply with the rental agreement or his obligation to maintain the dwelling unit in a habitable condition as required by this chapter, and the reasonable cost of compliance or repair is less than $100 or an amount equal to one month’s periodic rent, whichever amount is greater, the tenant may recover damages for the breach or notify the landlord of the tenant’s intention to correct the condition at the landlord’s expense. If the landlord fails to use his best efforts to comply within 14 days after being notified by the tenant in writing or more promptly if conditions require in case of emergency, the tenant may cause the work to be done in a workmanlike manner and after submitting to the landlord an itemized statement, the tenant may deduct from his rent the actual and reasonable cost or the fair or reasonable value of the work, not exceeding the amount specified in this subsection.
2. The landlord may specify in the rental agreement or otherwise that work done under this section and NRS 118A.380 must be performed by a named person or firm or class of persons or firms qualified to do the work and the tenant must comply with the specifications. If the person qualified to do the work is unavailable or unable to perform the repairs the tenant shall use another qualified repairman.
3. A tenant may not repair at the landlord’s expense if the condition was caused by the deliberate or negligent act or omission of the tenant, a member of his household or other person on the premises with his consent.
4. The landlord’s liability under this section is limited to $100 or an amount equal to one month’s periodic rent, whichever amount is greater, within any 12-month period.
5. A tenant may not proceed under this section unless he has given notice to the landlord that the dwelling is not in a habitable condition as required by this chapter.
Last modified: February 27, 2006