Impact By State

Nevada

Overview Legal Landscape Approaches News

Overview

Like many other parts of the country, Nevada’s growth has resulted in significant housing affordability challenges. Combatting housing affordability issues in the state will require effective solutions that address the needs of all Nevada residents.

Nevada has seen a sharp population increase, with 15% growth since 2010.

432,300 Nevadans call an apartment home, with demand on the rise.

79% of low-income renters spend more than half of their income on housing.

Between now and 2030, Nevada will need to build 7,000 new apartment homes each year to keep up with demand.

Legal Landscape

The state of Nevada follows the Dillon rule and has neither rent control nor preemption. The Dillon rule “creates a framework where local governments can only legislate what the state government has decreed… If local governments wish to exercise authority outside what has been delegated, they may approach the state and make their case.”

And while Nevada does not have specific language implementing or prohibiting rent control, their constitutional structure could allow municipalities the opportunity to implement rent control if they should make the case for it.

Therefore, it is imperative that preemption be introduced and passed to protect citizens from the ramifications of rent control.

ESTABLISH PREEMPTION

Rent control is an outdated concept. It benefits the very few—and not necessarily those in greatest need—at the expense of the larger society.

REJECT PRICE CONTROLS

It is important for lawmakers to pursue alternatives such as voucher-based rental assistance for those in greater need to better address housing affordability.

Alternative Approaches

Many states have adopted programs and initiatives to tackle the affordability crisis. In Nevada, policymakers and the housing industry have made concerted efforts to address the problem. Examples include:

Nevada Low-Income Housing Trust Fund

The Account for Low-Income Housing (Trust Fund) is a state-funded program for affordable housing. Funds are allocated by formula to participating jurisdictions (state and local governments) to expand and improve the supply of rental housing through new construction and rehabilitation of multifamily projects.

Clark County Rental Assistance Program

The Clark County Financial Assistance for rental is available for eligible indigent members of the community.

Welfare Set-Aside Program

The Nevada Housing Division allocates 15% of funds received for the Account for Low-Income Housing (Trust Funds) to City/County Social Services for families endangered of becoming homeless or are homeless, and are in need of assistance with utilities, security deposits, rental assistance or mortgage payment assistance.

Latest News

Nevada News

Las Vegas Review-Journal Editorial: “Democrats Need New Tune on Affordable Housing”

The Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial board urged lawmakers to resist the temptation to impose rent control and instead focus on removing the zoning and regulatory barriers that make it more costly and difficult to address housing shortages. On rent control, the editorial board noted, “After St. Paul, Minnesota, voters approved a rent control law in […]

January 2, 2024

Nevada Article

Opinion: Who’s Looking Out For Struggling Property Owners?

Sarah Savko, a mom-and-pop property owner in Henderson, details how the eviction moratorium has caused her financial hardship.

March 12, 2021

Nevada Article

Editorial: The Predictable Consequences of Rent Control

The Las Vegas Review-Journal editorial board cites the negative impacts of rent control in urging Nevada lawmakers to avoid the flawed policy.

November 15, 2019

Nevada Article

County Commissioners Back Affordable Housing Initiatives

KXNT’s Mitch Kelly reports on efforts in Clarke County to incentivize the construction of new affordable housing.

October 16, 2019

Nevada Article

Housing Crisis: Reno Mayor Schieve Unveils Plan To Incentivize 1,000 New Homes In 120 Days

Jason Hidalgo with the Reno Gazette Journal reports on Reno’s plan to build 1,000 homes in 120 days.

September 18, 2019

Nevada News

Editorial: Imagine that: Rents fall when more housing gets built

The Las Vegas Review-Journal Editorial Board outlines why policymakers should be looking to Sydney — not California — for solutions to Nevada’s housing crisis.

July 16, 2019

Nevada Article

Editorial: Dismantling Barriers That Discourage Housing Construction

The Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Editorial Board responded to an executive order establishing the White House Council on Eliminating Barriers to Affordable Housing Development. While much of the article focuses on the creation of the Council, the editorial board got to the root of our country’s housing affordability problem:

June 28, 2019

Nevada News