A wave of renter- and tenant-oriented bills is currently under review in the Nevada Legislature, aiming to tackle issues such as “resort-style fees,” price fixing, and more. With renters comprising about 41 percent of households in Nevada, the proposed legislation follows a previous unsuccessful attempt in 2023, when Republican Governor Joe Lombardo vetoed similar bills at the end of the session.
Democrats and tenant advocates are optimistic about the potential for reform this session, emphasizing a shared goal of reducing costs for Nevadans. The key focus areas of the proposed bills include addressing the contentious ‘resort-style fees’ and enhancing habitability in rental properties.
Addressing ‘Resort-Style Fees’
Assembly Bill 121, sponsored by Assembly member Venicia Considine, D-Las Vegas, is at the forefront of the legislative agenda. This bill seeks to revolutionize how housing costs are presented to tenants by requiring leases to list rent and other fixed costs as a single figure, eliminating hidden fees and promoting transparency. Considine underscores the importance of this change in aiding individuals living paycheck to paycheck to plan their budgets effectively.
While the bill has faced opposition in the past, with concerns raised about potential repercussions, supporters advocate for increased transparency in rent and fees. However, the Nevada State Apartment Association opposes the bill, citing challenges for smaller landlords in navigating the complex lease requirements.
Considine has also introduced Assembly Bill 223, which aims to improve habitability standards in rental properties, though it has yet to undergo a hearing.
Attorney General’s Perspective
Another critical measure, Assembly Bill 44, spearheaded by Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford, focuses on consumer protection by prohibiting price fixing for essential goods and services, including rent. This bill aims to curb fraudulent practices that artificially inflate prices, ensuring fairness in the market. Proposed amendments to the bill will further refine its language and specify criteria for determining natural market prices.
Chief Deputy Attorney General Mark Krueger highlights the importance of maintaining a fair market approach to pricing essential items, emphasizing the need for transparency and ethical conduct in setting costs for consumers. The bill is set to undergo a hearing in the Assembly Commerce and Labor Committee in the coming weeks.
Potential Hurdles and Future Prospects
Despite the ambitious legislative agenda, housing advocates acknowledge the challenges ahead, particularly in light of Governor Lombardo’s previous vetoes. Moving forward, the Nevada Housing Justice Alliance aims to advocate for reforms such as summary eviction reform and rent stabilization, though these topics have yet to be formally introduced.
Ben Iness, coalition coordinator of the Nevada Housing Justice Alliance, remains hopeful about the evolving discourse around housing affordability in the state, citing Governor Lombardo’s recent emphasis on ‘housing attainability’ in his policy agenda. While the exact impact of the governor’s proposals on tenants and landlords remains uncertain, ongoing communication between advocacy groups and the administration signals a commitment to addressing housing challenges comprehensively.
As the legislative session progresses, stakeholders on all sides of the debate are working towards substantive reforms that balance the needs of tenants and landlords, striving for a more equitable and transparent rental market. Stay tuned for updates on the evolving conversation around renters’ rights in Nevada.
Contact McKenna Ross at mross@reviewjournal.com. Follow @mckenna_ross_ on X.
