In general, existing law authorizes a landlord who seeks to recover possession of a premises from a tenant to do so by filing an unlawful detainer action or an action for summary eviction. (NRS 40.253, 40.254, 40.2542, 40.290-40.420) Existing law prescribes separate summary eviction procedures for the summary eviction of: (1) certain tenants who are not tenants of a commercial premises and who default in the payment of rent; (2) certain tenants who are guilty of unlawful detainer for reasons other than a default in the payment of rent; and (3) certain tenants of a commercial premises who default in the payment of rent. (NRS 40.253, 40.254, 40.2542) In general, the summary eviction procedures prescribed by existing law require a landlord to provide certain written notice to a tenant: (1) informing the tenant that he or she must take certain action or surrender the premises on or before a date specified in the notice; and (2) advising the tenant of his or her right to contest the matter by filing an affidavit with the court that has jurisdiction over the matter. In so doing, the summary eviction procedures prescribed by existing law require a tenant who contests a summary eviction to file an affidavit in court concerning an action for summary eviction before a landlord is required to make any filing concerning the matter. If such an affidavit is filed, a hearing is held. If no such affidavit is filed, upon noncompliance of a tenant with the written notice, existing law authorizes: (1) the landlord to apply by affidavit of complaint for the summary eviction of the tenant; and (2) the court, without holding a hearing, to order the removal of the tenant within a prescribed period. (NRS 40.253, 40.254, 40.2542) Section 22 of this bill repeals the summary eviction procedures prescribed by existing law for the summary eviction of: (1) certain tenants who are not tenants of a commercial premises and who default in the payment of rent; and (2) certain tenants who are guilty of unlawful detainer for reasons other than a default in the payment of rent. Sections 2-6.5 of this bill reenact, reorganize and revise these procedures. Section 2 of this bill establishes a new procedure for the summary eviction of certain tenants who are not tenants of a commercial premises and who default in the payment of rent. Section 6.5 of this bill establishes a new procedure for the summary eviction of certain tenants who are guilty of unlawful detainer for reasons other than a default in the payment of rent. The new procedures for summary eviction set forth in sections 2 and 6.5 are similar to the procedures repealed by section 22 except with regard to: (1) the required contents of a written notice; (2) certain requirements relating to filings made with the court; and (3) the period of time before the removal of a tenant. Instead of requiring a tenant who contests a summary eviction to file an affidavit in court before the landlord files a complaint, sections 2 and 6.5 require the landlord, upon the expiration of certain notice provided to the tenant, to: (1) apply by affidavit of complaint for the summary eviction of the tenant; and (2) serve the tenant with a file-stamped copy of the affidavit of complaint and a copy of the summons. Sections 2 and 6.5 additionally require the landlord to file with the court proof of service of the affidavit, summons and notice within a prescribed period. Sections 2 and 6.5 require the tenant to file an answer to the affidavit of compliant within 7 calendar days after the date of service. If a tenant files an answer within the prescribed period, a hearing is held. If no such answer is filed, sections 2 and 6.5 authorize the court, without holding a hearing, to order the removal of the tenant within a prescribed period under certain circumstances. Sections 9-20 of this bill make conforming changes relating to the repeal, revision and reorganization of the procedures for summary eviction. Existing law requires a court that grants an action for summary eviction for a default in the payment of rent during the COVID-19 emergency to automatically seal the eviction case court file. (NRS 40.2545) Section 11 of this bill removes requirements relating to the COVID-19 emergency. Section 11 also requires a court to automatically seal the eviction case court file for an action for summary eviction brought pursuant to section 2 or 6.5 under certain circumstances.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 40.2516, 40.252, 40.2545, 40.255, 40.280, 40.385, 118.205, 118A.460, 118C.230, 179.1164, 453.305, 645H.520
Reprint 1: 40.2516, 40.252, 40.2545, 40.255, 40.280, 40.385, 118.205, 118A.460, 118C.230, 179.1164, 453.305, 645H.520
Reprint 2: 40.2516, 40.252, 40.2545, 40.255, 40.280, 40.385, 118.205, 118A.460, 118C.230, 179.1164, 453.305, 645H.520
Reprint 3: 40.2516, 40.252, 40.2545, 40.255, 40.280, 40.385, 118.205, 118A.460, 179.1164, 453.305, 645H.520
As Enrolled: 40.2516, 40.252, 40.2545, 40.255, 40.280, 40.385, 118.205, 118A.460, 179.1164, 453.305, 645H.520
BDR: 40.2516, 40.252, 40.2545, 40.255, 40.280, 40.385, 118.205, 118A.460, 118C.230, 179.1164, 453.305, 645H.520