Renting out your home can be a great way to generate income, especially in a high-demand market like Las Vegas. But turning your home into a rental property takes more than just posting a listing online. There are legal, financial, and operational steps you need to take to ensure your property is ready and your tenants are well-qualified.
Here are the top things to do before renting out your house in Las Vegas to help you avoid costly mistakes and set your rental up for long-term success.

1. Learn the Legal Requirements for Landlords in Nevada

Start by understanding your obligations as a landlord under Nevada law, particularly the Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 118A, which outlines landlord-tenant regulations. You’ll need to comply with rules around security deposits, lease agreements, required notices, and more. Staying compliant from the start helps you avoid future legal complications.

External resource: Nevada Landlord-Tenant Law

2. Switch to Landlord Insurance

Your current homeowner’s policy won’t protect you once your house becomes a rental. You’ll need a landlord insurance policy, which provides coverage for property damage, liability, and loss of rental income. Some policies also offer legal defense coverage in the event of disputes with tenants. Make this switch before a tenant signs the lease to ensure your investment is fully protected.

3. Set the Right Rental Price for Your Market

In Las Vegas, pricing your rental properly is essential. Research comparable rentals in your neighborhood, paying attention to factors like square footage, number of bedrooms, amenities, and location. Homes in areas like Summerlin or Henderson may command higher rents due to schools, shopping, and lifestyle perks. If you’re unsure how to price your home competitively, a local property management company like The Brokerage can provide a rental market analysis.

4. Make Your Property Rent-Ready

A clean, well-maintained home attracts better tenants and often commands higher rent. Deep clean the property from top to bottom, repair any broken fixtures, repaint walls in neutral tones, and ensure safety items like smoke detectors and locks are in working order. Also, don’t forget to rekey the locks for security between tenants.

Getting your home professionally inspected or walkthrough-ready helps set a positive tone for future tenant relations.

5. Create a Strong, Detailed Rental Listing

Your listing should clearly describe the property while highlighting key features. Include square footage, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, any included appliances, parking availability, and whether pets are allowed. Invest in high-quality photography to make your listing stand out across platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Apartments.com.

The stronger your listing, the more inquiries you’ll receive, and the faster you’ll secure a qualified tenant.

6. Screen Tenants Carefully

Tenant screening is one of the most critical things to do before renting out your house. Poor screening leads to late payments, evictions, and potential property damage. A thorough screening process should include a credit report, income verification, rental history, background check, and references. If you allow pets, use a third-party pet screening service to assess potential risks.

At The Brokerage, we use a detailed process that helps property owners avoid high-risk tenants while staying compliant with fair housing laws.

7. Use a Legally Compliant Lease Agreement

A handshake isn’t enough. A lease protects you and your property by outlining the rules of the rental. Your lease should cover rent amounts and due dates, security deposits, late fees, maintenance expectations, entry notices, lease renewal terms, and more. All lease agreements must comply with Nevada landlord-tenant laws.

Using a standard lease from an online template may not include the specific terms required in Las Vegas. Work with a property manager or local attorney to draft a lease tailored to your situation.

8. Plan for Maintenance and Emergencies

Rental properties need regular maintenance and occasional repairs. Develop a plan for handling issues like HVAC breakdowns, plumbing leaks, or appliance replacements. You’ll also need a process for responding to after-hours emergencies. Many Las Vegas landlords choose to work with vendors in advance or hire a property management company to coordinate maintenance on their behalf.

9. Decide on a Rent Collection System

Collecting rent consistently is essential to maintaining your cash flow. You should decide early how tenants will pay rent—online portal, ACH transfer, or another system—and document it in the lease. Online rent collection is usually the most efficient, offering tracking, reminders, and easy payment for tenants. Avoid collecting rent in cash or via personal arrangements, which can lead to disputes and unclear records.

10. Consider Whether You’ll Self-Manage or Hire a Property Manager

Finally, decide how involved you want to be. If you live out of state or prefer a hands-off approach, hiring a Las Vegas property management company can relieve the burden of tenant communication, rent collection, repairs, and compliance. A professional manager ensures you’re protected legally, keeps your property in good condition, and maximizes your rental income.

At The Brokerage, we help homeowners across Las Vegas, Summerlin, and Henderson manage rentals with ease and transparency.

Final Thoughts: Set Your Rental Up for Success

There are many important things to do before renting out your house, and overlooking just one can result in costly mistakes. Whether you’re preparing your first rental or managing multiple properties, planning ahead is key.

To get personalized help renting out your Las Vegas property, call (702) 476-6000 or contact us here. We’re here to help you turn your home into a profitable investment.