Independent Living in Nevada

Located in the heart of the Southwest, Nevada is nicknamed “The Silver State” for the silver rush that occurred during the mid 1800s which helped put the state on the map. Nevada is perhaps best known for its largest city, Las Vegas – a prime entertainment capital and the setting for countless books and movies. While the city’s popularity is undeniable and its tourism and casino industries play a massive part in the state’s economy, there’s much more to Nevada than gambling. The natural beauty of the state is awe-inspiring, ranging from snow-capped peaks to expansive deserts, and even Las Vegas itself, with its warm temperatures and Southwestern charm, can be a great place to retire and call home.

Currently, A Place for Mom partners with more than sixty 55+ communities in Nevada in Nevada. A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Advisors can help you find the best retirement communities in Nevada.

Stand-alone independent living communities in Nevada don’t need to be licensed or inspected unless they’re on the same campus as other senior care communities. Any long-term care facility, known in Nevada as Residential Care Facilities for Groups, that provides assisted living services or other types of senior care has to be licensed by the state’s Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance (HCQC).

Many of our partner independent living communities also have an on-site assisted living component. These particular independent living communities may be impacted by the following Residential Care Facilities for Groups regulations:^[01]

• Residents must be given at least 10 hours of weekly activities.
• Residents must be offered three meals a day.
• Residents must have access to written information on rates, services, and policies.
• If there are more than 20 residents, there must be at least one staff member present at all times.

Visit our Nevada assisted living regulations page for more detailed information on that care type.

Residents and their rights

You must be at least 55 years old to reside in an independent living community, and you’ll typically rent your home or apartment. In most cases, you must also be fully independent and not require any care services at move-in.

Similar to renting traditional apartments, you have certain rights as a renter in Nevada. These include landlord responsibilities as well as accommodations and modifications that fall under the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

• Landlords must keep rental units in safe and working conditions. This includes appropriate waterproofing, plumbing, access to hot and cold water, and more.^[02]
• Landlords must give renters advance notice (usually at least 60 days) before increasing the cost of monthly rent.^[02]
• You have the right to live in a physically accessible home, which can include bathroom grab bars and doors wide enough for a wheelchair.^[03] Note that you may be responsible for the cost of modifications.^[04]
• You have the right to accommodations, such as accessible parking spaces, living with a service animal, and rent payment due dates that align with disability payments. Landlords are responsible for covering the cost of some accommodations.^[04]

Nevada Department of Health contact information

Nevada Department of Health and Human Services
4126 Technology Way, #100
Carson City, NV 89706

Phone: 775-684-4000

Inspection reports

Each Residential Facility for Groups is inspected by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) before they’re licensed. Additional inspections are also performed if someone files a complaint.

You can use the DHHS Provider Search Form to view inspection reports for combined independent living and assisted living communities. First, select “Health Facilities” under the Business Unit drop-down menu. Next, select “Residential Facility for Groups” under the Credential Type drop-down menu. Now you can either press “Search” to view all inspections or type in the name and address of the community you want more information on.