Key takeaways
- Start with the lease and any property management agreement. They usually say who handles yard and tree work.
- Nevada's landlord and tenant chapter, NRS 118A, requires landlords to keep the dwelling habitable and includes grounds under the landlord's control in its definition of premises.
- Report tree hazards to the landlord in writing and keep a copy.
- In an emergency, protect people first: call 911 for injuries and NV Energy about lines.
A cracked limb over a bedroom is urgent on any property. At a rental, the added question is who calls, who pays and who is allowed to authorize the work. The paperwork matters.
Who is responsible for trees at a rental?
Nevada's landlord and tenant law for dwellings is NRS chapter 118A. It requires the landlord to maintain the dwelling unit in a habitable condition throughout the tenancy, and it defines premises to include the grounds and areas held out for the use of tenants. We searched the chapter and it does not mention trees by name, so how it applies to a specific tree is a question for an attorney, not for us.
In practice, the lease usually assigns yard care. Some leases say the tenant mows and waters, and the landlord handles anything structural, including tree work. Property management agreements often name a vendor list or an approval process.
What should a tenant do about a risky tree?
Tell the landlord or property manager in writing, with photos and the date. Describe what you see: a large dead limb, a crack, a lean after a storm, roots lifting a walkway. Keep a copy. Do not hire a tree company on your own unless the lease or landlord says you may, because you may be responsible for the cost and the work may not be authorized.
If a limb has already fallen on the dwelling or a vehicle, document it, call your insurer, and see a tree fell on the house: the first hour checklist. Your renter's policy may not cover the building. Ask your insurer.
What should a landlord do?
Have an ISA Certified Arborist look at the tree, get the findings in writing and act on them. A written report protects everyone and shows the decision was made on facts. See what an arborist report includes. Check city and HOA rules for removals, and use our permit guide for the jurisdiction.
Property managers can ask us for a free estimate and a certified arborist's assessment before work. See tree service for HOAs and property managers.
How does an emergency change things?
If a tree is blocking an exit, resting on the building or touching a line, safety comes first. Call 911 if anyone is hurt. Stay away from any line and call NV Energy. Then tell the landlord, and call us on the 24-hour line at 775.232.8243 if the landlord authorizes the work. Emergency crews act on the instructions of whoever has the authority to approve the work, so have the owner or manager reachable.
When should I talk to an attorney?
Disputes about who pays, whether a tree made a unit uninhabitable, or damage to a tenant's property are legal questions. This page is general information only. A Nevada attorney or your local tenant resource can say what applies. For insurance questions see does homeowners insurance cover tree removal.
Sources
- Nevada Legislature: Nevada Revised Statutes chapter 118A, Landlord and Tenant: Dwellings (read October 17, 2026)
- International Society of Arboriculture, Trees Are Good: Recognizing Tree Risk (brochure) (read October 17, 2026)