How to Homestead in Nevada

Homesteading helps to protect the equity in your Nevada primary residence.

Unexpected sickness or disaster could occur at any time, possibly impacting your home equity. As a Nevada homeowner, you can protect the equity in your primary residence by filing a declaration of homestead. Nevada law states that equity in a home will be protected up to $550,000.

Things You'll Need

• Nevada homestead form
• Assessor parcel number
• Black ink pen
• Notary public

Instructions

1. Visit an office supply store in Nevada to purchase homestead declaration form. You also can download a form at the Clark County assessor’s homestead website (see Resources). You will need Adobe Reader installed on your computer, and you can download it for free at the assessor’s website.

2. Search the county assessor's real property records to locate your home's parcel number or mobile home's manufactured home identification number. This information is also listed on your home's recorded deed.

3. Fill out the Nevada homestead declaration form. Write legibly in black ink, and leave a one-inch margin around the outside of the form. The one-page form requires a legal description of the property and the name or names of property owners as they appear on the property’s title.

4. Sign and date the form in front of a notary public. Local banks sometimes offer free notary service to their customers. You can also call your local courthouse to inquire about a notary.

5. Mail or take the homestead declaration to the county recorder’s office. Write a check to the county recorder for the homesteading fee. As of 2010, the fee was $14. If the form is not in compliance, the recorder’s office may require an additional fee.

Tips & Warnings

• You can homestead a house, a unit such as a condominium or a mobile home. It makes no difference whether or not you own the land under the mobile home. You must currently own or be in the process of buying the home. You will need a new homestead declaration if you buy another house, get a new loan, change mobile home spaces, marry, divorce or become widowed.

• The county assessor’s office is not permitted to assist residents in filling out legal documents. If you need help with homesteading, consult your attorney.

• Homesteading does not protect against all debt. For example, debt such as child support, alimony, taxes or IRS liens are not protected.

• Some lenders require you to abandon your homestead declaration when you refinance your home. Some mortgages prohibit homesteading, so check with your lender.

References

• Nevada Legislature: Chapter 115 - Homesteads
• State Bar of Nevada: Filing a Homestead Declaration
• Clark County Assessor: Homestead Information

Resources

• Clark County: Recorder's Office
• Clark County: Assessor Records and Maps
• Around Carson: Nevada Declaration of Homestead Update