Deceptive Trade Practices by Contractors in Nevada: What Homeowners Need to Know

If you’ve been misled, tricked, or outright lied to by a contractor, you may be the victim of a deceptive trade practice—which is a violation of Nevada law and grounds for legal action.

We help homeowners across Nevada hold contractors accountable for fraud, misrepresentation, and deceptive conduct. If your contractor made false promises or failed to deliver what was agreed, you may be entitled to compensation, contract cancellation, and more.

Here’s what you need to know about deceptive trade practices, your legal rights, and how we can help.

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What Are Deceptive Trade Practices?

A deceptive trade practice refers to any false, misleading, or fraudulent act or omission used to induce someone into a contract or transaction. In the context of home improvement and construction, this could include:

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• False advertising of services or materials

• Bait-and-switch tactics

• Lying about licensing or insurance

• Inflating prices or charging for unperformed work

• Misrepresenting the scope, timeline, or results of work

• Using inferior materials after promising premium products

• Falsifying permits or inspection records

 

Deceptive trade practices are illegal under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 598, and contractors who engage in them may face civil penalties, license revocation, and even criminal prosecution.

Is There a Law in Nevada That Covers Contractor Deception?

Yes. Nevada has specific laws that protect consumers from unfair business practices:

🛑 NRS 598 – Deceptive Trade Practices Act

This law prohibits businesses—including contractors—from using false or misleading statements to secure business or defraud consumers. Violations can result in:

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• Fines and restitution

• Civil lawsuits from injured consumers

• Attorney General enforcement actions

• Void or rescindable contracts

 

⚖️ NRS 624 – Contractor Licensing Law

This law regulates all licensed contractors in Nevada. It includes penalties for:

• Misrepresentation of qualifications

• False advertising

• Fraudulent billing or statements

 

A contractor who violates either of these laws may face disciplinary action by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB), in addition to civil and criminal penalties.

What Can You Do If You’ve Been Deceived by a Contractor?

Homeowners in Nevada have several powerful legal options when harmed by deceptive contractor practices:

1. File a Complaint with the NSCB
The Nevada State Contractors Board investigates deceptive and fraudulent behavior by licensed contractors. They can discipline the contractor and help initiate restitution.

 

2. File a Civil Lawsuit for Damages
You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Out-of-pocket losses

• Cost of repairs

• Emotional distress

• Attorney’s fees

• Punitive damages (in extreme cases)

 

3. Void or Cancel the Contract
Under NRS 598, you may be able to cancel a contract that was signed due to deception, without penalty.

 

4. File a Claim Against the Contractor’s Bond
Nevada contractors are required to carry a surety bond. If they violated the law, you may file a bond claim for reimbursement.

 

5. Pursue Criminal Charges
If the deception rises to the level of fraud or theft, law enforcement or the Nevada Attorney General’s Office may pursue criminal charges.

Why You Need an Attorney for a Deceptive Trade Practice Claim

Deceptive contractors often know how to cover their tracks. To win a case, you need to show that:

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• The contractor made a false or misleading statement

• You relied on that statement

• You suffered harm or financial loss as a result

 

We:

• Investigate and gather hard evidence

• Deal directly with contractors, insurers, and sureties

• File NSCB complaints and bond claims

• Represent you in court, mediation, or arbitration

• Fight for the maximum compensation available under Nevada law

 

Don’t Let a Dishonest Contractor Get Away With It!

If you’ve been tricked by a contractor in Nevada, you’re not powerless. Our experienced attorneys will help you hold them accountable—through state boards, insurance claims, and the courtroom if necessary.

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