5 Things You Need To Know Before Renting in Las Vegas

Looking to rent in the Las Vegas area? Before you sign anything, read the five tips below from Nevada Legal Services.

How Much Should a Security Deposit Be?

Nevada law states that a security deposit can be up to three times the monthly rent and no more.

When Can a Landlord Increase Rent?

Landlords can’t raise rents at their whims. They can only legally raise the rent if there are provisions in the original renter’s agreement.

Landlords Need to Give Contact Numbers

There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to reach a landlord during an emergency. By state law, landlords need to give their renters an emergency contact phone number of someone who lives within 60 miles of you.

Landlords Need to Tell You If Foreclosure is Possible

Even if you are only renting, you can still be tossed in the street from a foreclosure. Landlords are required by law to tell anyone looking to rent that the property is in foreclosure.

Free Consultations Available

Still have questions? A free 15 minute consultation can be had from the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada.

If you still wonder what you need to know before renting a house in Las Vegas, Nevada, please contact All Nevada Insurance today.

Landscaping for the Arid Nevada Climate

In a real estate market that can be increasingly volatile, investing time and money in properly landscaping your home can pay off when you get ready to sell. Since there are usually many homes on the market, having a landscaping plan that is well-designed and well-maintained will set your home apart from the competition. Additionally, properly landscaping your home can make it a more pleasant place for you and your family. Here are three benefits of customizing your landscaping to the climate of the arid state of Nevada.

1. Xeriscaping reduces water use.

Many homes in Nevada rely on xeriscaping design for landscaping. Xeriscaping uses plantings that need very little water. This can be a selling point because low-maintenance plantings are attractive to homebuyers.

2. Good landscaping uses proper irrigation procedures.

Rather than installing typical sprinklers, good landscaping design in Nevada utilizes drip irrigation. This reduces water loss due to evaporation and ensures that more water makes it to the plants’ roots. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about the phenomenon of "watering the pavement" that can so often happen with sprinklers.

3.  Good landscaping keeps safety in mind.

Because the past few years have been unusually dry, increasing the chances of wildfire, good landscaping designs keep vegetation to a minimum within thirty feet of the home. Shrubs and perennial plants that are closer to the house should be thinned to keep fire from having an easy path to the house.

For more information about homeowners insurance in Las Vegas and the surrounding area, contact All Nevada Insurance today!

 

The benefits of digital security cameras

Many home owners and business owners are adding digital security cameras to their properties now that the technology has become relatively affordable and easy to use.

Today’s digital surveillance cameras operate largely through software and apps. They can alert home and business owners via smartphone when something appears amiss at their respective locations. Those who use the devices can monitor their property through their tablets and similar devices, allowing them to determine if there is truly an emergency occurring or not. 

Digital cameras are credited with helping authorities recover stolen property in relation to several recent Las Vegas area burglaries. In each case, police were able to review recorded footage and find clues to the identify of the thieves in question, leading to arrests and property recovering. 

If you are thinking of buying such a system, do some research so you understand your options. Make sure you choose a system that not only fits your budget, but also your privacy and security needs and goals. 

For more information about how to protect your Las Vegas home or business property, contact All Nevada Insurance today. 

Home Insurance is Not a Home Warranty

Having a good homeowners insurance policy is an essential part of owning a home. However, some people may get their homeowners insurance confused with their home warranty. These two documents are both important, but they are also very different. While they may seen similar on the surface, when you really delve into what each one covers, you will find that they are nothing alike.

Home Warranty

Home warranties are usually purchased when someone buys a home. This policy is usually paid for at closing, and it protects the homeowner from failures of the major appliances and home systems. Usually the home warranty lasts for a year or two and keeps new homeowners from being responsible for expensive problems with appliances, plumbing, and other household systems that occur not too long after they move in the home.

Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance policies cover damage to the home due to fire, theft, or storms. If a tree falls on the home, a storm destroys the roof, or someone steals things from your house, the homeowners insurance will pay for repairing or replacing things. However, most homeowners policies do not cover flood damage unless you have specifically paid for flood insurance. Homeowners insurance will not pay for replacing or repairing your major appliances or systems of the home if they fail due to routine problems, like wear and tear. However, if they are damaged by a storm or fire, homeowners insurance will most likely replace them. Homeowners insurance can also protect you from a lawsuit if someone is injured at your home.

If you have questions about insurance in Las Vegas, Nevada and the surrounding area, contact All Nevada Insurance today!

Health and Safety Risks Associated with Mold in Homes and Businesses

Mold can result in a variety of health problems, ranging from itchy eyes to severe allergic reactions. Most home and business owners are not aware that mold is lurking in walls and ceilings or in damp basements. Since mold thrives on moisture, it can be found nearly anywhere, including on walls, ceilings, floors, fabrics, carpets, and even in ductwork. Mold poses many dangers in the home and business.

The dangers of fungi can escalate quickly. The growth of mold can begin with 48 hours of a surface’s exposure to moisture. If left unchecked, the mold will begin to grow and spread. Short-term exposure to fungi can compromise a person’s immune system, resulting in headaches, fatigue, burning throat, and flu-like symptoms. Respiratory problems are common when exposed to mold, and mold can increase the intensity and frequency of asthma attacks. Individuals with certain health conditions, such as severe allergies and asthma, are more susceptible to the dangerous effects of mold.

For more information on home or business insurance or coverage in the Las Vegas, Nevada area, please contact All Nevada Insurance.

Condo Owners Insurance: What’s not covered?

Condo owners insurance is a good idea for anyone who owns or rents a condo in Nevada. While it may be required by the homeowners association (HOA), condo owners need to be careful about the type of policy they choose. They should also look through their policy and understand what is not covered under their policy.

A number of losses are not covered under these policies. Damage caused by domestic animals, insects, or birds, for example, is not covered. Further, damage caused by nuclear hazard, contamination, deterioration, or settling is also not covered. Condo owners may be interested to know that an earthquake or mudslide, as well as water damage caused by underground water or flood are all not covered.

Personal liability coverage is part of many plans, but some loss is not covered under this provision. Loss resulting from providing or not providing professional services, business activities, or property damage or bodily injury that’s intended or expected by the policyholder is not covered. Additionally, loss that results from use, operation, ownership of maintenance of certain watercraft, motor vehicles, and aircraft is also not covered.

To learn more about exclusions on condo owners insurance or other policies, visit the All Nevada Insurance Blog.

What do I need to know if I’m moving?

If you’re moving, you want to make sure your insurance moves with you. Don’t just assume it will, because that can get you into financial trouble. Whether it’s homeowners insurance or business insurance, it needs to be transferred to your new location. Working with your insurance agent is the best way to handle that. You can coordinate everything so you’re covered at your old location right up until you leave it, while you’re moving, and then at your new location when you arrive.

You really can’t be too careful, especially if your move is a long distance one or you have a lot of expensive or hard to replace items. While insurance can’t guarantee that you won’t have an accident or your items won’t be damaged, you can make sure that you’re protected financially from anything that might happen during your trip. Moving is stressful enough, but having the peace of mind that comes with proper insurance can make it easier.

For more information on insurance when you’re moving in the Las Vegas, Nevada area, check out the All Nevada Insurance Blog today.

Tips for Cleaning Up After a Flood

When flooding occurs, it can be physically and emotionally devastating. It’s also a problem financially if you don’t have the proper coverage. That’s why flood insurance is so important, because it covers what your standard homeowners policy doesn’t. Even with the right coverage, though, you’ll need to be careful after a flood. Don’t go back until authorities say it’s safe to do so, and check for any structural damage before you go inside the dwelling.

Keep the power off until everything has been dried out and inspected by an electrician. Don’t risk a severe shock. It’s not just electrical that can be an issue. You’ll also need to have everything inspected in order to make sure there’s not a gas leak. When you start to clean up, protect yourself. Wear gloves and heavy boots. Protect your skin and your eyes. If you have any open cuts, scrapes, or other injuries, keep them clean and away from any contaminated water. Any of your belongings that were touched by the floodwaters should be discarded or sterilized.

For more information on flood insurance and cleanup tips in the Las Vegas area, check out the All Nevada Insurance Blog today.

Be Aware of Nevada Dog Bite Laws and Risks

Dog bites happen far more regularly than people think. While our canine friends are supposed to be our best buddies, they are still animals and often snap or take quick bites to communicate that someone or some thing needs to get away from them quickly. Unfortunately, even a quick snap can cause serious damage to a person unlucky enough to be bit. Further, Nevada state law allows a victim to sue a dog owner for negligence, allowing damages for pain and suffering. Those claims can get very expensive very quickly for a dog owner who is unprepared for the related risk.

The All Nevada Insurance Blog can guide you on how to deal with dog bite risk. The danger is real, and every dog owner should be aware of what state law requires in the case of a dog bite. Owners can avoid this problem by being prepared and taking precautions ahead of time with their canine friends to avoid accidents and related legal costs. Give All Nevada Insurance a call for more information if you have questions.

Staying Safe Around The Pool

Adding a pool to your backyard is a great way to stay in shape and cool down during the summer. However, everyone in the family needs to learn basic pool safety skills before they get around the open water. This can help prevent many injuries and accidents.

Start by teaching everyone to swim with an adult, and ask adults or teens to swim with a buddy as well. Install alarms on pool gates and use only tall, secure gates to ensure the youngest members and pets can’t accidentally wander into the area.

Keep floatation devices near the pool at all times. If someone does fall in, you need to immediately be able to throw them a ring. Consider safety covers that keep animals and children from falling in when the structure’s not in use. All of these efforts will help you avoid the need to make claims against your homeowners insurance policy. If your current coverage doesn’t include injuries related to your pool, contact All Nevada Insurance for more information. Nevada residents should take the time to insure every major home addition or improvement shortly after construction is completed.