Did you know facts

?️ Under Nevada state law — Yes, it can be a crime.

Hoarding isn't specifically classified as a crime in itself, but when it creates hazardous or unsanitary conditions that affect others, it may legally qualify as a public nuisance under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 202.450–202.470 ataclaw.comnevadadefensegroup.comShouse Law Group.

• A public nuisance includes conditions that annoy, injure, or endanger the safety, health, comfort, or repose of a significant number of people. Visible clutter, foul odors, fire hazards, blocked exits, pest infestation, or unsanitary conditions can all qualify Shouse Law Groupfaraneshlv.comnevadadefensegroup.com.

• Failing to remove such a nuisance after notification may also lead to charges Shouse Law Groupataclaw.com.

? Local examples: Las Vegas and surrounding cities

• In Henderson, NV, hoarding has been specifically prosecuted as a public nuisance. The law explicitly addresses excessive clutter visible to neighbors or conditions that negatively impact surrounding residents Shouse Law Group.

• In the City of Las Vegas, animal hoarding is explicitly regulated. Recent city ordinances impose fines up to $1,000 for animal abandonment or hoarding and mandate tracking of pet sales by breeders to prevent mass accumulation of animals Nevada CurrentChannel 13 Las Vegas News KTNV8 News Now.

• In a high-profile case earlier in 2025, a Las Vegas couple hoarding over 200 animals faced felony charges. While the outcomes varied, the case underscores legal enforcement in extreme hoarding cases Channel 13 Las Vegas News KTNVhttps://www.fox5vegas.comNevada Current.

⚖️ Potential consequences for hoarding charged as a public nuisance

If convicted under NRS 202.450–202.470, the penalties may include:

• Up to 6 months in county jail and/or fines up to $1,000

• Civil penalties ranging from $500 to $5,000 nevadadefensegroup.comThe Defenders Criminal Defense Attorneysataclaw.com

• Court-ordered cleanup (abatement) within 3 days – failure may result in government agencies conducting cleanup at the individual’s expense nevadadefensegroup.comataclaw.com

? Summary table

✅ Bottom line

• Hoarding alone is not a defined criminal offense, but when the conditions pose health or safety hazards or impact neighbors, Nevada law treats it as a public nuisance.

• Cities across Clark County—including Las Vegas and Henderson—can enforce laws, issue citations, fine property owners, or order cleanup.

• Severe animal hoarding is regulated separately and has led to felony-level charges in practice.

If you're dealing with hoarding issues, whether for your own property or as a neighbor or landlord, it may be wise to consult a legal expert or code enforcement. They can help assess whether the situation has reached the threshold of public nuisance or animal hoarding violations.