At a Glance
| Question | Answer | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit limit? | 1 month's rent | 1.25 months if tenant has a pet |
| Rent control? | No | Nebraska does not have rent control |
| Required notice to raise rent? | 30 days | For month-to-month tenancies |
| Lease required in writing? | Yes, for leases > 1 year | Month-to-month can be oral |
| Landlord entry notice? | 24 hours | 1-day notice required before entry |
Security Deposits
Nebraska law regulates security deposits under the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Landlords may collect a maximum of one month's rent as a security deposit. If the tenant has a pet, the landlord may collect up to one and one-quarter months' rent.
Landlords must return the deposit within 14 days of the tenant vacating the unit, along with an itemized statement of any deductions. The deposit must be held in a financial institution and the landlord must provide the tenant with written notice of the location of the deposit.
cite: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416
Eviction Procedures
Nebraska requires landlords to follow specific legal procedures to evict a tenant. Self-help evictions (changing locks, shutting off utilities, removing belongings) are illegal.
Notice Requirements
- 3-Day Notice: For nonpayment of rent (some jurisdictions allow 7 days)
- 14-Day Notice: For lease violations, allowing the tenant to cure within 14 days
- 30-Day Notice: For a second lease violation of the same type within 6 months (no opportunity to cure)
- 30-Day Notice: For termination of a month-to-month tenancy without cause
If the tenant does not cure the violation or vacate within the notice period, the landlord must file an eviction action in court. Only a court can order a tenant to be removed.
cite: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1431
Rent Control
Nebraska does not have any form of rent control. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide at least 30 days' written notice before a rent increase takes effect.
There are no statewide or local rent control ordinances in Nebraska.
cite: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1401 et seq.
Lease Agreements
Nebraska does not require a written lease for tenancies of one year or less. However, any lease for longer than one year must be in writing to be enforceable under the Statute of Frauds. Written leases are recommended for all tenancies to clearly define the terms and responsibilities of both parties.
Required Disclosures
Nebraska landlords must provide the following disclosures:
- Lead-based paint (pre-1978 properties)
- Security deposit location: The name and address of the financial institution where the deposit is held
- Move-in checklist: An inventory of the condition of the premises at the time of move-in is recommended
- Authorized agents: The name and address of the person authorized to manage the premises and receive notices
cite: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1417
Tenant Rights
Nebraska provides important protections for tenants:
- Habitability: Landlords must maintain rental units in habitable condition, including working plumbing, heating, electricity, and structural integrity
- Retaliation protection: Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants who exercise their legal rights, such as reporting code violations or joining tenant organizations
- Discrimination protection: Fair housing laws prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, and disability
- Right to privacy: Landlords must provide at least 24 hours' notice before entering a tenant's unit, except in emergencies
- Repair and deduct: Tenants may arrange for repairs and deduct reasonable costs from rent if the landlord fails to maintain essential services after proper notice