Nebraska
This article provides a quick overview of some key Nebraska Landlord-Tenant laws applicable to residential rental units. We’ve used the Official Nebraska Statutes cited below to research this information and it should be a good starting point in learning about the law.
Nebraska Landlord Tenant Key Rules
Official Nebraska Forms:
Security Deposit
| TOPIC | RULE |
| Security Deposit Maximum: | 1x monthly rent Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1416(1) |
| Security Deposit Interest: | No statute |
| Separate Security Deposit Bank Account: | No statute |
| Non-refundable fees: | No statute |
| Pet Deposits and Additional Fees: | 25% of 1 month’s rent maximum pet deposit Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1416(1) |
| Deadline for Returning Security Deposit: | 14 days Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1416(2) |
| Permitted Uses of the Deposit: | No specific statute, but usually it can be used for owed rent, and damages beyond regular wear and tear. |
| Security Deposit can be Withheld: | Yes Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1416(2) |
| Require Written Description/Itemized List of Damages and Charges: | Yes Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1416(2) |
| Receipt of Security Deposit: | No statute |
| Record Keeping of Deposit Withholdings: | No statute |
| Failure to Comply: | If the landlord fails to comply, the tenant may recover the property, money owed, and court costs + attorney fees. Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1416(3) |
Lease, Rent & Fees
| TOPIC | RULE |
| Rent is Due: | At the beginning of the month or term if less than a month unless otherwise stated in the rental agreement. Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1414(3) |
| Payment Methods: | No statute |
| Rent Increase Notice: | No specific statute but it’s common to give 30 day’s notice. |
| Late Fees: | No statute. However, it’s common practice to state any late fees in the lease agreement. |
| Application Fees: | No statute |
| Prepaid Rent: | May be applied to rent payment when tenancy terminates. Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1416(2) |
| Returned Check Fees: | $10 + any handling fees. Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 28-611(5) |
| Tenant Allowed to Withhold Rent for Failure to Provide Essential Services (Water, Heat, etc.): | Yes. Tenant must give landlord notice of breach. Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1427(1)(a) |
| Tenant Allowed to Repair and Deduct Rent: | No statute |
| Self-Help Evictions: | Not allowed Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1436 |
| Landlord Allowed to Recover Court and Attorney’s Fees: | It can’t be stated in the lease, however, in some circumtances the landlord can recover fees. Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1415 |
| Landlord Must Make a Reasonable Attempt to Mitigate Damages to Lessee, including an Attempt to Re-rent: | Yes Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1405 |
Notices and Entry
| TOPIC | RULE |
| Notice to Terminate Tenancy: | No specific statute for fixed tenancies because they simply finished on the end date. |
| Notice to Terminate a Periodic Lease – Week-to-week: | 7-day notice Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1437(1) |
| Notice to Terminate a Periodic Lease – Month-to-Month: | 30-day notice Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1437(2) |
| Notice to Terminate Lease due to Sale of Property: | No specific statute |
| Notice of date/time of Move-Out Inspection: | No statute |
| Notice of Termination for Nonpayment: | 7-day notice Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1431(2) |
| Notice for Lease Violation: | 30-day notice Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1431(1) |
| Required Notice before Entry: | 24-hour notice Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1423(3)(a) |
| Entry Allowed with Notice for Maintenance and Repairs: | Yes Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1423(1) |
| Emergency Entry Allowed without Notice: | Yes Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1423(2) |
| Entry Allowed During Tenant’s Extended Absence: | Yes Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1423(4) |
| Entry Allowed with Notice for Showing the Property: | Yes Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1423(1) |
| Notice to Tenants for Pesticide Use: | No statute |
| Lockouts Allowed: | Not allowed Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1436 |
| Utility Shut-offs Allowed: | Not allowed Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1436 |
| Electronic Notices Allowed: | No statute |
Disclosures
- Name and Addresses: Must disclose in writing the names and addresses of the owner and agent. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1417)
- Copy of the Lease: Provide a copy of the rental agreement. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1417)
- Domestic Violence Situations: May terminate lease early with appropriate documentation. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-903)
Duties
Landlord’s Duties
- Compliance: Must meet housing codes. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1419)
- Repairs: Keep premises habitable. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1419)
- Common Areas: Maintain safety and cleanliness. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1419)
- Maintenance: Ensure systems are operational. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1419)
- Garbage: Provide appropriate disposal facilities. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1419)
Tenant’s Duties
- Cleanliness: Maintain a clean home. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1421)
- Trash: Dispose properly. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1421)
- Plumbing: Use with care. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1421)
- Appliances: Use reasonably. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1421)
- Damage: No damage or neglect. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1421)
- Quiet Enjoyment: Do not disturb others. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1421)
- Subleasing: Based on lease terms. (Lease-specific)
- Retaliation: Prohibited. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1439)
- Lead Disclosure: Federally required.









