Nebraska

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.