Nebraska (NE) law guide
Quick answer
Nebraska caps security deposits at 1 month's rent (plus up to one-fourth month for pets) and requires landlords to return the deposit within 14 days of move-out. There is no statewide rent control, and landlords must give 30 days' written notice before raising rent on a month-to-month lease. For nonpayment of rent, landlords must give a 7-day pay-or-quit notice before filing for eviction.
Security deposit limit
1 month's rent (plus up to 1/4 month for pets)
Deposit return deadline
14 days after move-out
Statewide rent control
None, prohibited by state law
Nonpayment eviction notice
7-day pay-or-quit notice
Nebraska rental market snapshot
Population
About 2.0 million (2024 Census estimate)
Renter households
About 31% of Nebraska households rent
Median rent
About $1,100 to $1,400 per month for a 2-bedroom statewide
Largest rental markets
Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Grand Island, Kearney
Omaha and Lincoln drive most of Nebraska's rental demand, with 2-bedroom units averaging around $1,385 in Omaha as of 2026. Rents are well below the national average, making Nebraska one of the more affordable Midwestern rental markets.
The maximum security deposit is 1 month's rent for unfurnished units, per Neb. Rev. Stat. 76-1416. Landlords may charge an additional pet deposit of up to one-fourth of one month's rent.
Landlords must return the deposit within 14 days after the tenancy ends, along with a written itemized list of any deductions. A willful failure to comply can cost the landlord 1 month's rent or twice the deposit amount (whichever is less), plus attorney's fees.
Nebraska has no statewide rent control. Landlords can raise rent to any amount, but must give 30 days' written notice before a rent increase takes effect on a month-to-month tenancy.
There is no state-mandated grace period for late rent, and no statutory cap on late fees. Landlords may charge whatever the lease specifies, though fees must be reasonable. Returned check fees are capped at $10.
For unpaid rent, landlords must serve a 7-day pay-or-quit notice under Neb. Rev. Stat. 76-1431. If the tenant pays in full within those 7 days, the eviction process stops.
For other lease violations, the landlord gives a 30-day notice and the tenant has 14 days to cure the problem. Repeat violations within 6 months allow a 14-day unconditional quit notice. Criminal activity or a threat to safety allows a 5-day notice with no cure option.
Landlords must give at least 24 hours' written notice before entering, and entry must occur at reasonable times, per Neb. Rev. Stat. 76-1423. The notice must state the reason and a time window. Emergency entry is permitted without notice.
Landlords must keep the unit fit and habitable after written or actual notice of a problem, per Neb. Rev. Stat. 76-1419. The statute does not set a specific repair deadline, but courts expect a reasonably prompt response. If a landlord fails to act, tenants may pursue a rent escrow remedy or terminate the lease.
Nebraska tenants have a right to a habitable unit at all times. A landlord who retaliates against a tenant for reporting code violations or exercising legal rights violates Neb. Rev. Stat. 76-1439. Retaliatory evictions, rent hikes, and lockouts are prohibited.
Tenants who face retaliation within 90 days of a protected action (such as a repair complaint) may raise it as a defense in eviction court. If retaliation is proven, the tenant can recover actual damages plus attorney's fees.
Nebraska follows the federal Fair Housing Act, which bars discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability. Tenants who believe they were discriminated against can file with the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission or HUD.
Tenants can legally break a lease early due to active military duty (Servicemembers Civil Relief Act), documented uninhabitable conditions, or landlord harassment. Small claims court in Nebraska handles disputes up to $7,500 (effective July 1, 2025).
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Governing statute: Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Neb. Rev. Stat. sections 76-1401 to 76-1449. Laws change; confirm the current statute or consult an attorney before acting. Last reviewed 2026-06-05.
Nebraska FAQ
Nebraska landlords can charge a maximum of **1 month's rent** as a security deposit, per Neb. Rev. Stat. 76-1416. An additional pet deposit of up to one-fourth of one month's rent is also allowed on top of that.
Landlords must return the deposit within **14 days** after the tenancy ends. They must also provide a written, itemized list of any deductions. Willful failure to comply can result in a penalty equal to twice the deposit or 1 month's rent, whichever is less.
Yes. Nebraska has **no statewide rent control**, so landlords can raise rent to any amount. For month-to-month leases, they must give at least **30 days' written notice** before the increase takes effect.
Landlords must give at least **24 hours' written notice** before entering, and the notice must include the reason and an expected time window. Emergency entry is the only exception and does not require advance notice.
The landlord must first serve a **7-day pay-or-quit notice**. If the tenant pays the full amount within 7 calendar days, the eviction is stopped. If the tenant does not pay, the landlord can file for eviction in county court.
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