Nebraska Tenant Rights Guide

Last updated: April 2026

Nebraska has no rent control anywhere in the state — it's prohibited by state law. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice. Nebraska's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act provides protections on deposits, habitability, and retaliation.

Check your address to see what tenant protections apply to your rental.

Nebraska at a Glance

Rent control: None
Statewide rent cap: None — landlords can raise rent by any amount
Preemption: Nebraska state law explicitly prohibits cities and counties from enacting rent control ordinances (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1498).

What Protections Nebraska Tenants Do Have

Even without rent control, Nebraska law gives renters meaningful rights in these areas:

Security Deposit

Security deposits are capped at 1 month's rent (or 1.25 months for pets). Landlords must return the deposit within 14 days of move-out with an itemized statement. Wrongful withholding entitles you to the deposit amount plus damages (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416).

Notice to Terminate

Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 30 days' written notice before the landlord terminates the tenancy (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1437).

Repairs & Habitability

Landlords must maintain habitable premises. After written notice, landlords have 14 days to make repairs. If they don't, you may repair-and-deduct (up to $100 or half the monthly rent) or terminate the lease (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1425).

Retaliation Protection

Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for reporting code violations or exercising legal rights by raising rent or initiating eviction (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1439).

Lockout Prohibition

Self-help eviction is illegal. A landlord who changes your locks or removes property without a court order may be liable for actual damages (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1429).

Major Cities in Nebraska

Omaha — No rent control; Nebraska state preemption prohibits it.
Lincoln — No rent control; Nebraska state preemption prohibits it.
Bellevue — No rent control; Nebraska state preemption prohibits it.

Nebraska Tenant Resources

These organizations offer free or low-cost help to Nebraska renters:

Legal Aid of Nebraska — Free civil legal aid for low-income Nebraskans statewide, including housing and eviction defense.
Nebraska State Bar – Lawyer Referral — Referral service for tenants seeking an attorney for landlord-tenant disputes.
Nebraska AG – Consumer Protection — State resources for housing complaints and tenant guidance.

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