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.

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).

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

Major Cities in Nebraska

Beatrice — No rent control; Nebraska state protections apply.
Bellevue — No rent control; Nebraska state preemption prohibits it.
Columbus — No rent control; Nebraska state protections apply.
Fremont — No rent control; Nebraska state protections apply.
Grand Island — No rent control; Nebraska state protections apply.
Hastings — No rent control; Nebraska state protections apply.
Kearney — No rent control; Nebraska state protections apply.
La Vista — No rent control; Nebraska state protections apply.
Lexington — No rent control; Nebraska state protections apply.
Lincoln — No rent control; Nebraska state preemption prohibits it.
Norfolk — No rent control; Nebraska state protections apply.
North Platte — No rent control; Nebraska state protections apply.
Omaha — No rent control; Nebraska state preemption prohibits it.
Papillion — No rent control; Nebraska state protections apply.
Scottsbluff — No rent control; Nebraska state protections apply.
South Sioux City — No rent control; Nebraska state protections apply.

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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