Nebraska’s Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) governs most renting relationships, balancing landlord duties with tenant protections while allowing market-driven choices like no rent control. Renting offers flexibility without long-term commitment, while owning builds equity amid rising 2026 legislative tweaks on fees and evictions—key for residents weighing costs in a tenant-friendly shift.​
Landlord Obligations
Landlords must maintain habitable units with working plumbing, heat, and safety features, fixing reported issues promptly or face tenant remedies like rent withholding.
Security deposits cap at 1 month’s rent (1.5 for furnished), returnable within 14 days post-move-out minus documented damages—no interest required.​
Recent bills like LB587 add mold/pest fixes as noncompliance grounds, letting tenants deduct repair costs.​
Tenant Rights and Duties
Tenants get 30 days’ notice for rent hikes on month-to-month leases (7 days week-to-week), with free rent-setting but anti-discrimination mandates.​
Evictions need 14-day cure notices for violations or 5 days for illegal acts; self-help evictions like lockouts are banned.
Keep units clean, pay rent on time, and report maintenance—move-in checklists prevent deposit disputes.​
Renting vs. Owning Comparison
Key 2026 Updates
LB1007 bans lease confidentiality and mandates prepaid rent refunds if deals fail.​
Proposed LB17 caps non-rent fees; LB267 aids domestic violence victim relocks.​
No statewide rent control, but fair housing applies universally.
