10 of the 10 rules below carry a statute citation that was read at the official source (most recently October 2026), with the controlling text quoted. The rest are conservative reference values from Aptoria's compliance data and are labeled unverified.
Security deposit size: Security deposit may not exceed one month's periodic rent, plus a pet deposit of up to one-fourth of one month's rent where appropriate. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416(1), confirmed 2026-10). Returning the deposit: Deliver or mail the deposit (less itemized lawful deductions) within 14 days after termination of the tenancy and demand. Noncompliance: tenant recovers property and money due, court costs and reasonable attorney's fees; if willful and not in good faith, additionally the lesser of one month's rent or twice the deposit. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416(2)-(3), confirmed 2026-10).
How Nebraska treats the landlord's core obligations
Late fees: No statewide cap on residential late fees and no mandatory grace period; rent is payable without demand at the agreed time (§ 76-1414(3)). Fees must be in the rental agreement and are subject to the URLTA unconscionability standard (§ 76-1412). (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1412, 76-1414, 76-1415 (no late-fee cap), confirmed 2026-10). Application fees: No statewide cap or refund rule for residential rental application fees. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1401 to 76-1449 (URLTA; no application-fee provision), confirmed 2026-10).
Nonpayment notice: 7 calendar days after written notice of nonpayment and intent to terminate; if unpaid, landlord may terminate the rental agreement. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1431(2), confirmed 2026-10). Rent increases: No statewide statute sets a rent-increase notice period for residential tenancies (the 'rent increase; written notice' rule at § 76-1490 applies only to mobile home parks). The practical mechanism on a month-to-month tenancy is the 30-day termination notice under § 76-1437. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1414, 76-1437 (URLTA; no rent-increase provision), confirmed 2026-10). Ending a month-to-month tenancy: At least 30 days' written notice before the periodic rental date (either party) for month-to-month; 7 days for week-to-week. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1437(1)-(2), confirmed 2026-10). Entry: At least 24 hours' written notice of intent to enter, stating purpose and a reasonable entry window, except in emergency or where impracticable. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1423(3), confirmed 2026-10).
Nebraska has no statewide rent regulation on file, so any cap on increases would come from a local ordinance. Source-of-income protection is not on file statewide, although cities and counties can add it. Card surcharges on rent: allowed within card-network limits. Managing property for others for compensation generally requires a state license: State real estate broker license required for property management for others — confirm with state commission.
Security deposits
What Nebraska allows a landlord to collect up front, how it must be held, and the deadline and paperwork for returning it.
Security deposit limit
Source-confirmed 2026-10
Security deposit may not exceed one month's periodic rent, plus a pet deposit of up to one-fourth of one month's rent where appropriate.
“in an amount or value in excess of one month's periodic rent ... a pet deposit not in excess of one-fourth of one month's periodic rent may be demanded or received when appropriate”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “1× monthly rent”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
The maximum a landlord may collect up front as security against unpaid rent or damage, usually expressed as a multiple of one month's rent. Separate pet, key or cleaning deposits often count toward the same limit.
Deposit return deadline
Source-confirmed 2026-10
Deliver or mail the deposit (less itemized lawful deductions) within 14 days after termination of the tenancy and demand. Noncompliance: tenant recovers property and money due, court costs and reasonable attorney's fees; if willful and not in good faith, additionally the lesser of one month's rent or twice the deposit.
“shall be delivered or mailed to the tenant within fourteen days after the date of termination of the tenancy ... an amount equal to one month's periodic rent or two times the amount of the security deposit”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “14 days after move-out”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
The window after the tenant vacates in which the landlord must refund the deposit or deliver an itemized statement of deductions. Missing the deadline is the most common way a landlord forfeits the right to keep any part of the deposit.
Separate pet deposit
Source-confirmed 2026-10
Permitted with a cap: a pet deposit of up to one-fourth of one month's periodic rent may be charged in addition to the one-month security-deposit cap (housing agencies exempt).
“A landlord may not demand or receive security, however denominated, in an amount or value in excess of one month's periodic rent, except that a pet deposit not in excess of one-fourth of one month's periodic rent may be demanded or received when appropriate”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “Permitted”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
Whether a refundable pet deposit can be collected on top of the security deposit. Even where it is permitted, the combined amount usually has to stay inside the overall deposit limit.
In practice
• Hold the deposit the way the statute requires (separate or escrow account where applicable) and record the account in the file.
• Document move-in condition with a dated, photographed inventory the tenant can sign; it is the only evidence that supports a later deduction.
• Send the itemized statement and any refund by a trackable method, and keep the receipts or estimates behind every deduction.
Rent, late fees and application fees
The fees a Nebraska lease can charge, the statutory ceilings that override the lease, and whether rent increases are regulated statewide.
Late fees
Source-confirmed 2026-10
No statewide cap on residential late fees and no mandatory grace period; rent is payable without demand at the agreed time (§ 76-1414(3)). Fees must be in the rental agreement and are subject to the URLTA unconscionability standard (§ 76-1412).
Absence finding from the URLTA section index plus §§ 76-1414 and 76-1415.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “No statewide cap (reasonableness standard)”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
Any statutory ceiling on the fee for late rent and any mandatory grace period before it can be charged. Where there is no statutory cap, courts still strike fees they find punitive rather than a reasonable estimate of the landlord's cost.
Application fee limit
Source-confirmed 2026-10
No statewide cap or refund rule for residential rental application fees.
Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1401 to 76-1449 (URLTA; no application-fee provision). Read at Nebraska Legislature (official) in October 2026.
Absence finding from the URLTA section index.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “No statewide cap”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
A cap on what an applicant can be charged to apply, sometimes limited to the actual cost of screening and sometimes prohibited outright. Fee receipts and refund rules usually travel with the cap.
Statewide rent regulation
Source-confirmed 2026-10
(b) Statewide preemption (LB 266, approved April 7, 2025): no city, village, or county may enact or enforce any ordinance having the effect of imposing rent controls on private property; exceptions for land-use/inclusionary affordable-housing ordinances and voluntary contractual rent-restriction programs; applies notwithstanding home-rule charters; violating ordinances are null and void. No statewide rent cap.
“Except as expressly permitted by other state law or by subsection (3) of this section, a local government shall not have the power to enact or enforce any ordinance which would have the effect of imposing rent controls on private property.”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “No statewide rent regulation (check local ordinances)”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
Whether a statewide law caps annual rent increases or whether rent control exists for covered units. Local ordinances can add limits even where the state has none.
In practice
• State the late fee, the grace period and the application fee in the lease in dollars or a clear percentage; a fee that is not in the lease is rarely enforceable.
• Never charge above the statutory cap even when the lease says more; the excess is unenforceable and can expose the landlord to penalties.
• Keep fee calculations in the ledger so a tenant, a court or an auditor can reproduce them from the rent roll.
Notices, rent increases and termination
How much written notice Nebraska requires before a rent increase, before ending a month-to-month tenancy, and before filing for nonpayment.
Rent-increase notice
Source-confirmed 2026-10
No statewide statute sets a rent-increase notice period for residential tenancies (the 'rent increase; written notice' rule at § 76-1490 applies only to mobile home parks). The practical mechanism on a month-to-month tenancy is the 30-day termination notice under § 76-1437.
Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1414, 76-1437 (URLTA; no rent-increase provision). Read at Nebraska Legislature (official) in October 2026.
Absence confirmed against the URLTA section index (§§ 76-1401 to 76-1449) and § 76-1414.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “30 days”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
The written notice a landlord must give before a rent increase takes effect on a periodic (month-to-month) tenancy. Fixed-term leases generally cannot be changed mid-term.
Month-to-month termination notice
Source-confirmed 2026-10
At least 30 days' written notice before the periodic rental date (either party) for month-to-month; 7 days for week-to-week.
“The landlord or the tenant may terminate a month-to-month tenancy by a written notice given to the other at least thirty days prior to the periodic rental date specified in the notice.”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “30 days”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
The notice a landlord must give to end a periodic tenancy without cause. Some jurisdictions require longer notice for long-term tenants or require a stated cause.
Pay-or-quit notice
Source-confirmed 2026-10
7 calendar days after written notice of nonpayment and intent to terminate; if unpaid, landlord may terminate the rental agreement.
“If rent is unpaid when due and the tenant fails to pay rent within seven calendar days after written notice”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
Nebraska Judicial Branch landlord page also cites a 3-day notice for forcible entry and detainer actions under § 25-21,221 (a separate remedy).
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “7 days”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
The notice a tenant must receive for nonpayment before the landlord can file for possession, and the time the tenant has to pay in full and cure. This is the step most often done wrong in an eviction.
In practice
• Serve notices in the form and by the method the statute names, and keep proof of service with the dated notice.
• Count notice periods the way the statute counts them (calendar days, business days, or "before the next rent due date") and build in a margin.
• Treat a notice to a possibly rent-regulated or subsidized unit as a legal check, because longer periods and extra content requirements usually apply.
Landlord entry
When a Nebraska landlord may enter an occupied unit and how much notice the tenant must receive.
Non-emergency entry notice
Source-confirmed 2026-10
At least 24 hours' written notice of intent to enter, stating purpose and a reasonable entry window, except in emergency or where impracticable.
“Give the tenant at least twenty-four hours' written notice of the landlord's intent to enter. Such notice shall be provided to each individual unit and include the intended purpose for entry”
Excerpt from the cited source as read on the date shown.
Notice must be written.
Reference value in Aptoria's compliance data: “24 hours”. Where it differs from the statute above, the statute controls; differences found in review are logged for an engine update.
The advance notice required before a landlord enters an occupied unit for repairs, inspections or showings. Emergencies are the usual exception.
In practice
• Give written notice with the date, a reasonable time window and the purpose, and log the entry afterwards.
• Emergencies are the only common exception; document what made the entry urgent.
• A pattern of unannounced entries is a common basis for tenant complaints and counterclaims.
Payments, fair housing and licensing
Operational rules that sit outside the landlord-tenant act but decide how rent can be collected, who can be screened out, and who may manage for others.
Card surcharges on rent
Allowed within card-network limits
Returned-payment (NSF) fee
No statewide statutory cap on file
Source-of-income protection
No statewide protection on file
Local ordinances can extend protection beyond the statewide rule.
Property-management licensing
License generally required to manage for others
State real estate broker license required for property management for others — confirm with state commission.
Compliance posture values are reference data compiled from public statutes and are not source-confirmed line by line. Confirm with the state agency before relying on them.
Nebraska next to its neighbors
Own units on both sides of a state line? These are the reference values for every bordering jurisdiction. Open a state to see which values carry a citation.
Federal and state disclosures Aptoria's lease workflow surfaces for Nebraska. This is a working checklist from public sources, not a complete legal inventory for a specific property.
• Lead-based paint hazards (pre-1978 housing) — EPA Pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home"
Official sources
Primary sources a Nebraska landlord should bookmark. Each link was fetched and read during the October 2026 review; the binding text is always the current official version.
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Nebraska?
Security deposit may not exceed one month's periodic rent, plus a pet deposit of up to one-fourth of one month's rent where appropriate. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416(1), confirmed 2026-10).
How long does a Nebraska landlord have to return the security deposit?
Deliver or mail the deposit (less itemized lawful deductions) within 14 days after termination of the tenancy and demand. Noncompliance: tenant recovers property and money due, court costs and reasonable attorney's fees; if willful and not in good faith, additionally the lesser of one month's rent or twice the deposit. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416(2)-(3), confirmed 2026-10).
What is the maximum late fee in Nebraska?
No statewide cap on residential late fees and no mandatory grace period; rent is payable without demand at the agreed time (§ 76-1414(3)). Fees must be in the rental agreement and are subject to the URLTA unconscionability standard (§ 76-1412). (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1412, 76-1414, 76-1415 (no late-fee cap), confirmed 2026-10).
How many days does a Nebraska pay-or-quit notice give the tenant?
7 calendar days after written notice of nonpayment and intent to terminate; if unpaid, landlord may terminate the rental agreement. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1431(2), confirmed 2026-10).
How much notice must a Nebraska landlord give before entering?
At least 24 hours' written notice of intent to enter, stating purpose and a reasonable entry window, except in emergency or where impracticable. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1423(3), confirmed 2026-10).
How much notice is required to raise rent in Nebraska?
No statewide statute sets a rent-increase notice period for residential tenancies (the 'rent increase; written notice' rule at § 76-1490 applies only to mobile home parks). The practical mechanism on a month-to-month tenancy is the 30-day termination notice under § 76-1437. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1414, 76-1437 (URLTA; no rent-increase provision), confirmed 2026-10).
How much notice is required to end a month-to-month tenancy in Nebraska?
At least 30 days' written notice before the periodic rental date (either party) for month-to-month; 7 days for week-to-week. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1437(1)-(2), confirmed 2026-10).
Does Nebraska have statewide rent control?
No statewide rent regulation is on file for Nebraska. Local ordinances can still limit increases, so check the city or county where the unit sits before setting a renewal rent.
Is source of income a protected class in Nebraska?
No statewide source-of-income protection is on file for Nebraska, but cities and counties can adopt it. Check local law before refusing a voucher or benefit income, and apply any screening criteria consistently.
Can a Nebraska landlord add a surcharge for paying rent by card?
Allowed within card-network limits. Where a surcharge is allowed, it must still follow card-network rules and be disclosed before payment.
How this page was verified
Every rule is shown in one of two states. “Source-confirmed” means an editor opened the official statute page named next to the rule on the date shown, read the controlling text, and recorded the excerpt you see; the excerpt is quoted verbatim so you can check it. “Reference value” means Aptoria's compliance engine applies a conservative number for this rule, but nobody has yet tied it to a specific statute section on this page, so it must be checked before you rely on it.
This page meets Aptoria's evidence floor for publication (10 source-confirmed rules and 4 fetched official sources). Statutes change; local ordinances can be stricter; the facts of a tenancy change the result.