Nebraska security deposit rules
Nebraska limits security deposits to 1 month's rent, plus a pet deposit of up to one-fourth of 1 month's rent when appropriate. The deposit must be returned balance and a written itemization delivered or mailed to the tenant within 14 days after the date of termination of the tenancy; if no forwarding address, mail first-class to last-known address. No interest is owed on the deposit under state law.
What the law requires
1 month's rent, plus a pet deposit of up to one-fourth of 1 month's rent when appropriate. Returned Balance and a written itemization delivered or mailed to the tenant within 14 days after the date of termination of the tenancy; if no forwarding address, mail first-class to last-known address. Cap does not apply to housing agencies under the Nebraska Housing Agency Act. Willful non-return: tenant may recover the lesser of one month's rent or twice the deposit as liquidated damages, plus costs and attorney's fees. Unreturned balances outstanding one year are abandoned property. Source line: Laws 1974 LB 293; 1999 LB 105; 2001 LB 7; 2019 LB433; 2021 LB532 - no 2024-2026 amendments. Official nebraskalegislature.gov text read via Sept 2026 Wayback snapshot (live site refused connections); cross-checked against FindLaw (current through 1 Jan 2024).
- Deductions: unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, itemised in writing. Cleaning and repainting after ordinary use are normal wear in most states.
- Deadline: the 14-day clock usually starts when the tenant moves out and, in many states, when a forwarding address is provided. Missing it typically forfeits the landlord’s right to keep any of the deposit and can add statutory damages.
- Pets: Additional pet deposit permitted, not exceeding one-fourth of one month's periodic rent (§ 76-1416(1))
- Interest: none required under state law. Cities in some no-interest states have their own ordinances, so check the municipal code where you rent.
Move-out checklist
- Give written notice of the move-out date and a forwarding address; many deadlines only start when the landlord has the address.
- Photograph every room after cleaning, with a timestamp. Request a joint inspection where the state allows one.
- If the deadline passes, send a written demand citing Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416. Small-claims court handles deposit disputes in every state and most cap the claim well above a typical deposit.
Related Nebraska rules
- Late fees: No statutory cap or grace period in the Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; late fees must be in the rental agreement and reasonable. Late fee calculator.
- Notice to end a tenancy: At least 30 days' written notice by either party before the periodic rental date specified in the notice; 7 days for week-to-week (§ 76-1437) Notice calculator.
- All rules on one page: Nebraska landlord and tenant law.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Nebraska?
1 month's rent, plus a pet deposit of up to one-fourth of 1 month's rent when appropriate. Cap does not apply to housing agencies under the Nebraska Housing Agency Act. Willful non-return: tenant may recover the lesser of one month's rent or twice the deposit as liquidated damages, plus costs and attorney's fees. Unreturned balances outstanding one year are abandoned property. Source line: Laws 1974 LB 293; 1999 LB 105; 2001 LB 7; 2019 LB433; 2021 LB532 - no 2024-2026 amendments. Official nebraskalegislature.gov text read via Sept 2026 Wayback snapshot (live site refused connections); cross-checked against FindLaw (current through 1 Jan 2024).
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Nebraska?
Balance and a written itemization delivered or mailed to the tenant within 14 days after the date of termination of the tenancy; if no forwarding address, mail first-class to last-known address. The statute is Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416.
Does a Nebraska landlord have to pay interest on the security deposit?
No. Nebraska law does not require interest on residential security deposits.
Are pet deposits limited in Nebraska?
Additional pet deposit permitted, not exceeding one-fourth of one month's periodic rent (§ 76-1416(1))