State Law Guide · Updated January 2026
Nebraska Security Deposit Laws
Under Nebraska Revised Statutes § 76-1416, Nebraska landlords must return security deposits within 14 days of a tenant moving out. Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face penalties of up to Full deposit return if no itemization within 14 days.
Quick Answer
In Nebraska, landlords have 14 days to return your security deposit after you move out and provide a forwarding address. The maximum deposit is 1 month's rent (unless pet deposit). If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, you can sue in Small Claims Court (up to $3,600) and may recover Full deposit return if no itemization within 14 days under Nebraska Revised Statutes § 76-1416. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of deductions.
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What Nebraska Law Requires
Return Deadline
Landlords have exactly 14 days to return your deposit after you move out. If they make deductions, they must provide an itemized statement explaining each charge with documentation.
Penalties for Violations
Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face Full deposit return if no itemization within 14 days. You can file in small claims court for amounts up to $3,600without needing an attorney.
Interest Requirements
No interest requirement
Common Deductions Landlords Make
Federal guidelines from HUD and the IRS establish "useful life" standards that limit what landlords can charge. Many common deductions are partially or fully invalid under these guidelines.
Carpet Replacement
Typical: $400-1,3005-year useful life per HUD MAP Guide Appendix 5C. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
Interior Paint
Typical: $150-6003-year useful life per HUD Handbook 4350.1. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
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HUD/IRS Citations
Useful life depreciation built in
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Nebraska landlord have to return my deposit?
Nebraska has a strict 14-day deadline—one of the shortest in the U.S. Failure to provide itemized statement means you get the full deposit back.
What is the deposit limit in Nebraska?
Nebraska caps deposits at 1 month's rent. Pet deposits can add up to 1/4 month additional.
What happens if my landlord misses the 14-day deadline?
You're entitled to your full deposit back. The strict deadline is enforced by Nebraska courts.
City-Specific Rules
Some Nebraska cities have additional tenant protections:
- Omaha: Additional tenant resources through city housing authority.
Official Resources
- Nebraska Attorney General Consumer Protection(Government)
- Legal Aid of Nebraska(Legal Aid)
Compare Other States
See how Nebraska's security deposit laws compare to nearby states:
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Based on Nebraska Revised Statutes § 76-1416 · HUD Handbook 4350.1 · IRS Publication 527