Nebraska Security Deposit Law: Limits, Deadlines, and Penalties
What Nebraska landlords can charge, when deposits must be returned, and what it costs to get it wrong. Last reviewed 2026-08-12.
How much can a landlord charge in Nebraska?
A landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit greater than one month's periodic rent. An additional pet deposit of up to one-quarter of one month's rent is allowed on top of that, so the maximum with a pet is 1.25 months' rent.
A pet deposit of up to one-quarter of one month's rent is expressly allowed in addition to the one-month security deposit cap.
When must the deposit be returned?
The landlord must deliver or mail the deposit balance and itemized statement within 14 days after the tenancy terminates. If the tenant did not provide a forwarding address, the landlord must mail it by first-class mail to the tenant's last-known address; there is no provision extending the deadline.
A written itemized statement of any amounts withheld must accompany the returned balance within the same 14-day window.
What happens if a landlord misses the deadline?
For willful, bad-faith noncompliance, the tenant can recover the money wrongfully withheld plus liquidated damages equal to one month's rent or twice the deposit, whichever is less, along with court costs and reasonable attorney's fees.
Interest and holding requirements
Nebraska law does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits.
No statutory requirement. Nebraska does not require a separate account, escrow, or bond for holding deposits.
What Nebraska landlords get wrong
Nebraska's 14-day return window is one of the shortest in the country, so schedule the move-out inspection and repair estimates immediately after the tenant surrenders possession. Get repair bids documented fast — a late or undocumented deduction exposes you to liquidated damages plus attorney's fees. If the tenant leaves no forwarding address, do not wait: mail the refund and itemization to their last-known address (usually the rental unit itself) to preserve compliance.
The law itself
Frequently asked questions
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Nebraska?
One month's rent is the maximum security deposit in Nebraska. If you allow pets, you can charge an additional pet deposit of up to one-quarter of one month's rent, bringing the total possible deposit to 1.25 months' rent. Charging more than these limits violates Neb. Rev. Stat. 76-1416.
How long does a Nebraska landlord have to return a security deposit?
Fourteen days after the tenancy ends. Within that window the landlord must deliver or mail the remaining deposit plus a written itemized statement of any deductions. If you did not leave a forwarding address, the landlord must mail it first-class to your last-known address. Missing the deadline exposes the landlord to liquidated damages.
What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit in Nebraska?
Unpaid rent and damages the landlord suffered because the tenant failed to comply with the rental agreement or their statutory duties — typically physical damage beyond normal wear and tear. Ordinary wear and tear cannot be deducted. Every deduction must appear on the written itemized statement delivered within 14 days of the tenancy ending.
What happens if a landlord doesn't return the deposit in Nebraska?
You can sue to recover the amount wrongfully withheld. If the landlord acted willfully and in bad faith, the court can add liquidated damages equal to one month's rent or twice the deposit, whichever is less, plus court costs and reasonable attorney's fees. Small claims court handles most of these cases.
Keep reading
Deposit deadlines are easy to miss — until they cost you triple.
Vantric tracks your leases, deposits, and move-out dates in one place, built for landlords with 1–10 units.
Start Free TrialThis page is general information, not legal advice. Statutes change — verify against the official text linked above or consult a local attorney before acting.