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LB1007

Nebraska Bill LB1007: Changes to Landlord and Tenant Rules

Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 3:18 AM

In one sentence

This bill updates Nebraska laws by banning certain unfair rental contract terms, limiting security deposit amounts, requiring landlords to return deposits if a lease is never signed, and setting rules for returning remaining balances.

Prohibits rental agreements from forcing tenants to give up legal rights under the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act or agree not to disclose the agreement's contents.
Limits total security deposits to one month of rent plus an extra quarter-month for pets, with exceptions for housing agencies organized under the Nebraska Housing Agency Act.
Requires landlords to return any money collected before a lease is signed if the tenant decides not to sign it.
Mandates that landlords must send back remaining deposit balances and a written list of charges within 14 days after a tenancy ends, or mail them to the last-known address if no instructions are provided.
Allows tenants to sue for actual damages, court costs, and attorney fees if a landlord breaks these rules; willful bad faith violations may also result in liquidated damages.

Landlords who rent out residential properties covered by the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
Tenants living under rental agreements subject to this act
Housing agencies organized or existing under the Nebraska Housing Agency Act, which are exempt from security deposit limits

The bill was indefinitely postponed on April 17, 2026, so these changes may not take effect.
Housing agencies created under specific state laws are exempt from the new security deposit limits.
Unclaimed deposits that remain outstanding for one year must be reported and paid to the State Treasurer as abandoned property.

Plain language

Security Deposit: Money a landlord holds to cover unpaid rent or damage caused by the tenant.
Nondisclosure Term: A rule in a contract that says someone cannot share what is written inside it, which this bill prohibits in rental agreements.
Liquidated Damages: A specific amount of money agreed upon as payment for breaking the rules if done willfully and not in good faith, rather than proving actual loss.

Official record

Source attached

Prohibit a landlord from keeping a security deposit when a rental agreement is not signed and prohibit nondisclosure terms in rental agreements

Official activity