Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Nebraska

As a renter in Nebraska, you are protected by state and federal fair housing laws that make it illegal for landlords or housing providers to discriminate based on protected characteristics like race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin. If you believe your rights as a renter have been violated, knowing how to file a housing discrimination complaint is essential for protecting yourself and helping to ensure fair treatment for all residents.

Understanding Housing Discrimination in Nebraska

Discrimination in housing can take many forms, from being unfairly denied rental opportunities to facing different terms, higher rent, or stricter rules compared to other tenants. Common examples include:

• A landlord refusing to rent to you because of your race or religion
• Rules that make it difficult for families with children
• Denying a reasonable accommodation for a renter with a disability

Nebraska law, alongside the federal Fair Housing Act, protects you from these practices. The Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission (NEOC) is the state agency responsible for investigating housing discrimination complaints.

What Laws Protect You?

• The Nebraska Fair Housing Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 20-301 et seq.)
• The federal Fair Housing Act

Nebraska's law covers most rental housing and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status (families with children).

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Nebraska

Filing a complaint should be done as soon as possible—generally within one year of the alleged discriminatory act. The Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission (NEOC) handles these complaints and provides resources for renters throughout the state.

Step-by-Step: Filing Your Complaint

• Review your experience and gather evidence (emails, texts, applications, lease documents, etc.).
• Contact the NEOC’s Housing Intake Unit to discuss your situation or ask questions.
• Complete the official complaint form:
• Form Name: Housing Discrimination Intake Questionnaire
• When to use: If you believe you have been discriminated against in housing because of a protected class in Nebraska.
• How it’s used: This form collects information about your experience, who was involved, and what happened. For example, if a landlord denied you an apartment after learning you have children, you would describe this on the form.
• Official Link: NEOC Housing Intake Questionnaire (PDF)
• Submit your completed form by mail, email, fax, or in person as indicated on the NEOC website.
• NEOC will review your complaint and may contact you for more information.
• If your complaint falls under fair housing laws, NEOC will start an official investigation.

To further protect your rights, you can also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at the federal level, but starting locally often leads to a faster investigation.

What Happens After You File?

After filing, the NEOC will:

• Contact you and the landlord or property manager for more details
• Attempt to resolve the dispute through conciliation (mediation)
• Conduct interviews, gather evidence, and make findings
• Decide whether a violation occurred and notify all parties of the results

Filing an official complaint is your first step to ensuring your fair housing rights are protected and can even help prevent discrimination for future renters.

FAQ: Nebraska Housing Discrimination Complaints

1. What is the deadline to file a housing discrimination complaint in Nebraska?
   Generally, you have one year from the date of the discriminatory act to file a complaint with NEOC or HUD.
2. Can I file a complaint if I was denied a rental for having children?
   Yes. Familial status is a protected class in Nebraska. If you suspect discrimination, use the NEOC Housing Intake Questionnaire.
3. Is there a fee to file a housing discrimination complaint?
   No. There is no cost for filing a complaint with NEOC or HUD.
4. What evidence should I include?
   Include any messages, letters, lease documents, applications, and notes about conversations with your landlord or property manager.
5. Will my information be kept confidential?
   NEOC keeps complaint details confidential, only sharing information necessary to investigate and resolve the case.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Nebraska Renters

• Both state and federal law protect Nebraska renters from housing discrimination.
• The NEOC is the agency to contact if you need to file a complaint.
• Keep detailed records and file promptly to strengthen your case.

If you ever feel you’ve been treated unfairly in the housing market, you are not alone—Nebraska law gives you tools and support to protect your rights as a renter.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission (NEOC) — Main state resource for filing and tracking housing discrimination complaints.
• NEOC Housing Discrimination Intake Questionnaire (PDF) — Download and submit this form to begin your complaint.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Complaint Portal — File a federal housing discrimination complaint online.
• Nebraska Fair Housing Act – Statutory Text

---

1. Nebraska Fair Housing Act, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 20-301 et seq. – statutory text
2. Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission (NEOC), official website
3. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), official fair housing resources

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations