Nebraska 2025 Rent Prices and Rent Cap Laws Explained

Understanding what you can expect to pay for rent — and how much your landlord is allowed to increase your rent — is essential for Nebraska renters. Whether you're renewing your lease, facing a possible rent increase, or just moving to a new apartment, knowing the latest on rent averages and legal protections will help you make confident decisions. This guide covers Nebraska's 2025 average rent prices, rules about rent caps, and highlights crucial renter rights and action steps.

What Are the Average Rent Prices in Nebraska for 2025?

Rent prices in Nebraska vary by city and property type, but statewide averages (based on the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data and state housing updates) suggest:

• 1-bedroom apartment: $830–$950 per month
• 2-bedroom apartment: $950–$1,100 per month
• 3-bedroom home: $1,250–$1,500 per month

Larger cities like Omaha and Lincoln tend to have higher rents than rural areas. For city-specific figures, check your local Census QuickFacts for the most up-to-date information.

Are There Rent Caps or Rent Control in Nebraska?

Nebraska law currently does not limit how much a landlord can increase rent for most private market rental properties. There is no statewide rent control in effect.^[1]

• Landlords can set rent and increase it after the lease ends or with proper notice for month-to-month agreements.
• No Nebraska cities currently have local rent cap ordinances on private rentals.
• Federal and state assistance programs may have rent limits for subsidized or public housing (contact local housing authorities).

If you’re in public housing or using a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), talk to your housing authority about specific rent limits and annual adjustments.

Rules on Rent Increases: Notice Requirements and Forms

While there are no rent caps, landlords must follow rules on notice before raising your rent as outlined in the Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.^[2]

• For month-to-month rentals, landlords must provide at least 30 days written notice before a rent increase can take effect.
• For fixed-term leases (e.g., 1-year lease), rent cannot be increased until after the lease ends, unless the lease agreement states otherwise.

Official Notice to Terminate or Change Lease:

• Form Name: 30-Day Notice of Termination
• Use: While not a government-supplied form, this notice is required by law when a landlord or tenant wishes to change the terms of a month-to-month lease, including rent increases.
• How to Use: Written notice must be delivered to the other party. For example, if your landlord is raising rent, you must receive written notice 30 days before the new rent takes effect. If you want to dispute the increase, contact the Nebraska Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.

Always keep a copy of any written notice you send or receive. A written notice may be required if you need to seek legal help.

Security Deposits: Limits and Return Timeframes

Nebraska law limits how much your landlord can charge for a security deposit and requires timely returns after you move out:

• Security deposit cap: Maximum of one month's rent (plus up to one additional month's rent for pets)
• Deposit return: Must be returned (minus allowable deductions) within 14 days after move-out and the tenant providing a forwarding address

For more, see Nebraska Revised Statute § 76-1416 – Security Deposits.

How Nebraska Renters Can Challenge Unfair Rent Increases

If you believe a rent increase is discriminatory or retaliatory (for example, because you complained about repairs), you have the right to file a complaint.

• Contact the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission for claims involving discrimination.
• For tenant-landlord disputes, small claims court or mediation may also be an option.

Nebraska’s Tribunal for Residential Tenancies

Nebraska does not have a specialized housing court. Most rental disputes are handled in local county courts under Nebraska’s Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

Key Nebraska Legislation for Renters

All Nebraska renters and landlords are governed by the Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Nebraska Revised Statutes §§ 76-1401 to 76-1449), which sets rules for rent, leases, deposits, notice, and eviction.^[2]

Review the Act for specifics or contact the Nebraska Judicial Branch – Landlord & Tenant Self-Help for forms and self-help resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there rent control in Nebraska?
   No, Nebraska has no statewide or local rent control for private rentals. Rent increases are subject only to notice requirements.
2. How much notice does my landlord have to give before raising rent?
   For month-to-month leases, your landlord must give at least 30 days’ written notice before a rent increase can take effect.
3. Can my landlord raise my rent during a fixed-term lease?
   Typically, no. Rent may not be increased during a fixed-term lease unless the lease specifically allows for increases.
4. What can I do if I think my rent increase is unfair?
   You can contact the Nebraska Attorney General or seek help at your local county court, especially if the increase is retaliatory or discriminatory.
5. How much can a Nebraska landlord charge for a security deposit?
   Landlords can collect up to one month’s rent, plus an extra month for pets as a security deposit.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Nebraska Judicial Branch Landlord & Tenant Self-Help Center – Forms, guides, and dispute information
• Nebraska Attorney General's Office – Consumer Protection – File a complaint or get guidance
• Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission – Housing discrimination complaints
• Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services – Rent & Utility Assistance
• Local Legal Aid or Legal Aid of Nebraska – Free legal advice for renters

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1. [1] Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
2. [2] Nebraska Revised Statute § 76-1414 – Notice of Rent and Lease Changes

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