Nebraska Rent Control: Vacancy Decontrol Rules Explained

If you’re renting in Nebraska and worried about rising rents, you may wonder if your apartment or house is covered by rent control or something called “vacancy decontrol.” Understanding these rules helps protect your rights and inform your rental decisions, especially when you move out or your landlord re-rents your unit.

Understanding Rent Control and Vacancy Decontrol

Most rent control laws limit how much a landlord can raise rent each year. Vacancy decontrol refers to a policy where, once a tenant leaves, the landlord can set a new rent for the next occupant—potentially much higher than previous rents. Some states and cities with rent stabilization rules restrict these increases, while others do not.

Does Nebraska Have Rent Control or Vacancy Decontrol?

Nebraska currently does not have any statewide rent control measures. There are no legal limits on how much landlords can increase rent after a tenant leaves or on rent prices for new tenants. Local governments in Nebraska are also prohibited from enacting their own rent control policies by state law.

In Nebraska, there are no rent-stabilized units or rent-controlled units. This means vacancy decontrol is the default—landlords may set any rent for new tenants.

Your Rights When Facing Rent Increases or Moving Out

Even though Nebraska doesn’t have rent control, general protections exist for renters who are given notice of a rent increase or asked to move out:

• Written Notice Required: For month-to-month leases, landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice to end your tenancy or change the terms, which includes raising your rent. (See Nebraska Revised Statute § 76-1437)
• No Limit on Rent Amount: Once a vacancy occurs, landlords can set new rent without limits—sometimes called “vacancy decontrol” by housing experts.

If you have a written lease, your landlord can only change the rent when the lease ends or if the lease has a specific clause about increases.

Relevant Nebraska Landlord-Tenant Forms

While there are no “rent control” forms in Nebraska, renters might use these common forms when responding to rent changes or notices:

• Notice to Vacate (No-Fault) Form: Used if your landlord wants to end a month-to-month tenancy. No official state form exists, but your landlord must provide written notice. Find sample language in the Nebraska Judicial Branch Landlord-Tenant Forms.
• Tenant’s Notice of Termination—If you wish to move out, provide your landlord with written notice (at least 30 days in advance for month-to-month agreements). See guidance at the Nebraska Attorney General’s Landlord and Tenant Handbook.

Example: If your landlord gives you a 30-day written notice of a rent increase and you decide to move out, you should submit your own written notice to terminate your tenancy.

Laws and Tribunals Handling Tenant Issues

Landlord-tenant disputes in Nebraska—such as rent increases, evictions, or notice issues—are usually handled by the local county court. Official tenancy law is covered in the Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
To file a complaint or eviction notice, you can use local county court forms found at the Nebraska Judicial Branch Landlord-Tenant Forms page.

FAQ: Nebraska Rent Rules and Vacancy Decontrol

1. Does Nebraska have rent control or stabilized units?
   No, Nebraska does not have any state or local rent control or rent stabilization. Landlords can set any rent once a unit becomes vacant.
2. Is there a limit to rent increases after a tenant moves out?
   No. Nebraska landlords may raise rent to any amount after a unit is vacated. There are no “vacancy decontrol” restrictions.
3. How much notice must a landlord give for a rent increase?
   For month-to-month rentals, at least 30 days written notice is required before a rent increase can take effect.
4. Can local Nebraska cities create their own rent control laws?
   No, Nebraska prohibits local governments from enacting rent control.
5. How can I respond to a rent increase or a notice to vacate?
   You may choose to accept the new rent, negotiate, or give written notice that you’re moving out. Support is available from Nebraska legal aid organizations if you believe your rights were violated.

Summary: Nebraska Vacancy Decontrol and Renter Takeaways

• Nebraska does not use rent control or vacancy decontrol restrictions—landlords set new rents after turnover without limit.
• Your key protection is the required 30 days’ written notice for rent increases with month-to-month agreements.
• If you have questions or suspect unfair practices, contact local legal aid or review official government resources.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Nebraska Attorney General’s Landlord and Tenant Handbook—Clear explanations of Nebraska rental laws and tenant rights.
• Nebraska Judicial Branch Landlord-Tenant Forms—Official forms for notice, eviction, and complaints.
• Legal Aid of Nebraska—Free legal help for qualifying renters facing housing disputes.
• Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act—The complete text of Nebraska’s tenancy laws.

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1. Nebraska Revised Statutes, Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; see official legislation.
2. Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, Landlord and Tenant Handbook.
3. Nebraska Judicial Branch, Landlord-Tenant Forms.

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