Nebraska Rental Ads: What Language Is Illegal?

Renting a home in Nebraska means both landlords and renters have protections under state and federal Fair Housing laws. Advertising for rentals must be free of discriminatory language, giving everyone a fair opportunity to find housing. If you’re searching for a place to live in Nebraska, understanding which phrases, words, or requirements are illegal in rental ads can help you spot discrimination and know your rights.

Understanding Fair Housing Law in Nebraska

Nebraska follows both the federal Fair Housing Act and the Nebraska Fair Housing Act. These laws make it illegal for landlords or property managers to say, suggest, or hint in advertising that certain people are not welcome based on specific traits.

• Race or color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
• Disability
• Familial status (e.g., families with children, pregnant women)

This means you should not see phrases like “no children,” “adults only,” or “Christian home” in Nebraska rental ads. These are illegal because they exclude people based on protected categories.^[1]

Which Words and Phrases Are Illegal in Nebraska Rental Ads?

The law prohibits language that:

• States a preference for or against certain groups (e.g., “no kids,” “Hispanic preferred,” “must be Christian”)
• Suggests exclusions (e.g., “perfect for single professionals,” “ideal for mature couples only”)
• Indicates a preference based on disability, race, sex, nationality, religion, or family status.

Even subtle suggestions—like using only photographs of one type of person, or phrases like “quiet neighborhood, not suitable for children”—can cross the line.

What Language IS Allowed?

Landlords can describe:

• The property itself (e.g., “two-bedroom,” “no smoking,” “parking included”)
• Legitimate occupancy limits (per local building codes)
• Accessibility features (such as ramps or wheelchair access)

Landlords may require references, credit checks, and background checks, but these must apply to everyone equally, not just certain groups.

If You See Illegal Language: What Renters Can Do

If you spot a rental ad in Nebraska that seems discriminatory, you have the right to take action. The Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission (NEOC) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) both investigate fair housing complaints.

Filing a Fair Housing Complaint in Nebraska

• Document the ad with screenshots or save the web page
• Gather any messages or emails you exchanged about the rental
• File your complaint as soon as possible—there are deadlines (within one year for HUD, 300 days for NEOC)

Official Complaint Forms and Where to Find Them

• NEOC Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
  Use this if you believe you’ve been discriminated against in housing in Nebraska.
  Download the official NEOC Housing Complaint Form
  Example: If you are denied the chance to apply for an apartment after an ad says “no children,” use this form to report the situation to NEOC.
• HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (Form 903)
  Used for federal fair housing complaints.
  Submit HUD Form 903 online or download instructions
  Example: If a Nebraska rental ad says “English speakers only,” you can submit a HUD complaint using this form.

The Nebraska Agency for Tenant-Landlord Disputes

The Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission (NEOC) handles fair housing complaints and ensures compliance with the Nebraska Fair Housing Act. There is no separate "tribunal" for landlord-tenant cases, but NEOC is the agency to start with for housing discrimination issues.

Relevant Nebraska Legislation

• Nebraska Fair Housing Act (§§ 20-318 to 20-322)
• Federal Fair Housing Act, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act

Both make it illegal to discriminate against renters—or to advertise preferences—based on protected characteristics.

FAQ: Advertising Language and Rental Discrimination in Nebraska

1. Can a Nebraska landlord say “no kids” or “adults only” in a rental ad?
   No. This discriminates based on familial status and is illegal under the Nebraska Fair Housing Act and federal law.
2. Is it legal for rental ads to require that tenants speak English?
   No, unless language is essential for safety or the business’s function. Otherwise, “English required” may violate protections against national origin discrimination.
3. What if a landlord uses “single professionals preferred” in an ad?
   This phrase is not allowed, as it suggests discrimination based on marital status or familial status, which is prohibited.
4. How do I report a discriminatory ad in Nebraska?
   Take a screenshot and file a complaint with the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission or HUD using their official complaint forms.
5. Who handles fair housing disputes in Nebraska?
   The Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission (NEOC) manages fair housing complaints across the state.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Nebraska Renters

• Rental ads in Nebraska cannot legally include language that excludes people based on race, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or family status.
• See a questionable ad? You can file a complaint with the NEOC or HUD using official forms—help is available without cost.
• Familiarize yourself with the Nebraska Fair Housing Act for full protection details.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Nebraska

• Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission (NEOC)
  State housing discrimination complaints; phone: (800) 642-6112.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
  Federal fair housing complaints and guidance.
• Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services – Housing
  Affordable housing info, local contacts, and support resources.

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1. The Nebraska Fair Housing Act prohibits discriminatory practices in housing, including advertising preferences based on protected categories.
2. The federal Fair Housing Act (Title VIII) makes it illegal nationwide to advertise rental units in a way that discriminates.
3. Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission housing complaint process and forms.
4. HUD Fair Housing Complaint Form and process.

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