Nebraska Rental Utility Laws: Who Pays for Utilities?

When you rent a home or apartment in Nebraska, figuring out who pays for utilities can be confusing. Your lease should explain whether you or your landlord is responsible for paying services like water, electricity, and trash. If you're unsure, knowing Nebraska law can help you avoid common disputes and get the services you need.

How Utility Responsibilities Are Decided in Nebraska Rentals

Nebraska law allows utility payment responsibilities to be set by your rental agreement. This means your lease will say whether the landlord or tenant pays for utilities like gas, electricity, water, sewer, or trash removal. If the lease doesn't say, certain state rules apply. Always carefully check your Nebraska lease agreement when you move in.

Common Utility Payment Arrangements

• Landlord pays all utilities: Usually included in the rent. Very common in multi-unit buildings.
• Tenant pays all utilities directly: You arrange and pay for your own accounts.
• Shared or split bills: The landlord covers some services, while you pay others.

What Nebraska Law Says About Utilities in Rentals

The main law covering tenant and landlord utility responsibilities is the Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.^[1] This law requires that, unless otherwise agreed in writing, the landlord must:

• Ensure essential services—like heat, water, hot water, and electricity—are available
• Maintain any equipment they control (e.g., furnaces, water heaters)

If the landlord is responsible for utility bills and fails to pay, tenants have rights and options for dealing with lost or disconnected service.

If Essential Utilities Are Shut Off

If your utilities are cut off because your landlord didn't pay, you may have remedies. Nebraska law allows renters to:

• Pay the bill themselves and deduct it from the rent
• File a complaint with Nebraska's courts

It's important to document all attempts to contact your landlord and keep records of any payments.

Renter Rights: Requesting Service or Repair

If an essential service (like heat or water) is not working—and your landlord is responsible—state law lets you ask for repairs. Use the "Tenant's 14/30 Day Notice to Landlord" form (Nebraska Judicial Branch Form CC 6:7) to request repairs in writing.

Sample Official Forms for Renters

• Tenant's 14/30 Day Notice to Landlord (Form CC 6:7): Use this to give your landlord written notice that a utility or essential service needs repair. It begins a process that can lead to lease termination if unaddressed.
  Download the official form (Nebraska Judicial Branch)

Who Handles Utility Disputes in Nebraska?

If talking to your landlord does not resolve a utility-related issue, disputes in Nebraska are handled by your local County Court, which oversees tenant-landlord matters. Find your local court at the Nebraska Judicial Branch Landlord/Tenant Self-Help Center.

Step-by-Step: If Your Landlord Fails to Provide Utilities

• Check your lease for utility responsibility. Make sure you're not responsible before taking further action.
• Notify your landlord in writing about the service problem using the "Tenant's 14/30 Day Notice to Landlord".
• If unresolved, you may pay for utilities and deduct the cost from your rent—keep all receipts.
• If the issue continues, contact your county court about your options. Court staff can explain the process for filing a formal complaint.

These steps can help protect your home and your rights under Nebraska law.

Frequently Asked Questions about Utilities in Nebraska Rentals

1. Can my landlord shut off my utilities if I don't pay rent?
   No, Nebraska law prohibits landlords from intentionally shutting off utilities or other essential services to force a tenant out. This could be considered an illegal eviction.
2. What should I do if my utility bill is in the landlord's name but they aren't paying?
   Send a written request (using the 14/30 day notice form), keep records, and contact your county court if the service is shut off.
3. Can a landlord charge extra for utilities if it's not in the lease?
   No. Charges for utilities must be outlined in your lease agreement. Extra, unlisted fees are not permitted.
4. Who contacts the utility company when moving in?
   If utilities are your responsibility, you must contact and set up accounts with electricity, water, and other providers. If your landlord covers utilities, this is not required.
5. Am I responsible for repair of utility equipment (like water heater)?
   Unless your lease says otherwise, landlords are responsible for repairs of essential appliances and utility systems they provide.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Nebraska Renters

• Always check your lease to see who pays for which utilities.
• Your landlord cannot legally turn off your utilities—even for unpaid rent.
• Use official court forms and talk to your local county court if you face serious utility problems.

Understanding your utility responsibilities—and your rights—can help ensure a smooth renting experience, but reach out for help if you’re unsure.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Nebraska Judicial Branch Landlord/Tenant Self-Help Center – Court forms, resources, and guides for renters.
• Nebraska Attorney General Consumer Protection Division – Utility shutoff complaints or landlord-tenant problems.
• For local support, reach out to your county court or a local legal aid provider.

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1. Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – Utility Responsibilities (Nebraska Statutes 76-1417 to 76-1429)
2. Nebraska Judicial Branch Landlord/Tenant Self-Help Center

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