Nebraska Renters: Are Hidden Cameras in Rentals Legal?

Feeling uneasy about the possibility of hidden cameras in your Nebraska rental? Privacy is a key right for every tenant, but the law around cameras can be confusing. This guide explains what Nebraska law says about hidden cameras in rental properties, what your rights are, and what you can do if you suspect your privacy is violated.

Your Privacy Rights as a Renter in Nebraska

As a renter, you have the right to "quiet enjoyment" of your home. That includes freedom from unreasonable surveillance. Nebraska law protects privacy inside areas of your rental that are clearly intended to be private, like bathrooms and bedrooms.

Landlord Entry Laws in Nebraska

The Nebraska Residential Landlord and Tenant Act requires landlords to give at least 24 hours’ notice before entering your rental except in emergencies.^[1] This means landlords generally can't enter your unit—or set up any monitoring devices—without proper notice.

Hidden Cameras: What Does Nebraska Law Say?

Nebraska does not have a law that explicitly says whether landlords can or can't place hidden cameras in your rental. However, other legal protections apply:

• Privacy in Private Spaces: It is illegal to install a camera to secretly record you in private places where you reasonably expect privacy (such as bathrooms or bedrooms).
• Common Areas: Cameras in public or shared spaces (hallways, building entrances) are generally allowed for security.
• Audio vs. Video: Recording audio without your consent may violate Nebraska’s wiretapping laws, even if video-only recording is permitted.^[2]

If you find a hidden camera in a private area, your landlord may be violating criminal privacy laws. You can also take action if you believe surveillance is interfering with your right to quiet enjoyment of the home.

What Forms Can Renters Use?

• Notice to Landlord of Violation (No official form number): Notifies your landlord of suspected unlawful surveillance and requests removal of cameras. You may use a written letter for this.
  For a template, see Nebraska Attorney General Tenant Resources.
• Complaint to Nebraska Attorney General: Use this if your privacy rights are being violated. File online or by mail.
  Find the form on the Attorney General's Consumer Complaint portal.

Using these forms can help create a record and prompt a resolution.

If You Suspect a Privacy Violation: What to Do

If you believe your landlord has installed hidden cameras illegally:

• Document everything: Take photos or videos if you discover a camera. Record dates and locations.
• Communicate in writing: Notify your landlord in writing, keep a copy for your records.
• File a complaint: Contact the Nebraska Attorney General if your landlord does not respond or the violation continues.
• Consider legal action: For serious privacy violations, you may wish to consult an attorney or pursue action in local court.

Remember, illegal surveillance can be both a criminal offense and a breach of your rental rights.

Tip: Signs of possible surveillance include small hidden devices in smoke detectors or outlets, unexplained blinking lights, or wires where you wouldn't expect them.

Who Oversees Rental Issues in Nebraska?

The Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission (NEOC) is the state body responsible for addressing housing discrimination and rental disputes. For privacy or surveillance-specific complaints, the Nebraska Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division is the appropriate authority.

FAQ: Nebraska Renters’ Privacy & Hidden Cameras

1. Can my landlord put cameras inside my apartment?
   No. Landlords cannot install cameras in private areas (like bedrooms or bathrooms). Cameras in common building areas may be permitted for security.
2. Can my landlord record audio in my Nebraska rental?
   No. Audio recording without your consent may violate wiretapping laws in Nebraska.
3. What can I do if I find a hidden camera?
   Document what you find, notify your landlord in writing, and file a formal complaint if needed with the Nebraska Attorney General.
4. Do I need to use a specific form to report privacy violations?
   No official Nebraska form exists, but you should submit your complaint in writing and can use the Nebraska Attorney General's Consumer Complaint portal.
5. Who do I contact for help with rental privacy issues?
   Start with your landlord, then the Nebraska Attorney General Consumer Protection Division or the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission.

Key Takeaways for Nebraska Renters

• Landlords cannot legally monitor renters in private spaces.
• Your right to privacy is protected under Nebraska and federal law.
• Take written action and contact state agencies if you believe your rights are being violated.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission (NEOC): Handles housing discrimination and some rental disputes.
• Nebraska Attorney General Consumer Protection Division: File complaints about landlord privacy violations or surveillance.
• Legal Aid of Nebraska: Provides free legal help to qualifying renters.
• Nebraska Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: Official rental law text.

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1. Nebraska Revised Statute § 76-1423: Landlord Access
2. Nebraska Revised Statute § 86-290: Unlawful Wiretapping

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