Do landlords have to fix broken elevators in Nebraska high-rise apartments?

Yes. Nebraska law requires landlords to keep common areas, like elevators, safe and functional.

Can I get a rent reduction if the elevator is not working?

Possibly, especially if your living situation becomes unlivable. Always notify your landlord in writing and seek legal advice.

Who investigates disability-related elevator access complaints in Nebraska?

The Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission (NEOC) investigates accessibility and discrimination complaints from renters.

Is there an official Nebraska form for elevator repair complaints?

There is no state-wide form, but renters may use local city complaint forms or the NEOC’s Fair Housing Complaint form.

What are my legal options if my landlord doesn't fix the elevator?

After documented notification, you may file a complaint with city authorities or the NEOC, and potentially terminate your lease if the problem is severe.

Nebraska Renters’ Rights: Elevator Outages and High-Rises

Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Nebraska published: June 21, 2025

Living in a Nebraska high-rise comes with the expectation of working elevators, especially if you rely on them due to age, disability, or mobility issues. When elevators go out, renters may face significant challenges—and it's important to know your rights and what steps you can take to resolve the situation. Under Nebraska law, landlords have duties to maintain safe and accessible living spaces, which includes keeping common areas like elevators in good repair.

Understanding Your Rights as a Renter

In Nebraska, landlords must keep rental units in a habitable condition. This means providing reasonably safe, sanitary, and accessible premises. For tenants with disabilities, elevator outages affect not just convenience but potentially their legal right to access their home. The Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) requires landlords to maintain "all common areas in a clean and safe condition."^[1]

Essential Service: An elevator in a high-rise is generally considered an essential service for those above the ground floor.
Reasonable Accommodations: Under the federal Fair Housing Act, disabled tenants are entitled to reasonable accommodations, which may include prompt elevator repairs.^[2]

What Should Landlords Do During an Elevator Outage?

Landlords are expected to:

Initiate elevator repairs quickly after an outage is reported
Notify tenants about the outage and estimated repair time
Offer interim solutions for affected tenants, especially those with mobility issues (such as temporary relocation to a lower floor if possible)

If a landlord is aware of an elevator problem and does not act promptly, especially when notified in writing by the tenant, this could be considered a violation of their obligations under Nebraska law.

Action Steps for Renters: What to Do When the Elevator Breaks

Notify your landlord or property manager immediately, in writing. Include the date, details, and how the outage affects you.
If you have a disability or mobility issue, specify your needs and request a reasonable accommodation for expedited repairs or a suitable alternative.
Keep a copy of all correspondence for your records.

If your landlord doesn’t address the issue after reasonable notice, you may have legal options. Nebraska law allows tenants, in some circumstances, to withhold rent or terminate their lease if a landlord fails to supply an essential service. Always consult official resources or legal aid before taking these steps.

Nebraska Tenant Complaint Forms and How to Use Them

If your elevator issue remains unresolved, you may file a complaint with state or local authorities. Nebraska does not have a centralized state-wide form for housing complaints, but many cities and counties provide complaint processes for code violations or habitability issues.

Lincoln Tenant Complaint Form (City of Lincoln): Report unsafe conditions or repair needs to city officials. Complete and submit with specific details on the elevator outage and any accessibility impact.
Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission (NEOC): Fair Housing Complaint Online Intake Form: Use this form if you believe disability rights or reasonable accommodation needs have been ignored. Example: If your landlord repeatedly fails to repair an elevator and you cannot safely access your unit due to a disability, submit this form to initiate an investigation.

Relevant Tribunal or Board

Tenant-landlord disputes in Nebraska are generally resolved through the local county court system. For discrimination or accessibility issues, the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission (NEOC) investigates complaints under state and federal fair housing laws.

FAQ: Elevator Outages and Renters' Rights in Nebraska

Do landlords have to fix broken elevators in Nebraska high-rise apartments?
Yes. Under the Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, landlords must keep common areas—including elevators—in safe working condition. Extended outages can be considered a failure to maintain habitable living conditions.
Can I request a rent reduction if the elevator is out?
Possibly. If the outage creates an unlivable situation for you, especially if you have a disability or limited mobility, you may negotiate a rent reduction with your landlord. Written requests are best. Consult local housing agencies or legal aid before withholding rent.
What if my landlord doesn't respond to my elevator repair request?
After giving reasonable written notice, you may file a complaint with your local housing authority or the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission if the issue relates to accessibility or discrimination. For persistent outages, you may be able to terminate your lease under Nebraska law.
Which Nebraska agency investigates disability-related elevator access complaints?
The Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission (NEOC) handles fair housing complaints, including access issues for tenants with disabilities. Use their online intake form to start the process.
Is there a specific form for elevator repair issues in Nebraska?
No state-wide elevator complaint form exists; however, local complaint forms (like Lincoln’s) or the NEOC’s discrimination forms can be used, depending on the nature of the complaint.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Nebraska Renters

Landlords are obligated to repair elevators and maintain accessible housing.
Document all communication and notify your landlord in writing about outages.
Discrimination or failure to accommodate disability access can be reported to the NEOC for investigation.

If you face recurring elevator outages, use official complaint channels and seek guidance from local housing authorities.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission (NEOC): Handles Fair Housing Act complaints for renters with accessibility or disability concerns.
Nebraska Attorney General – Consumer Protection Division: Offers guidance on tenant-landlord law and renter resources.
Nebraska State Court System: County courts adjudicate tenant-landlord disputes and habitability cases.
City of Lincoln Tenant Resources: Local complaint forms, guidance, and support for Lincoln renters.