Nebraska Tenant Rights: Domestic Violence Protections & Security

Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Nebraska published June 21, 2025 Flag of Nebraska

If you’re a renter in Nebraska experiencing domestic violence, it’s important to know you have legal protections to help keep you and your household safe. Nebraska law gives tenants the right to enhance home security and, in certain cases, end a lease early without penalty. Understanding these protections—and the steps to access them—can help you safeguard your housing and wellbeing.

Your Legal Protections as a Renter Experiencing Domestic Violence

The Nebraska Residential Landlord and Tenant Act provides special rights and remedies for tenants facing domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault. These legal measures can help you regain a sense of security at home or, if necessary, change your living situation.

Key Protections Include

  • Changing Locks: You can ask your landlord to change the locks on your rental unit at your expense, to keep out an abuser not listed on the lease.
  • Early Lease Termination: You may be able to end your lease early without penalty if staying is unsafe due to domestic violence.
  • Protection from Discrimination: Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you or evict you solely because you are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

These protections are designed to help you maintain your housing safety and stability during a challenging time.

Requesting a Lock Change in Nebraska

If you need new locks installed:

  • Submit a written request to your landlord, asking for a lock change due to safety concerns from domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
  • You will be responsible for the cost of the lock change, though you may request to be present for installation.
  • If the abuser is also a named tenant, you should inform your landlord and may need to provide additional documentation (such as a protection order).

The official law outlining these rights is found in the Nebraska Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Section 76-1410.1

Documentation Often Required

  • A court-issued protection order
  • Police report or conviction documentation
  • Other official legal documents verifying domestic violence
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How to End Your Lease Early if You Need to Leave

If staying in your home puts you at risk, Nebraska law may allow you to end your lease without paying penalties, provided you follow certain steps under the statute.

  • Provide written notice to your landlord stating your intent to vacate due to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
  • Include supporting documentation (such as a protection order or police report) with your written notice.
  • Your lease can end as soon as 30 days after giving notice (unless your landlord agrees to an earlier date).

If you share your lease with the abuser, your landlord may need to address their removal through a legal process rather than ending the full tenancy.

Relevant Official Forms

  • Protection Order Application
    Nebraska Protection Order Forms (No specific number): Use this to request a protection order from the court if you fear for your safety. Official forms are available on the Nebraska Judicial Branch website. After receiving an order, provide a copy to your landlord as proof if requesting early lease termination or a lock change.
Key Advice: Always keep copies of any documents you provide to your landlord for your own safety and records.

Which Nebraska Agency Handles Tenant-Landlord Issues?

Nebraska does not have a single state tribunal for residential tenancy disputes. Most disputes, including those about tenant protections and early lease terminations, are handled in County Courts. For more information on the process and your rights, the Nebraska Judicial Branch: Landlord & Tenant page is the primary resource.

Steps to Take If You’re a Renter in Crisis

  • Collect documentation (protection order, police reports, etc.).
  • Submit a written request to your landlord for a lock change or to end your lease.
  • File for a protection order through the Nebraska courts if you don’t already have one.
  • If problems arise, contact the Nebraska Judicial Branch or local legal aid for guidance.
When possible, send important notices to your landlord via certified mail or request a signed receipt for in-person delivery. This creates a record of your request.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. If I ask to change locks, can my landlord refuse?
    If you provide proper documentation of domestic violence or similar threats, your landlord generally cannot refuse but you must pay for the lock change yourself.
  2. What documentation do I need to end my lease due to domestic violence?
    You need to provide a protection order, police report, or other court or law enforcement documentation that proves the abuse.
  3. Is my information about domestic violence kept confidential by my landlord?
    Yes, Nebraska law generally requires your landlord to keep this information confidential unless disclosure is required by law.
  4. Can my landlord evict me for being a victim of domestic violence?
    No, landlords cannot evict or refuse to rent to you solely because you are a victim under Nebraska law.
  5. Where do I go if my landlord refuses to follow these protections?
    You can seek help through your local county court or contact Nebraska Legal Aid for additional support.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

  1. Nebraska Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Section 76-1410
  2. Nebraska Judicial Branch: Landlord & Tenant Self-Help
  3. Nebraska Protection Order Application

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Renter Rights USA

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

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