Do Nebraska tenant laws cover Airbnb or Vrbo stays?

Most short-term stays over one week are protected by Nebraska's landlord-tenant laws, unless the arrangement is a hotel or very temporary guest lodging.

Can I be evicted from a short-term rental without notice?

No. For most short-term rentals covered by Nebraska law, you must receive a written notice with the reason and deadline. Immediate removal is rare.

What can I do if my short-term landlord won't return my security deposit?

Send a written request. If not returned within 14 days, contact the Nebraska Attorney General or file in small claims court.

Where do I go if I need to dispute a short-term rental eviction?

Rental eviction matters are handled in your local Nebraska county court. Bring all lease and payment evidence.

Can my rental agreement be changed or canceled mid-stay?

Only if both sides agree or if the lease allows. Otherwise, legal notice is required for changes.

Nebraska Tenant Rights in Short-Term Vacation Rentals

Special Housing Types & Situations Nebraska published June 21, 2025

Short-term vacation rentals have become increasingly popular in Nebraska. Whether you’re renting a home for a few weeks or listing your apartment for a short-term stay, it’s important to know your rights as a tenant. This guide explains Nebraska’s rules for short-term rentals, including which laws apply, how eviction works, and what to do if problems arise during your stay.

What Counts as a Short-Term Vacation Rental in Nebraska?

A short-term rental is typically a furnished property rented for less than 30 days, like those listed on Airbnb or Vrbo. While these rentals operate differently from traditional leases, Nebraska still provides legal protections for renters in most short-term situations.

Nebraska Laws Covering Short-Term Rentals

The main law governing tenants and landlords in Nebraska is the Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA).¹ The Act generally applies to rentals longer than one week. However, some hotel, motel, or recreational lodging may be excluded if the stay is truly temporary. When in doubt, check if your rental falls under this Act for protections against unfair eviction and requirements for safe, habitable housing.

Key Tenant Rights in Short-Term Stays

Right to a safe, habitable property: Even for short stays, the owner must provide working utilities, smoke detectors, and a property free of major hazards.
Privacy: Unless there’s an emergency, hosts should give at least 24 hours’ notice before entering the space.
No sudden eviction without reason: Even in a short-term arrangement, tenants are typically entitled to notice before being asked to leave unless the rental qualifies as temporary lodging (like a hotel).
Return of Deposits: If a deposit was collected, it should be returned promptly unless legitimate damages occur. Learn more on the Nebraska Attorney General's Landlord-Tenant Resources page.

Eviction and Ending a Short-Term Rental

If a host wants to end your short-term stay early, they typically must follow proper notice procedures described in the Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Section 76-1437.² For most stays over 7 days, this includes written notice and an opportunity for the tenant to address issues (such as unpaid rent). If you don’t leave after notice, the owner must file a formal eviction through county court.

Required Official Forms and How to Use Them

Notice of Termination (No Official Statewide Form)
When a landlord seeks to end the stay due to nonpayment or rule violations, Nebraska law requires a written notice that describes the reason and deadline to vacate. Many local courts, like Douglas County, offer sample formats, but there’s no universal statewide form.

Tip: If you receive a notice, check that it includes your name, the property address, reason for termination, and the date by which you must leave.
Summons and Complaint in Forcible Entry and Detainer (Eviction)
If you don’t move out after receiving notice, the landlord may file a "Forcible Entry and Detainer" (FED) action with the county court. The court will send you the Summons and Complaint form. This lets you know the hearing details. Bring documentation and present your side in court.
- If you wish to respond, attend your hearing in county court on the date given in the summons.
- If you move out, notify the court and landlord to avoid a court record.

The Tribunal Handling Rental Disputes in Nebraska

All eviction and landlord-tenant matters are handled at the County Courts of Nebraska.³

Always keep written records—including your rental agreement, notices, and communications. These are essential if a dispute arises or you need to go to county court.

What to Do if There’s a Problem with Your Short-Term Nebraska Rental

Try to resolve issues directly with your host/landlord first—use email or messages for a written record
If conditions are unsafe or not as promised, notify the landlord in writing and allow a reasonable time to fix the problem
If you are threatened with eviction without proper notice, review your rights under the Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act before acting
If a landlord files in court to evict you, respond promptly and seek help if needed (see resources below)

Addressing issues quickly helps avoid misunderstandings and protects your rights, even during a short stay.

FAQs: Short-Term Vacation Rental Rights in Nebraska

Do Nebraska tenant laws cover Airbnb or Vrbo stays?
Most short-term stays over one week are protected by Nebraska's landlord-tenant laws, unless the arrangement is clearly a hotel or very temporary guest lodging.
Can I be evicted from a short-term rental without notice?
No. For most short-term rentals covered by Nebraska law, you must receive a written notice stating the reason and deadline to leave. Immediate removal only happens in hotel-like settings or emergency situations.
What can I do if my short-term landlord won't return my security deposit?
Send a written request to the landlord. If they refuse or don't respond within 14 days of your move-out, you can seek help from the Nebraska Attorney General or, if necessary, file a claim in small claims court.
Where do I go if I need to dispute a short-term rental eviction?
Rental eviction and landlord-tenant disputes are handled at your local county court. Bring your lease, evidence of payment, and any written communications when attending court.
Can my rental agreement be changed or canceled mid-stay?
Only if both parties agree or if the lease allows for it. Otherwise, the landlord must follow legal notice requirements.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Nebraska Short-Term Renters

Nebraska’s landlord-tenant protections often apply even for rentals of less than one month
Landlords must give written notice and follow due process to end a short-term tenancy
Keep records and use official resources if a problem arises with your vacation stay

Knowing your rights before booking a short-term rental in Nebraska empowers you to avoid problems and protect yourself if disputes arise.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Nebraska

Nebraska County Courts – Handles eviction and other landlord-tenant hearings.
Nebraska Attorney General – Landlord-Tenant Resources – Guides, sample letters, FAQs on tenant rights.
Legal Aid of Nebraska – Free or low-cost legal help for eligible renters.
Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services – Housing Support – General housing assistance and referrals.