Nebraska Security Deposit Law: Deadlines & Penalties

Nebraska gives landlords a short deadline. Within 14 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the security deposit, minus any lawful deductions, together with a written itemization of what was kept. Deposits are generally capped at one month's rent, with a separate pet deposit of up to one-quarter of a month's rent allowed.

The landlord may deliver the refund and itemization or mail them to the tenant. If the tenant hasn't provided a mailing address, the landlord must use the last known address, and money that comes back undeliverable or goes unclaimed for a year is treated as unclaimed property and reported to the State Treasurer. Giving your forwarding address in writing avoids that delay.

If a landlord doesn't return the balance and itemization as required, the tenant can recover the money owed, court costs and reasonable legal fees. If the failure is willful and not in good faith, the tenant can also recover damages equal to one month's rent or twice the deposit, whichever is less, which makes even a small claim worth pursuing.