Nebraska Security Deposit Demand Letter (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416)
Moved out and still waiting on your deposit? A clear, written demand is usually the first step — and often the last one needed. Answer the questions below and your letter fills itself in as you type.
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[Your forwarding address]
October 15, 2026
[Landlord or property manager name]
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — [Rental address]
Dear [Landlord or property manager name],
I was a tenant at [Rental address] and moved out on [Move-out date]. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of [Deposit amount ($)]. So far none of my deposit has been returned, and I have not received an itemized statement of deductions.
Under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416, a landlord must return the security deposit, with a written itemization of any deductions, within 14 days after the tenancy ends. Based on my move-out date, that deadline was [Move-out date].
Please send [Deposit amount ($)] to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 29, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for the deposit owed, plus damages equal to one month's rent or twice the deposit, whichever is less, if it was kept willfully and in bad faith, along with reasonable legal fees.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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How security deposits work in Nebraska
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.
What to do, step by step
Fill in your details
Answer the questions above. Your letter updates live as you type, so you can check every detail before you send it.
Send it in a way you can prove
Mail the letter by certified mail with return receipt and keep the receipt. If your lease lists an email address for notices, send a copy there too.
Wait for a reply
Give your landlord the 14 days stated in the letter. For reference, Nebraska's own deadline under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416 is 14 days after move-out.
Gather your evidence
Collect your lease, move-in and move-out photos, any inspection checklist, rent receipts and every message about the deposit.
File in small claims if needed
If the deposit still doesn't come back, you can file in small claims court (Nebraska limit: $7,500). Bring this letter and your proof of mailing.
What if the landlord ignores the letter?
Silence doesn't end the matter. Your letter creates a dated record that you asked for the deposit back and gave a reasonable deadline — exactly what a small claims judge will want to see.
In Nebraska, the rules are set out in Nebraska Revised Statutes § 76-1416. If a landlord keeps a deposit without following them, a court may award the deposit owed, plus damages equal to one month's rent or twice the deposit, whichever is less, if it was kept willfully and in bad faith, along with reasonable legal fees.
Small claims court is designed for people representing themselves: filing fees are modest, forms are short, and hearings are informal. In Nebraska the limit is $7,500, which covers nearly every deposit dispute.
Example Nebraska security deposit demand letter
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Jordan Rivera
88 Pine Ave, Springfield
October 5, 2026
Oakview Property Management
500 Market St, Suite 200, Springfield
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield
Dear Oakview Property Management,
I was a tenant at 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield and moved out on August 31, 2026. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of $1,800.00. So far you have returned $300.00, leaving $1,500.00 outstanding.
Under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416, a landlord must return the security deposit, with a written itemization of any deductions, within 14 days after the tenancy ends. Based on my move-out date, that deadline was September 14, 2026.
I returned all keys on August 31 and took dated photos of every room, which show the unit clean and undamaged apart from normal wear and tear.
Please send $1,500.00 to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 19, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for the deposit owed, plus damages equal to one month's rent or twice the deposit, whichever is less, if it was kept willfully and in bad faith, along with reasonable legal fees.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
Jordan Rivera
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Nebraska landlord have to return a deposit?
14 days after the tenancy ends. The landlord must return the balance of the deposit and provide a written itemization of any deductions, either delivered to you or mailed to your last known address.
How much can a Nebraska landlord charge as a deposit?
Generally no more than one month's rent. A separate pet deposit of up to one-quarter of a month's rent is also allowed. Housing agencies operating under the Nebraska Housing Agency Act are exempt from the cap.
What if my Nebraska landlord keeps my deposit in bad faith?
If the landlord's failure was willful and not in good faith, you can recover the amount owed plus damages equal to one month's rent or twice the deposit, whichever is less. A tenant who wins can also recover court costs and reasonable legal fees, even without bad faith.
What is the small claims limit in Nebraska?
Nebraska's small claims limit rose to $7,500 on July 1, 2025, not counting interest and costs. Small claims court is a department of each county court, and the process is built for people representing themselves, so bring your lease, photos and this letter.
Do I have to send a demand letter before going to small claims?
Many courts expect you to have asked for the money first, and a written demand is the simplest proof that you did. It also resolves a large share of disputes on its own.
How should I send the letter?
Use a method that gives you proof of delivery, such as certified mail with return receipt. Keep a copy of the letter and the receipt together.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.