Nebraska security deposit rules.
The Nebraska rules for residential security deposits in plain English: how much can be charged, how fast it comes back, whether interest is owed, and what catches operators out.
Last reviewed · Statute: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416 · Not legal advice
How much can be charged
Capped at one month’s rent, plus a quarter month for pet deposits. No additional cleaning deposits.
When it has to come back
The balance plus a written itemisation must be delivered or mailed within 14 days after termination of the tenancy. If the tenant gives no address, mail to the last known address.
Interest
No interest is required.
Where the money has to sit
No segregation requirement.
What catches operators out
- Cleaning fees are not separately collectable as deposit — common operator mistake.
- Non-compliance: the tenant recovers the amount due, costs and attorney’s fees. Wilful or bad-faith retention adds liquidated damages of one month’s rent or twice the deposit, whichever is less.
What this looks like with Standby in Nebraska.
When a resident takes a Standby certificate there is no cash deposit to hold, so the cap, the return deadline and the interest rules above have nothing to attach to. You are covered up to the full deposit and draw on it when you need to.
When a resident pays cash instead, Standby handles that deposit under your lease and Nebraska law, so your team is not tracking return deadlines by hand.
This page summarises the most common single-family and multifamily residential rule in Nebraska. Furnished units, senior leases, mobile-home tenancies and short-term rentals can differ, and city ordinances may override the state default. Check the statute before relying on a figure for a specific lease.