Lincoln Landlord-Tenant Rules

Source-of-income protection (voter-approved 2025): On May 6, 2025, Lincoln voters approved a ballot initiative amending Title 11 of the Municipal Code to make it illegal to discriminate against a person in housing because of the lawful source of income they use for housing costs. Covered income includes wages, Social Security, federal, state or local public or housing assistance such as Housing Choice Vouchers, pensions, annuities, alimony, child support and foster care subsidies. The Lincoln Commission on Human Rights investigates complaints: 402-441-7624, lchr@lincoln.ne.gov, 555 S. 10th St., Suite 304.; Apartment licensing & rental registration: Apartment buildings must hold an annual apartment license from Building and Safety, and renewal invoices are mailed at least 30 days before expiration. A late fee may apply if payment is not received by the expiration date. The Housing Section routinely inspects apartment buildings and responds to complaints on all residential properties. Any rental property with an open City investigation must have a Residential Rental Registration on file, and a new owner must file a new registration. A Certificate of Compliance is required when an apartment building is sold.; Habitability/code enforcement & complaint line: Tenants should first contact the landlord or property manager. If nothing is done, call Building and Safety at 402-441-7521 with the address and a detailed description, or file through UPLNK, the City's online non-emergency reporting platform. A City Housing Inspector visits and determines whether there is a violation.; State preemption: Since 2025, Nebraska cities may not enact or enforce any ordinance that would impose rent control on private property. Voluntary contractual rent-restriction programs and certain affordable-housing land-use measures are excepted.