Nebraska Security Deposit Law
Nebraska rules on security deposits for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-22.
Short answer: One month's periodic rent (any security however labeled). A separate pet deposit of up to one-fourth of one month's periodic rent may also be charged. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416
The rules in Nebraska
| Security deposit limit | One month's periodic rent (any security however labeled). A separate pet deposit of up to one-fourth of one month's periodic rent may also be charged. Housing agencies under the Nebraska Housing Agency Act are exempt from the cap. Last amended Laws 2021, LB532. Source: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416 |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 14 days after the tenancy terminates (balance plus written itemization delivered or mailed; if no forwarding address is given, mail first-class to the last-known address). If the mailing comes back undeliverable or the balance stays unclaimed for one year, it becomes abandoned property reportable to the State Treasurer. Source: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416 |
| Itemized deductions | Required: a written itemization of the amounts withheld must accompany the returned balance within 14 days. Source: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416 |
| Interest on deposits | No statutory requirement The deposit statute contains no interest or separate-account requirement. Source: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416 |
| Penalty for withholding | Tenant recovers the money due plus court costs and reasonable attorney's fees; if the landlord's failure was willful and not in good faith, also liquidated damages equal to the lesser of one month's periodic rent or two times the deposit. Landlord's successor in interest is bound by the section. Source: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416 |
Free calculators
- Security Deposit Deadline Calculator — See when your landlord must return your deposit, and the penalty your state sets if they don't.
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Related questions
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit?
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit?
- What can a landlord charge for at move-out (cleaning, painting, carpet)?
Nebraska vs. neighboring states
| State | Security deposit limit | Deposit return deadline | Itemized deductions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | One month's periodic rent (any security however labeled). A separate pet deposit of up to one-fourth of one month's periodic rent may also be charged. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416 | 14 days after the tenancy terminates (balance plus written itemization delivered or mailed; if no forwarding address is given, mail first-class to the last-known address). Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416 | Required: a written itemization of the amounts withheld must accompany the returned balance within 14 days. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416 |
| Colorado | Two monthly rent payments. A separate pet deposit may be no more than $300 and must be refundable. Monthly pet rent may be no more than the greater of $35 or 1.5% of monthly rent. C.R.S. §§ 38-12-102.5, 38-12-106 | Within 30 days after the lease ends or the premises are surrendered, whichever is later. The lease may set a longer period, up to 60 days. C.R.S. § 38-12-103(1) (as amended by HB 25-1249) | A written statement listing the exact reasons for any amount kept, sent with the balance. Deductions are allowed only for nonpayment of rent, utility charges, other lawful charges listed in the lease, and necessary repairs for damage beyond normal wear and tear that did not exist before the tenancy. If the tenant asks in writing within 14 days after receiving the statement, the landlord must provide relevant documentation (photos, inspection reports, receipts, invoices, estimates). Either party may request a walk-through inspection before move-out. C.R.S. § 38-12-103(1), (1.5), (8) (as amended by HB 25-1249) |
| Iowa | Two months' rent. Iowa Code § 562A.12(1) | Within 30 days after termination of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions, return the deposit or give a written statement of the specific reasons for withholding. If no address is provided within one year, the deposit reverts to the landlord. Iowa Code § 562A.12(3)-(4) | Written statement showing the specific reason for withholding any portion; if withheld for restoration, it must specify the nature of the damages. Allowed deductions: unpaid rent or other funds due under the lease, restoring the unit to move-in condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted), and costs of recovering possession from a tenant who fails in bad faith to vacate. Landlord bears the burden of proof. Iowa Code § 562A.12(3) |
| Kansas | Unfurnished unit: one month's rent. Furnished: 1.5 months' rent. If pets are allowed, an additional pet deposit of up to one-half month's rent. K.S.A. 58-2550(a) | Balance due within 14 days after the landlord determines deductions, and in no event more than 30 days after termination of tenancy, delivery of possession and the tenant's demand. If the tenant makes no demand within 30 days, the landlord must mail the amount due to the tenant's last known address. K.S.A. 58-2550(b) | Deductions for accrued rent and damages from the tenant's noncompliance must be itemized by the landlord in a written notice delivered to the tenant. K.S.A. 58-2550(b) |
| Missouri | Landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit of more than two months' rent. RSMo 535.300.1 | Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the full deposit or send an itemized list of damages along with any remaining balance. Mailing to the tenant's last known address satisfies the duty. RSMo 535.300.3 | Required. Withholding must be listed in a written itemized list of damages. Allowed deductions: unpaid rent; restoring the unit beyond ordinary wear and tear; carpet cleaning if the lease contains the required notice and a receipt is provided within 30 days; actual losses from the tenant's inadequate termination notice if the landlord tried to mitigate. RSMo 535.300.3-.4 |
| South Dakota | One month's rent, unless landlord and tenant agree to a larger deposit where special conditions pose a danger to maintenance of the premises. SDCL 43-32-6.1 | 21 days after the tenancy ends and the landlord receives the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions: return the deposit or give a written statement of the specific reasons for withholding. SDCL 43-32-24 | Written statement of the specific reason for any withholding within 21 days; if the tenant requests it, an itemized accounting of any amount withheld within 45 days after the tenancy ends. Deductions are limited to unpaid rent, other money owed under an agreement, and restoring the premises to move-in condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted). SDCL 43-32-24 |
| Wyoming | No statutory cap on the amount of a deposit. W.S. 1-21-1207, 1-21-1208 | Within 30 days after the rental agreement ends, or within 15 days after the landlord receives the renter's new mailing address, whichever is later. If the unit is damaged, the deadline is extended by 30 days. W.S. 1-21-1208(a) | Landlord must deliver or mail a written itemization of deductions, with reasons, together with any balance. Allowed deductions: accrued rent, damage beyond reasonable wear and tear, the cost of cleaning to move-in condition, and other costs provided by contract. W.S. 1-21-1208(a) |
City rules that may add to state law
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Compare security deposits in all 50 states and DC →
Nebraska Security Deposit Law FAQ
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Nebraska?
One month's periodic rent (any security however labeled). A separate pet deposit of up to one-fourth of one month's periodic rent may also be charged. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416)
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Nebraska?
14 days after the tenancy terminates (balance plus written itemization delivered or mailed; if no forwarding address is given, mail first-class to the last-known address). (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416)
Does a landlord in Nebraska have to give an itemized list of deposit deductions?
Required: a written itemization of the amounts withheld must accompany the returned balance within 14 days. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416)
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Nebraska?
No statutory requirement (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416)
What happens if a landlord in Nebraska wrongfully keeps a security deposit?
Tenant recovers the money due plus court costs and reasonable attorney's fees; if the landlord's failure was willful and not in good faith, also liquidated damages equal to the lesser of one month's periodic rent or two times the deposit. (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416)
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.