Nebraska Law: Plain-English Guides

Key Nebraska facts

Security deposit 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). Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416

Eviction notice for unpaid rent

7 calendar days' written notice of nonpayment and intent to terminate; landlord may terminate if rent is not paid within that time. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1431(2)

Small claims limit

$7,500 (since July 1, 2025), not counting interest and costs, for money, damages or personal property, or to cancel a contract for goods or services of that amount or less. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-2802

Small estate affidavit

Personal property: 30 days after death, a successor may collect money, bank accounts, stock, vehicles and other personal property by affidavit if the value of all personal property in the estate, less liens, is… Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 30-24,125, 30-24,129

Cost of a protective order

No fees for filing, issuing or serving a protection order. A court may charge fees only if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that the petition was false and filed in bad faith. Neb. Rev. Stat. §26-116

Minimum wage

$15.00 per hour from January 1 through December 31, 2026 (applies to employers with 4 or more employees). Neb. Rev. Stat. 48-1203

Final paycheck if fired

Unpaid wages are due on the next regular payday or within two weeks of the termination, whichever is sooner. Neb. Rev. Stat. 48-1230(4)(a)

Time limit to sue on a debt

5 years for an action on a written agreement, contract or promise. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-205(1)