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Nebraska security deposit: 14 days to get it back

The landlord must deliver or mail the remaining deposit, with a written itemization, within 14 days after the date the tenancy terminates. The landlord may apply the deposit to unpaid rent and to damages the landlord suffered because the tenant did not comply with the rental agreement or the statute.

What the law requires

Itemized statement: A written itemization of the amount of the deposit not returned must accompany the balance. Deductions are limited to unpaid rent and damages from the tenant's noncompliance with the rental agreement or statutory duties. The statute sets no receipt or documentation threshold.
Forwarding address: A forwarding address is not required to start the clock. If the tenant gives no mailing address or instructions, the landlord mails the balance and itemization by first-class mail to the last-known address. Returned mail, or a balance outstanding for one year, is reported to the State Treasurer as unclaimed property.
If the landlord breaks the rules: If the landlord fails to comply, the tenant may recover the money due, court costs and reasonable attorney's fees. If the failure is willful and not in good faith, the tenant may also recover liquidated damages equal to the lesser of one month's rent or twice the deposit.
Deposit cap: A landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit above one month's periodic rent. A separate pet deposit of up to one-fourth of one month's rent may be charged when appropriate.
Small claims limit: $7,500 in Small Claims Court (county court)
Statute: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416 (Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act)

If your landlord misses the deadline

Write down your dates and gather proof: move-out date, the date you gave your forwarding address, the deposit amount, and anything the landlord sent. Photos and receipts help.
Send a written demand by certified mail, keep the receipt, and cite Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416. Give a date to respond.
If you still aren't paid, file in Small Claims Court (county court). Deposit claims up to $7,500 can be filed there, usually without a lawyer. Check the court's website for current filing fees and forms.

What a Nebraska demand letter looks like

Re: Demand for return of security deposit / Rental address: [Street address, unit, city, state ZIP]

Dear [Landlord name]:

I rented the property above from you under a lease that began on [lease start date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount] on [date paid]. I moved out and returned possession on [move-out date].

My forwarding address is [forwarding address]. Please send my deposit and any required statement to that address.

[A.] I have not received my deposit or an itemized statement of deductions. Under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416, a landlord must return a tenant's security deposit, or send an itemized statement of any deductions, within 14 days after the tenant moves out. That deadline passed on [deadline date].

Preview of the first part of letter one. Yellow marks the parts you fill in.

Common questions

How long does a landlord in Nebraska have to return a security deposit?

What happens if a Nebraska landlord keeps the deposit wrongfully?

If the landlord fails to comply, the tenant may recover the money due, court costs and reasonable attorney's fees. If the failure is willful and not in good faith, the tenant may also recover liquidated damages equal to the lesser of one month's rent or twice the deposit.

Do I have to give my Nebraska landlord a forwarding address?

A forwarding address is not required to start the clock. If the tenant gives no mailing address or instructions, the landlord mails the balance and itemization by first-class mail to the last-known address. Returned mail, or a balance outstanding for one year, is reported to the State Treasurer as unclaimed property.

Where do I sue for my deposit in Nebraska?

Deposit claims up to $7,500 can be filed in Small Claims Court (county court). Check the court's website for current filing fees and forms.

Other states

Rules reviewed October 2026. Laws change, so confirm with the statute before you rely on this page.