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Nebraska security deposit law: deadline, deductions and penalties

Quick answer

In Nebraska, a landlord has 14 days to return the security deposit or send an itemized list of deductions (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416). Under Nebraska law, the tenant can recover the amount wrongfully withheld, and the court may award costs or attorney's fees.

Checked against the statute on October 29, 2026.

14

days for a Nebraska landlord to return the deposit or itemize deductions

The deadline

Within 14 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant demands the deposit, the landlord must return it with a written, itemized statement of any deductions.

What the landlord must send you

A written, itemized statement of deductions delivered or mailed with the balance.

Penalty for wrongful withholding

For bad-faith withholding, a tenant may also recover up to one month's rent or twice the deposit, whichever is less, plus court costs and attorney's fees (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416).

Read the law

Summary checked against the statute on October 29, 2026. Not legal advice; laws change, so confirm with the source before relying on it.

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Did the landlord send you a written, itemized list of deductions?

Nebraska security deposit FAQ

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

Within 14 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant demands the deposit, the landlord must return it with a written, itemized statement of any deductions.

What must a Nebraska landlord send when keeping part of the deposit?

A written, itemized statement of deductions delivered or mailed with the balance.

What is the penalty for wrongfully keeping a security deposit in Nebraska?

For bad-faith withholding, a tenant may also recover up to one month's rent or twice the deposit, whichever is less, plus court costs and attorney's fees (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416).

How do I get my security deposit back in Nebraska?

Give your landlord a forwarding address in writing, wait for the 14 days deadline, then send a demand letter by certified mail that cites Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416 and sets a payment date. If the landlord still doesn't pay, you can file in small claims court in the county where the rental is located.

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