What Can a Nebraska Landlord Deduct?

Plain-English guide to Nebraska security deposit deductions, ordinary wear and tear, unpaid rent, itemization, and the 14-day rule.

A Nebraska landlord can use the security deposit for unpaid rent and damages tied to tenant noncompliance with the rental agreement or Nebraska tenant duties. The landlord should not treat ordinary wear and tear as tenant-caused damage.

If money is withheld, the written itemization matters. It should tell you what was kept and why.

Common deduction issues

Look closely at charges for:

unpaid rent
repair of tenant-caused damage
cleaning tied to lease duties or tenant noncompliance
replacement charges that may include normal aging
vague labor, supply, or administrative charges
charges not explained in the written itemization

Ordinary wear and tear

Ordinary wear and tear is the normal aging of a rental from ordinary use. Tenant-caused damage is different. The cleanest way to separate the two is with move-in photos, move-out photos, messages, inspection notes, and repair records.

Timing still matters

Nebraska requires the balance and written itemization to be delivered or mailed within 14 days after termination of the tenancy. A deduction that might have been arguable can still become a serious dispute if the landlord does not provide the required itemization on time.

Sources used for this guide

Neb. Rev. Stat. Section 76-1416

Source reviewed: April 2026.

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