Housing (Renters)

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1007: Prohibit a landlord from keeping a security deposit when a rental agreement is not signed and prohibit nondisclosure terms in rental agreements

This bill (LB 1007) changes Nebraska's landlord-tenant law to protect renters. It requires landlords to return security deposits if a signed rental agreement is never finalized, and bans rental agreements from containing clauses that prevent tenants from sharing the agreement's terms with others. Landlords who violate these rules could face lawsuits where tenants recover the deposit, legal fees, and additional damages. The law directly affects renters (by preventing unfair financial losses) and landlords (by restricting certain contract terms).

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill protects tenants by requiring security deposit refunds without signed agreements and banning nondisclosure clauses, directly strengthening tenant rights per housing topic indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

Track

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 740: Adopt the Housing First Supportive Services Act and require the Department of Health and Human Services to seek federal approval for coverage under the Medical Assistance Act

This bill would allow Nebraska to cover supportive housing services through Medicaid by requiring the Department of Health and Human Services to seek federal approval. It establishes a "Housing First" approach - providing permanent housing without conditions (like sobriety requirements) paired with voluntary support services such as housing transition, tenancy stabilization, and care coordination. The bill creates a dedicated fund to cover both Medicaid-eligible services and non-Medicaid housing costs (e.g., short-term rental assistance). It directly affects Nebraskans experiencing or at risk of homelessness by expanding access to stable housing with integrated support.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates dedicated fund to cover housing services under Medicaid, allocating state funds for essential public housing programs.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeHousing First model provides unconditional housing + voluntary support services, reducing recidivism and aligning with criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands Medicaid coverage for housing services under Housing First model, directly funding supportive health services linked to mental health and homelessness.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingFunds supportive housing via Medicaid, establishes Housing First approach to address homelessness with permanent housing and voluntary services, directly advancing affordable housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Homelessness Renters

Track

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 880: Prohibit residential landlords from prohibiting or charging extra fees for tenants' payments made by automated clearinghouse transfer

LB 880 prohibits Nebraska residential landlords from banning or charging extra fees for rent payments made via electronic transfer (such as direct deposit or online payment systems). It directly affects landlords renting residential properties and their tenants who use electronic payment methods. The law requires landlords to accept these payments without restrictions and without additional charges, amending the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. This ensures tenants can use convenient payment options without financial penalties.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits landlords from charging extra fees for electronic rent payments, strengthening tenant rights and reducing financial barriers for affordable housing access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters

Track

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 809: Prohibit political subdivisions from enacting certain ordinances relating to landlords

Nebraska's LB 809 prohibits cities and counties from passing local laws that would stop landlords from refusing to rent to tenants who receive housing assistance (like Section 8 vouchers) or impose rent control on private properties. The bill specifically bans local ordinances that restrict landlords based on tenants' income sources or set rent limits, except for two exceptions: programs designed to increase affordable housing supply through land-use rules or voluntary landlord agreements that limit rent increases. This law overrides any conflicting local home rule charters and declares any violating local ordinance invalid. It directly affects landlords, tenants using housing assistance, and local governments seeking to regulate rental markets.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingProhibits local rent control and bans landlords from refusing housing assistance tenants, weakening tenant protections and reducing affordable housing options95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

Track

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 117: Provide a sales and use tax exemption for electricity, natural gas, propane, and sewer utilities

LB 117 exempts residential users from Nebraska's sales and use tax on electricity, natural gas, propane, and sewer utilities. It directly affects homeowners and renters in apartments or commercial properties primarily used as residences, where utilities are billed separately from rent. The bill amends tax code section 77-2704.13 to exclude these utility services from taxation when used for qualifying residential purposes. The exemption takes effect January 1, 2026, and repeals the previous tax treatment for these utilities. This is a direct tax policy change for residential utility consumers, not a procedural measure.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts residential utilities from sales tax, providing direct tax relief to homeowners/renters, aligning with middle-income tax relief indicators.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExempts residential utilities from sales tax, lowering consumer costs (protects utility consumers)85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExempts residential utility taxes (electricity, gas, etc.), directly reducing housing costs for homeowners and renters, aligning with affordable housing goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Sales Tax Tax Incentives Oil & Gas Renters

Track

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 506: Adopt the Landlord and Tenant Radon Awareness Act

LB 506 requires landlords in Nebraska to disclose radon-related information to tenants. Landlords must provide copies of radon test results showing hazards (4+ picocuries per liter) and a standardized disclosure form explaining radon risks and mitigation options at lease application or upon tenant request. Tenants can conduct their own radon tests during tenancy; if results show a hazard, they may terminate the lease without penalty (within 90 days) or pay for mitigation (with rent deductions if landlord consents). Landlords cannot withhold security deposits for radon testing or mitigation, though they may retain deposits if tenants install systems without consent. The law applies to leases signed on or after its effective date.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires radon disclosure to protect tenants from a known carcinogen, advancing public health safety measures90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires radon disclosure and lease termination rights for hazardous conditions, strengthening tenant protections in housing.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters

Track

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 17: Prohibit certain fees by residential landlords and require notices and disclosures of consumer reports

LB 17 prohibits Nebraska residential landlords from charging certain fees, such as application fees when no units are available or for inconsistent pricing, and caps late fees at 5% of overdue rent or $50. It requires landlords to provide written receipts for all fees, disclose tenant background check details (including the reporting agency's contact info), and share consumer reports with applicants. The bill also mandates clear written itemization of all mandatory and optional fees in rental agreements, including their frequency and cancellation options. These changes directly affect landlords and tenants in Nebraska rental housing, aiming to increase transparency and limit unfair charges.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits excessive landlord fees and mandates transparency, strengthening tenant protections under housing policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters

Track

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 587: Change provisions relating to tenants' remedies under the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

LB 587 amends Nebraska's landlord-tenant law to strengthen tenant rights when landlords fail to maintain essential services or repair habitable conditions. It shortens the required notice period for landlords to fix issues from 14 to 7 days before a tenant can terminate the lease, and expands remedies for failures in heat, water, mold, or pests. Tenants can now deduct reasonable costs for essential services or repairs from rent, obtain substitute housing without paying rent during the landlord's noncompliance, and recover attorney fees for willful violations. The bill directly affects residential tenants and landlords in Nebraska by providing clearer, faster pathways to address unsafe or uninhabitable living conditions.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingStrengthens tenant rights by shortening repair notice periods, expanding remedies for habitability issues, and allowing rent deductions for essential services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

Track

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 439: Adopt the Property Tax Circuit Breaker Act

LB 439 creates a refundable tax credit for Nebraska residents whose property taxes or rent on their primary residence exceeds 5% of their federal adjusted gross income. It directly affects homeowners and renters who live in their primary residence at least six months annually, with higher caps for seniors (up to $5,000 versus $4,000 for others). The credit equals 50% of the amount over the 5% threshold, calculated using the county’s average home value for property tax limits. Residents must apply to the Department of Revenue with proof of residence, taxes paid, and income to claim the credit on their annual tax return.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax/rent relief via refundable credit for residents exceeding 5% of AGI in housing costs, targeting middle/lower income households.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides refundable tax credit for housing costs exceeding 5% of AGI, directly increasing affordability for primary residence residents (homeowners/renters)90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Taxes Renters

Track

signed · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 8, 2025

LB 266: Prohibit political subdivisions from enacting ordinances which have the effect of imposing rent controls on private property

LB 266 prohibits local governments in Nebraska (cities, counties, and their agencies) from passing any ordinances that would impose rent controls on private rental properties. The bill defines "ordinance" broadly to include local laws, rules, or regulations, and states such restrictions are null and void if enacted. Exceptions allow local governments to adopt ordinances aimed at increasing affordable housing supply through land-use rules or voluntary private programs where property owners contractually agree to rent restrictions. This law overrides local home rule charters and became effective upon the governor's approval on April 7, 2025.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingProhibits rent controls, a key tenant protection measure, weakening tenant rights and limiting local efforts to address housing affordability through rent stabilization.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights