Question 1

Does Nebraska use a 10-day eviction notice?

Accepted Answer

Not as a standard statutory period. Nebraska uses a 3-day notice for non-payment (Neb. Rev. Stat. Section 76-1431(2)) and a 14-day notice for curable lease violations (Section 76-1431(1)). For incurable violations, a 30-day unconditional quit notice applies. A 10-day period is not part of Nebraska's statutory framework. It could only apply if specifically written into the lease, but the statutory minimums (3 days for non-payment, 14 days for violations) still control.

Question 2

What is Nebraska's 3-day notice for non-payment?

Accepted Answer

Under Neb. Rev. Stat. Section 76-1431(2), when rent is overdue, the landlord must provide a written 3-day notice. The notice demands payment of the specific amount owed and warns that the lease will terminate if payment is not received within 3 days. If the tenant pays in full within 3 days, the lease continues. Nebraska counts calendar days, and the day of service is not counted. After the 3 days expire without payment, the landlord can file a Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) action in County Court.

Question 3

How does the 14-day cure period work for lease violations?

Accepted Answer

For material lease violations that can be cured, Nebraska requires a 14-day notice under Section 76-1431(1). The notice must describe the violation and state that the lease will terminate in 30 days unless the violation is cured within 14 days. If the tenant cures within 14 days, the lease continues. If the same or similar violation recurs within 6 months, the landlord can serve a 14-day unconditional quit notice (no cure option). This two-step process incentivizes compliance while still protecting landlords from repeat offenders.

Question 4

Where do I file an eviction in Nebraska?

Accepted Answer

Eviction cases in Nebraska (called Forcible Entry and Detainer or 'FED' actions) are filed in County Court in the county where the rental property is located. Nebraska has 93 counties, each with a County Court. The filing fee is approximately $47-$58 depending on the county. You file a Complaint for Restitution of Premises using the court's standard form. The court clerk issues a summons that must be served on the tenant at least 3 days before the trial date. The court typically schedules the trial within 10-14 days of filing.

Question 5

Does Nebraska's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act apply to all rentals?

Accepted Answer

No. Nebraska's URLTA (Neb. Rev. Stat. Sections 76-1401 through 76-1449) applies to most residential rental units but has exceptions. It does not apply to: occupancy in a hotel, motel, or similar transient facility; residence at an institution; housing owned or operated by educational institutions for students; mobile home spaces (governed separately by Sections 76-1471 through 76-14,104); and properties where the landlord rents out rooms in their own dwelling. Properties not covered by the URLTA are governed by common law and the specific lease terms.

Question 6

What are Nebraska's rules on security deposits?

Accepted Answer

Nebraska limits security deposits to one month's rent (Neb. Rev. Stat. Section 76-1416) for properties not covered by special agreements including pet deposits. Pet deposits cannot exceed one-quarter of one month's rent. The landlord must return the deposit within 14 days of move-out, along with an itemized list of any deductions. If the landlord fails to return the deposit or provide the itemization within 14 days, the tenant may recover the full deposit amount. Security deposit violations can be raised as defenses or counterclaims in eviction proceedings.

Question 7

Can a Nebraska tenant raise habitability defenses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under Neb. Rev. Stat. Section 76-1419, Nebraska landlords must maintain rental units in habitable condition, including maintaining structural integrity, plumbing, heating, electrical systems, and common areas. If the landlord fails to maintain the property, the tenant can raise this as a defense in an eviction case. The tenant can also use the 'repair and deduct' remedy under Section 76-1427 (for repairs costing less than one month's rent) or the rent escrow remedy under Section 76-1425. The tenant must have given the landlord written notice of the issue and reasonable time to repair.

Question 8

How long does a Nebraska eviction take from start to finish?

Accepted Answer

For uncontested non-payment cases: 3-day notice period + 10-14 days for court hearing + execution of Writ of Restitution = approximately 3-4 weeks total. For lease violation cases: 14-day cure period + 30-day termination period + court proceedings = 7-9 weeks minimum. Contested cases can take 4-8 weeks after filing, depending on defenses raised and court availability. In Douglas County (Omaha) and Lancaster County (Lincoln), higher case volumes may extend timelines. Appeals from County Court go to District Court within 30 days.

Grounds	Notice Period	Statute
Non-payment of rent	3 days (pay or quit)	Neb. Rev. Stat. §76-1431(2)
Curable lease violation	14-day cure / 30-day termination	Neb. Rev. Stat. §76-1431(1)
Repeat violation (within 6 months)	14 days unconditional quit	Neb. Rev. Stat. §76-1431(1)
Month-to-month (no cause)	30 days	Neb. Rev. Stat. §76-1437

Fee / Cost	Typical Amount
FED Filing Fee (County Court)	$47 - $58
Service of Process (Sheriff)	$25 - $50
Writ of Restitution Execution	$50 - $100
Attorney Fees (if hired)	$500 - $2,000
Appeal to District Court	$75 - $125

Free Nebraska 10-Day Eviction Notice Forms

Nebraska Eviction Overview

Nebraska Uses 3-Day and 14-30 Day Notices, Not 10

Nebraska's Notice Periods

Neb. Rev. Stat. 76-1431 Requirements

When 10 Days Might Apply in Nebraska

Notice Content Requirements

How to Serve in Nebraska

Personal Delivery

Leave at the Premises

Wait for Notice Period

File FED Complaint in County Court

Nebraska Eviction Timeline

Nebraska Filing Fees & Costs

Sample Nebraska Eviction Notice

3-DAY NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR QUIT

STATE OF NEBRASKA

Nebraska Legal Resources

Frequently Asked Questions