Are you looking for the latest information on Nebraska eviction laws? All eviction notices in the state are governed by the Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, which ensures fairness for both parties when addressing things such as lease violations or unpaid rent.
In this latest guide, we explore the latest Nebraska eviction laws in 2025, giving you the confidence and knowledge needed to navigate the eviction process.
Nebraska Eviction Laws Explained
Nebraska eviction laws are primarily dictated by the Nebraska Revised Statutes, which form part of the Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. These laws are designed to cover all aspects of the real estate market, including rental agreements, lease violations, eviction procedures, and tenant protections.
Any property owner renting their property to a tenant must adhere to these statutes strictly when looking to evict them. Failure to do so can lead to costly delays or even the eviction being overturned and forcing landlords to start again.
Evictions can occur for a wide variety of reasons, but no matter the cause, landlords must:
- Have a written rental agreement that provides clarity.
- Provide eviction notices that provide the tenant with the legally required notice period.
- Not engage in self-help evictions, such as locking out tenants or shutting off any utilities.
Common Reasons for Evictions in Nebraska
Some of the most common grounds for evicting a tenant from a property include:
- Nonpayment of rent
Failing to pay rent on time is the most common reason for eviction, and if rent is not paid by the due date specified in the lease agreement, the landlord can issue a seven-day notice to either pay or vacate the property. If the tenant does not do so within that time frame, the landlord will need to proceed with an eviction lawsuit.
- Lease violations
When a tenant violates the terms of a lease agreement, it provides grounds for an eviction. These violations could include having unauthorized pets, causing significant damage to the rental unit, or disturbing other residents with loud noises.
- Expired or terminated lease
When a lease term ends, the tenant is required to vacate the property unless a renewal agreement is in place. A tenant who refuses to leave after receiving a 30-day notice to vacate becomes a holdover tenant, which gives cause to file for a legal eviction.
- Illegal activities
Another common reason for eviction is the tenant engaging in illegal activities within the property, such as drug-related offenses. In these instances, landlords are not required to give any chance for tenants to remedy the issue or any notice.
Related: Colorado Evictions | Laws and Protections
What Is the Eviction Process in Nebraska?
The eviction process in Nebraska is very similar to most states and is a clearly structured legal procedure that is designed to protect both landlords and tenants alike. The current process in 2025 is as follows.
Step 1: Identify the reason for eviction
Any eviction process in Nebraska has to begin with a clear cause for terminating the lease. We have listed some of the most common reasons above, but there is a wide range of additional factors that could constitute grounds for eviction.
Step 2: Serving the eviction notice
Once you have the grounds for eviction, landlords will then need to serve tenants with a written eviction notice. The type of notice and the time period given to comply will depend on the reason for removal:
- For unpaid rent, landlords will need to provide a 7-day notice to pay or vacate.
- For lease violations, this can be up to seven days depending on the violation.
- For a lease termination without fault (such as the end of the lease term or the property being sold), then landlords need to provide a 30-day notice to vacate.
The notice must include specific details such as the violation, the action needed to remedy it, and the time frame for compliance. Delivery of the notice can be done in person, via certified mail, or by posting it on the tenant’s door.
Step 3: Filing for an eviction lawsuit
If the tenant does not comply with the eviction notice within the specified time frame, then the landlord can file for a Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) lawsuit. This will need to be done in the county court where the rental property is located, and landlords will typically need to outline the reason for eviction, pay the court filing fee, and serve the tenant with a court summons.
Step 4: Attending the eviction hearing
The court will schedule an eviction hearing that will give both parties the opportunity to state their case. This will typically occur within 14 days of the lawsuit being filed. The landlord will need to provide documentation, including the rental agreement, eviction notice, and proof of violation.
Step 5: Obtaining a judgment
If the judge rules in favor of the landlord, they will issue a Writ of Restitution, which grants them the right to enter the property to regain possession. The tenant is usually given a few day's grace to voluntarily leave.
If the judge rules in favor of the tenant, the eviction will be dismissed and the tenant may continue to reside in the rental property.
Step 6: Enforcing the eviction
If the tenant does not voluntarily leave at the end of the grace period, the landlord will need to involve local law enforcement who will be able to supervise the physical eviction and ensure it is undertaken legally.
How long does it take to evict a tenant in Nebraska?
The duration of a Nebraska eviction will depend on several factors, including the reason for the eviction, tenant response, and adherence to Nebraska law. On average, the entire process can take anywhere from seven days to eight weeks, although this can be longer depending on the complexity of the case.
Eviction Timeline Overview
Typical eviction proceedings in Nebraska will follow the below timeline.
- Serving the notice
The notice period will range from 7-30 days, depending on the reason for eviction. Landlords must wait out this period before filing an eviction lawsuit with the courts.
- Filing the lawsuit
Failure to comply within that timeframe, allows the landlord to file a lawsuit at the local court. This will take between one and three days.
- Summons and court scheduling
The court date will be set within 14 days of the filing date.
- Eviction hearing
After the eviction hearing, the judge will issue a Writ of Restitution, which will give the tenant up to five days to vacate the property.
- Enforcement of the eviction
If they do not leave within that period, the landlord will need to coordinate with local law enforcement to remove the tenant and regain possession of the rental property.
The above is only a rough guide, and there are certain complications, such as the tenant filing an appeal, hearing continuances, or improper notices that might delay the process.
Related: Kansas Evictions | Laws and Protections
What Expenses Should a Landlord Expect During the Eviction Process in Nebraska?
A Nebraska eviction will involve certain costs that can add up quickly, even when following the correct legal procedures.
Court filing fees
To initiate an eviction lawsuit, the landlord must file a Forcible Entry and Detainer action in the appropriate Nebraska county court. This cost will vary depending on the location and whether any additional motions will be required.
Service of process fees
Landlords will be required to properly serve tenants with an eviction notice and court summons, and the most effective way to do this is via a sheriff or professional process server.
Attorney fees
While not mandatory, many landlords will choose to hire legal representation to help them navigate the complex process and avoid any errors that could delay proceedings. These fees can be costly, and if the tenant chooses to contest the eviction, the legal fees will likely increase.
Loss of income and repairs
Of course, it’s not just about the costs you will need to pay. The eviction process will also lead to periods of unpaid rent, which will impact your rental income. Depending on the cause of the eviction, landlords might also need to undertake thorough cleaning or repairs so the property can be rented out again.
How to Fill Out the Nebraska Eviction Notice: Instructions and Details
Filling out a Nebraska eviction notice correctly is crucial for ensuring that the eviction process complies with Nebraska's eviction laws. Any errors in the notice may delay the eviction process or even lead to the dismissal of your case.
Step 1: Use the correct notice form
Different situations require different eviction notice forms, so make sure that you are choosing the relevant option based on your circumstances.
Step 2: Include tenant and property information
Once you have the right form, provide clear and accurate details on the case, including all named adults on the lease, the rental property address, and information on the landlord or property manager.
Step 3: Specify the reason for eviction
Next, clearly state the reason for issuing the notice, such as unpaid rent, lease violation, or termination of tenancy. Make sure you provide all specifics where necessary to avoid confusion.
Step 4: Provide a deadline for compliance
The notice you provide must include a clear deadline by which the tenant must either resolve the violation or vacate the rental unit. Your chosen form should outline this clearly, but speak with a legal representative if you are not sure.
Step 5: Sign and date
Finally, before you can serve the notice, you will need to sign it and date it. Failure to do so may lead to the eviction being seen as invalid in court.
Related: Iowa Eviction Laws Explained | Legal Guidelines
Preventing Evictions Through Proper Management
While evictions may sometimes be unavoidable, proactive property management strategies can help to reduce the likelihood of disputes and help maintain more positive landlord-tenant relationships.
Some top tips to remember:
- Conduct a thorough tenant screening
Knowing how to screen tenants effectively is vital. Undertaking a detailed screening process will help you identify reliable renters who are more likely to meet their obligations. You should make sure that you run credit checks, follow up with all references, and verify employment to ensure they have a stable income that is sufficient to cover the rent. - Use comprehensive lease agreements
A well-drafted lease agreement sets clear expectations and reduces misunderstandings, making it much easier when it comes to knowing how to evict a tenant. The more comprehensive you are in your agreement, the stronger your case will be should you need to go to court. - Maintain open communication
Effective communication is key to resolving issues before they escalate. Tenants are far more likely to approach landlords with their concerns if they feel that there is mutual respect. As a landlord, you should make sure you address all inquiries and complaints in a timely manner, and it is also a good idea to proactively check with your tenants on the condition of the rental unit and their satisfaction.
Make sure that you keep records of all communications, as you can use this as evidence should you need it at a later date. - Offer flexible payment solutions
Providing tenants with convenient payment methods can help to ensure that rent is collected in a timely manner. Consider offering online payment options that allow them to pay their rent electronically, and if you have a tenant facing temporary financial difficulties, then provide a structured payment plan to help them catch up. - Perform regular property inspections
Routine property inspections can help you to identify issues early before they become major concerns. This also helps you to build trust with tenants by demonstrating your commitment to the property’s upkeep – just be sure to give them advance notice of your visit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nebraska’s eviction notice requirements?
Landlords must issue a written eviction notice that specifies the reason for eviction, such as unpaid rent or lease violations. The notice must provide the tenant a chance to remedy the issue or vacate within the required timeframe, for example, 7 or 30 days.
Can a landlord evict a tenant without notice in Nebraska?
No, landlords cannot evict a tenant without proper notice. They must follow Nebraska’s eviction laws, including serving an eviction notice that complies with the Nebraska Revised Statutes, otherwise the court can deny your claim.
Can a tenant stop an eviction in Nebraska?
If the tenant remedies the issues outlined in the eviction notice, such as paying rent on time or resolving the violations, then the tenant can continue to live in the property. If they believe that the eviction is unjust, then they may also challenge the eviction in court.
Are self-help evictions legal in Nebraska?
No, self-help evictions, such as changing locks or shutting off utilities, are illegal under Nebraska law. Landlords must go through the legal eviction process if they are looking to remove a tenant.
What tenant rights are protected during an eviction?
Tenants have the right to proper notice, a fair eviction hearing, and protection against retaliatory or discriminatory evictions under the Fair Housing Act and Nebraska law.
