What Are My Rights as a Nebraska Renter if I’m Experiencing Domestic Violence?
Feeling unsafe in your own home is frightening, especially when the danger comes from someone you know. Survivors of domestic or intimate partner violence often face an impossible choice: stay in harm’s way or lose their housing. Nebraska has recognized this problem and taken steps to fix it.
Effective September 3, 2025, a new Nebraska law gives tenants who are survivors of intimate partner or domestic violence powerful new tools to secure their homes. Based on LB587, these updates to the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (codified at Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1431.02 to 76-1431.04) allow survivors to remove an abuser from a lease, change the locks, and hold landlords accountable for taking swift action—all without having to move out or pay penalties. This guide breaks down exactly what these new protections mean for you.
How Can I Remove an Abuser from My Lease?
Under § 76-1431.02, survivors can request the removal of a co-tenant or household member who has committed domestic violence. This lets you remain in your home while requiring the abuser to leave.
Here’s how it works:
Provide Documentation: Give your landlord either a protective order or a certification of domestic violence from a qualified third party (doctor, advocate, law enforcement officer, etc.). Your notice must also include the abuser’s legal name and a termination date for their tenancy, set between 5 and 30 days from your notice.
Landlord’s Duties: Once notified, the landlord must serve the perpetrator with a five-day notice to vacate. If the perpetrator leaves, the landlord changes the locks and informs you. If they refuse to leave, the landlord must file an eviction case against the perpetrator only.
What if the Abuser Doesn’t Live With Me but Has Access?
If the abuser is not on your lease but could enter your home (for example, if they have a key), you can demand a lock change under § 76-1431.03.
You must provide written notice along with a protective order or certification of domestic violence. Once received, your landlord has 24 hours to change the locks.
What if My Landlord Refuses to Change the Locks?
If your landlord doesn’t act as required, Nebraska law gives you the right to take matters into your own hands under § 76-1431.04.
You may:
Change the locks yourself in a safe and workmanlike manner.
Install locks of equal or better quality.
Provide the landlord with a copy of the new key or access code.
This right overrides any lease terms to the contrary. Landlords can require you to cover the actual and reasonable cost of the change, but they cannot stop you from securing your home.
Why These New Protections Matter
These updates are about more than locks and leases—they’re about giving survivors real power to stay safe without losing stability.
Empowerment: Survivors can protect themselves without uprooting their lives.
Clarity: Landlords have defined duties, reducing confusion and ensuring accountability.
Safety First: The law prioritizes survivor security over technical lease terms.
Protection from Retaliation: Tenants cannot be evicted simply for asserting their rights or reporting abuse.
A Note for Nebraska Landlords
If you own or manage rental property, these provisions affect you directly. When a tenant provides proper documentation, you must:
Serve the abuser with notice.
Change locks promptly.
File eviction proceedings against the abuser if necessary.
Landlords who follow the law in good faith are shielded from liability for excluding a perpetrator. Understanding your responsibilities not only avoids legal problems but also helps you handle these sensitive cases with professionalism and care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do these new rights apply to all Nebraska rentals?
Yes. They apply to all residential agreements covered by the Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
Can my landlord evict me for calling police or reporting violence?
No. Retaliation is prohibited. Any attempt to evict you for exercising these rights would be illegal.
What counts as a “certification of domestic violence”?
It’s a signed statement from a qualified professional—like a healthcare provider, mental health professional, advocate, or police officer—confirming you’ve experienced domestic violence. This is an option if you don’t have a court order.
Who pays for the lock changes?
If the landlord changes the locks, costs are typically handled under your lease, though reasonable charges may be passed to you. If you change the locks because the landlord failed to act, you must cover the actual and reasonable cost yourself.
What if my landlord ignores my request?
They would be in violation of Nebraska law. You may change the locks yourself and should seek legal advice immediately to enforce your rights.
Final Thoughts
For survivors, housing stability is inseparable from safety. Nebraska’s new protections recognize that truth by giving tenants practical tools to secure their homes while holding perpetrators accountable. If you’re in this situation, know that you have options—and legal protections are on your side.