Housing assistance in Nebraska

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in Nebraska

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in Nebraska

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

Up to one month's rent, plus a pet deposit of no more than one-fourth of one month's rent where appropriate. This cap does not apply to housing agencies organized under the Nebraska Housing Agency Act.

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416(1)

Deposit return deadline

Within 14 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must deliver or mail the balance with a written itemization of deductions. If the failure to comply is willful and not in good faith, the tenant can also recover the lesser of one month's rent or twice the deposit, plus court costs and attorney's fees.

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416(2)-(3)

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

7 calendar days' written notice of nonpayment, stating that the landlord intends to terminate if rent is not paid within that time. If the tenant pays in full within the 7 days, the landlord cannot terminate for that nonpayment.

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1431(2)

Landlord entry notice

At least 24 hours' written notice, given to each unit, stating the purpose of entry and a reasonable time window. Entry is allowed only at reasonable times. No notice is needed in an emergency or when notice is impracticable (written-notice rule added by LB320 in 2021).

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1423

If the landlord won’t make repairs

There is no general repair-and-deduct right. For a material problem affecting health and safety, the tenant can give a written 14/30-day notice: if it is not fixed within 14 days, the lease ends in 30 days. If the landlord deliberately or negligently fails to supply heat, running water, hot water or essential services, after written notice the tenant may buy those services and deduct the cost from rent, or get substitute housing and stop paying rent during that period.

Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1425, 76-1427

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve Nebraska

• Shelter, rent help, and local services211
• HUD-approved housing counseling800-569-4287
• Housing discrimination complaints (HUD)800-669-9777
• Energy assistance referral (LIHEAP)866-674-6327
• Veterans at risk of homelessness877-424-3838
• Domestic violence hotline800-799-7233

More local contacts: HUD’s Nebraska resource page.

Next steps

1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

1. Neb. Rev. Stat. 76-1416 Security deposits; prepaid rentNebraska Legislature
2. Neb. Rev. Stat. 76-1431 Noncompliance; failure to pay rentNebraska Legislature
3. Neb. Rev. Stat. 76-1423 AccessNebraska Legislature
4. Neb. Rev. Stat. 76-1425 Noncompliance by landlordNebraska Legislature
5. Neb. Rev. Stat. 76-1427 Wrongful failure to supply heat, water, or essential servicesNebraska Legislature
6. Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
7. Call for HelpLegal Aid of Nebraska
8. Housing Online ResourcesLegal Aid of Nebraska
9. Landlord and Tenant Handbook (2025)Legal Aid of Nebraska
10. Omaha Housing AuthorityOmaha Housing Authority
11. Lincoln Housing AuthorityLincoln Housing Authority