The security deposit is a sum of money given to the landlord by the tenant at or near the beginning of the lease. The purpose of the deposit is to protect the landlord against damages above normal wear and tear during the tenancy. The landlord holds the deposit while the tenant occupies the property and, after the tenant moves out, the landlord deducts the proper charges from the deposit and returns the remainder to the tenant.
To get as much back of their deposit as possible a tenant should document any damage and dirty items in writing with as much detail as possible when you move in, and give your landlord a copy of this documentation. Do not accept a dirty or damaged property – make the landlord agree in writing to clean the apartment or make any necessary repairs before you take possession. There are three things that a landlord can deduct from a security deposit. They are unpaid or late rent and fees, the cost to repair the unit above normal wear and tear, and the cost to clean the unit.
Amount: Nebraska law limits the security deposit to an amount equal to one-month’s rent. However, if the tenant has a pet the landlord may additionally demand a pet deposit equal to one-quarter of one-month’s rent. A local Housing Authority (or any other agency organized under the Nebraska Housing Agency Act) is not bound by these security deposit limits.
Return: When the tenant moves out of the unit, the tenant should give the landlord in writing a forwarding address as soon as possible. Within 14 days of the end of the tenancy, the landlord should return the deposit and an itemization of all deductions. If the landlord fails to send the deposit and itemization, the tenant can sue the landlord to get the deposit back. If the tenant fails to give the landlord a forwarding address to send the security deposit to within 60 days of the end of the tenancy, the landlord will turn the remaining deposit over to State Treasurer’s office as unclaimed property.
