In Nebraska in 2025, tenants should be aware that the state does not have any rent control laws, meaning there is no legal cap on how much a landlord can increase rent. Landlords have broad discretion to raise rents as much and as often as they wish, provided they follow specific legal procedures to protect tenants’ rights.
For tenants with fixed-term leases, the rent amount is generally locked in for the lease duration and cannot be increased until the lease term ends, unless the lease agreement explicitly allows for mid-term increases. For month-to-month tenants, landlords can raise rent at any time but must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before the new rent amount takes effect. This notice can be delivered either by actual delivery or by mail.
The requirement for written notice and the timing is critical: landlords must communicate clearly and formally to ensure the rent increase is valid. Failure to provide proper notice can invalidate the rent increase and protect tenants from sudden, unexpected hikes.
Though there is no limit on the amount a landlord can raise the rent, increases must not be retaliatory, such as in response to tenant complaints or requests for repairs, nor discriminatory based on protected classes under the Fair Housing Act like race, disability, or familial status. Rent increases used as a form of retaliation or discrimination are illegal, and tenants can seek remedies through legal channels or fair housing enforcement agencies.
Some landlords might raise rent to cover property improvements or increased maintenance expenses, and while this is allowed, the tenant protections and notice requirements still apply.
Nebraska tenants in 2025 should expect that rent can be increased by any amount, but landlords must provide written notice in advance, adhere to lease terms, and avoid retaliatory or discriminatory practices. Tenants are encouraged to carefully review their lease agreements and understand their legal rights, including avenues for addressing unlawful rent increases.
This balance of broad landlord rights with tenant protections makes it important for renters in Nebraska to stay informed and proactive when facing rent increases.
Sources
[1] https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-nebraska
[2] https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-nebraska
[3] https://www.hemlane.com/resources/nebraska-rent-control-laws/
[4] https://naahq.org/news/naas-rent-control-outlook-spring-2025
[5] https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=13-331
