When a renter in Nebraska can’t obtain necessary repairs, before beginning a court case it’s usually possible to file a report with the proper government departments about the unsafe conditions on the property. Code inspectors have the power to order repairs or fine noncompliant landlords.
What Are Considered Unsafe Living Conditions in Nebraska?
In Nebraska, unsafe living conditions exist when a rental property doesn’t have safe and working:
- Plumbing.
- Required utilities.
- Heating.
- Hot water.
- Garbage containers and removal.
- Required smoke alarms carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.
- Provided appliances.
- Common areas.
- Features that affect health, safety, or habitability.
What Should Tenants Do Before Reporting a Violation in Nebraska?
In most cases, before reporting a violation, a tenant in Nebraska must notify the landlord in writing about the issue and ask him to fix it within 14 days.
How Can Tenants Report a Violation in Nebraska?
Tenants in Nebraska should report violations to the local office or officers responsible for housing code enforcement. The exact process depends on municipality.
| Location | Organization | Contact |
| Omaha | Housing Enforcement | Call (402) 444-5371 ext. 2070 or email |
| Lincoln | Building & Safety Dept. | Call (402) 441-7521 or email |
| Bellevue | Code Enforcement | Online Form |
After receiving a complaint, an inspecting officer might contact the tenant for more information. Then the officer will usually inspect the property and cite the landlord for any code violations.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Omaha?
A tenant in Omaha can report a health or safety violation by calling Housing Enforcement at (402) 444-5371 ext. 2070, or submitting a complaint via email. Be prepared to provide location, contact information, and a detailed description of the issue.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Lincoln?
A tenant in Lincoln can report a health or safety violation by calling the Building and Safety Department at (402) 441-7521 or submitting a complaint via email. Be prepared to provide location, contact information, and a detailed description of the issue.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Bellevue?
A tenant in Bellevue can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Enforcement at (402) 293-3050 or using the provided online form. Provide the location, a description of the issue, and contact information, then submit.
What Could Happen to a Landlord After a Complaint Is Made in Nebraska?
After a tenant files a complaint about unsafe living conditions in Nebraska, an officer may inspect the property. The landlord must fix noted code violations. Otherwise, the landlord could be fined and the local government might file to condemn the property.
Sources
- 1 Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1419(1)(a)-(1)(d) (2022)
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“The landlord shall: (a) Substantially comply, after written or actual notice, with the requirements of the applicable minimum housing codes materially affecting health and safety; (b) Make all repairs and do whatever is necessary, after written or actual notice, to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition; (c) Keep all common areas of the premises in a clean and safe condition; (d) Maintain in good and safe working order and condition all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and other facilities and appliances, including elevators, supplied or required to be supplied by him or her.”
Source Link - 2 Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1419(1)(e) & (1)(f) (2022)
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“The landlord shall: (e) Provide and maintain appropriate receptacles and conveniences for the removal of ashes, garbage, rubbish, and other waste incidental to the occupancy of the dwelling unit and arrange for their removal from the appropriate receptacle; and (f) Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times and reasonable heat except where the building that includes the dwelling unit is not required by law to be equipped for that purpose, or the dwelling unit is so constructed that heat or hot water is generated by an installation within the exclusive control of the tenant and supplied by a direct public utility connection.”
Source Link - 3 Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1425(1) (2022)
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“Except as provided in the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, if there is a material noncompliance by the landlord with the rental agreement or a noncompliance with section 76-1419 materially affecting health and safety, the tenant may deliver a written notice to the landlord specifying the acts and omissions constituting the breach and that the rental agreement will terminate upon a date not less than thirty days after receipt of the notice if the breach is not remedied in fourteen days, and the rental agreement shall terminate as provided in the notice subject to the following. If the breach is remediable by repairs or the payment of damages or otherwise and the landlord adequately remedies the breach prior to the date specified in the notice, the rental agreement will not terminate.”
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