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Nebraska Small Claims for a Security Deposit: Where to File, What It Costs, Does It Fit

In Nebraska, a security deposit claim is heard by Small Claims Court (county court); the court for your county is listed below. The comparable deposit claim limit is $7,500. No comparable fee amount in our county data; see the official fee schedule. Pick your county, calculate your deadline, then send a dated letter.

State law last checked .

Filing facts

CourtSmall Claims Court (county court) · Court source
Listed limits and jurisdictions$7,500 (Small Claims Court statewide (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-2802; $7,500 beginning July 1, 2025) only)
Comparable deposit claim limit$7,500
Time limit to sue, from state data5 years; check when the claim accrued before counting from it.
Listed county filing feesNo comparable fee amount in our county data; see the official fee schedule.
E-filing0 yes, 0 no, 93 unverified among 93 listed counties
State deposit return deadline
  • 14 calendar days after the date of termination of the tenancy.
  • 365 calendar days after mailing if undeliverable, or while returned balance remains outstanding. Applies when: if mailing returned undeliverable or balance remains outstanding one year, treat as abandoned property to State Treasurer under Unclaimed Property Act.
Deposit statuteNeb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416

Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.

Which county is the rental in?

Does your claim fit the limit?

Enter the amount you would ask the court to award.

The comparable claim limit ranks 18 among 45 jurisdictions with a comparable amount; median $10,000. Ties share a rank. Computed from state data, not measured.

From a letter to court

  1. Calculate the return date and send a letter using your own move-out date, deposit and state conditions.
  2. Keep the letter, delivery proof, lease, payment records and photos.
  3. Use your county guide and court's official instructions to check the filing location and fee.

Calculate your deadline and next letter

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Details of the return rules
Nebraska statutory deadlines
When it appliesDeadlineStarts from
Deposit return14 daysafter the date of termination of the tenancy

Nebraska return rule: 14 calendar days. Check the dates you entered above.

Free Nebraska template, built from verified state data

Methodology: every statute verified against primary sources. See how verification works.

I rented [rental property address] from [lease start date] to [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[amount]. I returned the keys on [date] and gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date]. Under Nebraska law (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416), a landlord must return the deposit or send a written, itemized list of deductions within 14 calendar days after the date of termination of the tenancy.

Free dated DOCX by email. Print-ready state PDF kit: $29. Letter preparation and mailing: $49.

Who do you name in the claim?

Compare the name on the lease and deposit receipt with the property record and the Nebraska Secretary of State. A registered agent receives papers for a company; it is not the defendant. Confirm the defendant with the court or legal aid.

What to bring to the clerk

  • Lease and deposit receipt or payment record.
  • Demand letter and proof of delivery.
  • Move-out photos, inventory and any itemized deductions.
  • Your calculation and the cited deposit statute.

What you can recover

tenant may recover property and money due, court costs, and reasonable attorney fees; if landlord's failure is willful and not in good faith, tenant may also recover liquidated damages equal to one month's periodic rent or two times the amount of the security deposit, whichever is less Bad faith required: Yes.

This is class P1, found in 36 of 51 jurisdictions. Computed from cited state records, not measured outcomes.

Statute says

If the landlord fails to comply with subsection (2) of this section, the tenant may recover the property and money due him or her, court costs, and reasonable attorney's fees. In addition, if the landlord's failure to comply with subsection (2) of this section is willful and not in good faith, the tenant may recover an amount equal to one month's periodic rent or two times the amount of the security deposit, whichever is less, as liquidated damages.

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416

What this means

Tenant resources

FAQ

Which court handles a security deposit claim in Nebraska?

Small Claims Court (county court). Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.

What is the deposit claim limit in Nebraska?

The comparable general deposit claim limit is $7,500. Check the court and claim type that applies.

What is the return deadline in Nebraska?

14 calendar days or 365 calendar days (if mailing returned undeliverable or balance remains outstanding one year, treat as abandoned property to State Treasurer under Unclaimed Property Act)

What's next?