Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1401 et seq. § 76-1430
Tenant's remedies for landlord's unlawful ouster, exclusion, or diminution of service.
Operative Text
If the landlord unlawfully removes or excludes the tenant from the premises or willfully and wrongfully diminishes services to the tenant by interrupting or causing the interruption of electric, gas, water or other essential service to the tenant, the tenant may recover possession or terminate the rental agreement and, in either case, recover an amount equal to three months' periodic rent as liquidated damages, and a reasonable attorney's fee. If the rental agreement is terminated the landlord shall return all prepaid rent and security recoverable under section 76-1416 .
Nebraska Revised Statute § 76-1430 addresses situations where a landlord unlawfully locks out a tenant, removes them from their home, or deliberately cuts off essential utilities such as electricity, gas, or water. When such conduct occurs, the law provides the tenant with a choice: either reclaim possession of the rental unit or end the rental agreement entirely. In either scenario, the tenant is entitled to recover a fixed damages amount equal to three months' rent, plus reasonable attorney's fees, and if the agreement is terminated, any prepaid rent and security deposit must be returned.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1430, property owners and managers are prohibited from using self-help measures—such as changing locks, physically removing a tenant, or cutting off utilities like electricity, gas, or water—to force a tenant out or pressure them to leave. Compliant operators follow formal legal eviction procedures through the courts rather than taking unilateral action against a tenant's occupancy or essential services. Violations of this provision expose landlords to significant financial liability, including a liquidated damages award of three months' rent and the tenant's reasonable attorney's fees, making adherence to lawful processes a critical operational practice.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1430 gives tenants meaningful remedies if a landlord unlawfully locks them out, removes them from their home, or deliberately shuts off essential services like gas, water, or electricity. Tenants in this situation generally have the option to seek to reclaim their rental unit or to terminate the lease and pursue a damages award equal to three months' periodic rent, along with reasonable attorney's fees. Tenants who believe this provision has been violated may consider documenting the conduct, contacting a local tenant-rights organization for guidance, or consulting with an attorney about the available enforcement paths.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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