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Lincoln, NE Public Health Rules: Bed-Bug Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Primary law
NE URLTA (76-1419)
Local agency
LLCHD + Building & Safety
Treatment
Licensed pest control operator
Tenant step
Written notice to landlord

Summary

Nebraska URLTA and LLCHD healthy-homes guidance treat bed bug infestations as a habitability issue. Lincoln landlords are generally responsible for treatment unless tenant conduct caused the infestation.

Nebraska Revised Statute 76-1419. Landlord to maintain fit premises. (1) 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; (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. If there exists a minimum housing code applicable to the premises, the landlord's maximum duty under this section shall be determined by subdivision (1)(a) of this section.

Source: Nebraska Revised StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

Lincoln does not have a stand-alone bed bug ordinance, but the Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. 76-1419) requires landlords to maintain fit and habitable premises. LLCHD guidance and Lincoln Building and Safety treat bed bugs as a code and habitability concern. Tenants should report infestations in writing. Landlords typically must hire a licensed pest control operator and follow up with re-inspection. Disclosure of recent infestations is recommended though not codified locally. Tenants may pursue remedies under URLTA if the landlord fails to act after written notice.

Violations & Fines

Failure to address verified bed bug infestations can support a habitability claim under Nebraska URLTA and a complaint to LLCHD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Must my landlord pay for treatment?
Generally yes, unless the landlord can show the infestation was caused by the tenant. Cost-shifting requires evidence and is not automatic. Many leases address this directly.
Where do I file a complaint?
Contact Lincoln Building and Safety for habitability inspections or LLCHD for health concerns. Document the issue with photos, written notices, and any pest control reports you obtain.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lincoln

All Lincoln rules

Compare Lincoln to another location·View the Nebraska public health rules overview

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