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Lincoln, NE Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)

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

Key Facts

Minimum temperature
70°F (68°F when avg. below 30°F)
Governing section
LMC § 21.05.430 (IPMC § 602)
Enforcing official
Planning Director as code official
Penalty
$200-$500 fine, up to 6 months jail
Jurisdiction
City limits plus 3-mile extraterritorial area

Summary

Lincoln landlords must keep every dwelling unit heated to at least 70°F (68°F in months averaging below 30°F), enforced under the amended International Property Maintenance Code.

602.2 Residential occupancies. Every dwelling unit shall be provided with heating facilities capable of maintaining a room temperature of 70°F. at a point between three and five feet above the floor level, under local outdoor winter design conditions as specified in the ASHRAE Handbook, as referenced in the International Mechanical Code, as adopted by the City. Cooking appliances shall not be used to provide space heating to meet the requirements of this section. Exception: In months when the average monthly temperature is below 30°F, a minimum temperature of 68°F shall be maintained.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Lincoln enacted the International Property Maintenance Code 2012 Edition as Title 21 of its municipal code, with local amendments. Section 602, as amended, requires every dwelling unit's heating facilities to maintain 70°F between three and five feet above the floor from October through April; in months averaging below 30°F outside, the minimum drops to 68°F. Cooking appliances cannot substitute for space heat. The Planning Director serves as code official and enforces the standard on inspection; the code also reaches within three miles of the city limits under Section 101.2's extraterritorial scope.

Violations & Fines

Failing to maintain required heat is a misdemeanor under Section 106.4: fines start at $200 for a first offense, rising to $300 and $400 for later ones, up to $500 and six months jail, with each day a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature must my rental unit be able to reach in Lincoln?
At least 70°F between three and five feet above the floor from October through April. If the outdoor average that month is below 30°F, the landlord only has to maintain 68°F.
Who enforces Lincoln's heating standard?
The Planning Director, acting as code official under Title 21, inspects complaints and can require repairs; landlords who don't comply face misdemeanor fines starting at $200 and rising with repeat offenses.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lincoln

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All Lincoln rules

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