Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Lincoln

Lincoln, NE Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Formula
sleeping areas x 2
Maximum occupants
12 persons
Effective date
September 20, 2021
Enforcement
Building Official
First-offense fine
$200-$500

Summary

Lincoln caps short-term rental occupancy at two guests per sleeping area, with a hard ceiling of 12 people no matter how large the unit.

Beginning September 20, 2021, it shall be unlawful for any person, regardless of license status, to rent or advertise a short-term rental unit to more than the number of persons calculated as the total number of sleeping areas on the licensed premises multiplied by two, up to a maximum of 12 persons.

c. Beginning September 20, 2021, it shall be unlawful for a person, regardless of license status, to rent or advertise a short-term rental unit to anyone without informing the short-term renter what areas are not permitted for sleeping. (Ord. 21104 §1; August 16, 2021; Ord. 21075 §3; June 14, 2021).

Source: Omaha Municipal Code Building and Property MaintenanceView official code

Full Breakdown

Under Lincoln Municipal Code § 5.39.020(b), it is unlawful for any licensed or unlicensed short-term rental operator to rent or advertise a unit to more than the number of persons equal to the total sleeping areas multiplied by two, capped at 12 persons. Operators must also disclose which areas are not approved for sleeping (§ 5.39.020(c)), and licensees must certify that no one sleeps in a non-sleeping area (§ 5.39.030(b)(vii)). The rule has applied since September 20, 2021.

Violations & Fines

A violation is a misdemeanor: fines start at $200 for a first offense, $300 for a second, and $400 for a third and each offense after, up to $500 per conviction, or up to six months in jail. Each day of violation is a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the occupancy limit for a Lincoln short-term rental calculated?
Count the sleeping areas on the licensed premises and multiply by two; that is the maximum number of guests, capped at 12 regardless of size.
Can a host let guests sleep in a living room or other non-bedroom space?
No. Hosts must disclose which areas are not permitted for sleeping, and guests may not sleep in areas not designated as sleeping areas.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lincoln

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rental PermitsSome RestrictionsRepeat Violator StrikesSignificant RestrictionsNoise RulesSignificant RestrictionsTaxes & FeesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue PermitsSignificant Restrictions

All Lincoln rules

Compare Lincoln to another location·View the Nebraska short-term rentals overview

Get notified when Occupancy Limits in Lincoln, NE changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.