Lincoln, NE Short-Term Rentals: Registration Rules (2026)

As of June 2021, a City of Lincoln ordinance provides a legal process to operate a short-term rental within the Lincoln city limits. This process involves acquiring a short-term rental license through Building and Safety. Licenses cost $250 per rental unit and must be renewed annually. Each short-term rental unit requires a separate license. Additional information regarding short-term rental regulations is available at Lincoln Municipal Code chapter 5.39, section 27.02.200, section 27.06.070, and section 27.62.040 c 1-5. Short Term Rental Overview - General Information: It is unlawful to advertise a short-term rental in the city of Lincoln without first obtaining a license to do so through Building and Safety. The maximum number of persons who may occupy a short-term rental is calculated as the total number of sleeping areas on the licensed premises multiplied by two, up to a maximum of 12 persons. Sleeping areas are defined as areas located in a habitable space within a dwelling that contains at least one operable emergency escape and rescue opening (egress window). Sleeping areas include bedrooms and may include rooms within a dwelling other than bedrooms if those rooms satisfy egress standards. Sleeping areas do not include hallways, kitchens, or bathrooms. In the R-1 through R-8 zoning districts no more than 10% of the total dwelling units in a multi-family premises may be used or registered as short-term rentals. Regardless of the 10% cap, a multi-family premises may have at least one short-term rental. No signs are permitted for short-term rentals in the AG, AGR, and R-1 through R-8 zoning districts. An accessory dwelling may be used as a short-term rental.