Nebraska Bans Local Rent Control

Neb. Rev. Stat. 13-331, added by Laws 2025, LB266 and approved April 7, 2025, provides that a local government "shall not enact or enforce any ordinance which would have the effect of imposing rent controls" on private property, and that any such ordinance is null and void notwithstanding any home rule charter. "Local government" reaches any city, village, or county, or any agency or subdivision thereof. The statute carves out land-use or inclusionary housing requirements aimed at affordable housing and voluntary programs in which a private property owner contractually agrees to rent limits. Nebraska sets no statewide cap on rent or rent increases, so for private rentals a landlord may raise rent by any amount at renewal, subject only to standard notice for ending or changing a periodic tenancy.

Any local ordinance imposing rent controls on private property in violation of Neb. Rev. Stat. 13-331 is null and void, even under a home rule charter. The statute sets no fine because a preempted measure simply has no legal force and a property owner can have a court strike it down.