Tenant Rights In Nebraska

Tenant Rights in Nebraska – Need Guidance I’ve been a tenant in the same home for 9 years (month-to-month for *) with no violations, no damages, and no missed rent. The property was managed by a licensed real estate broker until 6 months ago when the owner (LLC with one member, mostly abroad) appointed his nephew as manager. In mid-December, the nephew sent me a text demanding I sign a poorly drafted lease or vacate within 30 days. On Dec. *, he sent a revised text notice with an additional $* non-refundable pet fee due immediately, alongside the same demand to sign or vacate. After this, he threatened to change the locks on Feb. * if I didn’t comply. At this point, I informed the nephew I would no longer engage with him unless he provided proof of being licensed or legally allowed by some exclusion. Following this, I received a USPS letter, postmarked Jan. *, which was a further revision of the previous notices. This letter corrected a typo in the date (changing it to */*/* instead of */*/*) and was now “signed” and authored by the actual owner instead of the nephew. Lease terms include: $* rent increase (well above market for my *-bed, *-bonus room, *-bath unit, no improvements made). $*/month pet fee for my 3lb approved dog (other unit w/* large dogs pays $* total). $* non-refundable pet fee, added in the Dec. * revision. */* water split between my *-person household and the *-person neighboring unit. No appliances included, contradicting my original lease (unit came with appliances). States no deposit paid (yes I did at move in equal to 1 months rent) States not responsible to repair or replace heating, air, humidifier, etc Pool not repaired or usable for years, though it was advertised when I moved in. The damaged liner was reported early, but no action was taken. Now it’s a stagnant eyesore, with my electricity covering pump usage when operational. When I asked about negotiating, the nephew declared the lease "non-negotiable" and issued the threat about changing the locks. I asked for proof of his legal authority to manage the property, suspecting he wasn’t licensed. After confirming this with the Nebraska Real Estate Commission (NREC), I informed the owner, who responded via email, dismissing my concerns and deferring back to the nephew. I’ve consulted Legal Aid (limited support unless eviction is filed) and called the NREC. Despite agreeing the nephew is unlicensed, they refuse to act. I’m now searching for a new place but worry the nephew might start an eviction process, potentially harming my rental record, even if dismissed. I’ve been a responsible tenant for nearly a decade, and this feels unjust. What are my best options to protect myself from eviction and hold the landlord accountable for unlicensed management?

Id like help writing a letter to my landlord stating these issues and attempt to negotiate a fair lease renewal

Feedback on this letter to landlord: * / * Dear Mike, I am reaching out to address the recent communications and requests from Spader, whom you have designated as your property manager. As a tenant in good standing for the past nine years, I have some concerns regarding the following matters: Unlicensed Management: Spader is not licensed, as mandated by Nebraska law, to carry out property management duties. I have verified this information with the Nebraska Real Estate Commission. Engaging in such actions may expose you to potential legal liability. Unlawful Requests and Threats: I have received several notices that appear to be inappropriate, with the most recent one signed by you and postmarked January 6th. This notice demands changes to the lease, including a substantial rent increase, excessive deposits and fees as defined by the Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (NURLT), as well as a statement regarding the potential change of locks on February *, which lacks proper justification or a court order. Please be reminded that self-help evictions are not permissible under Nebraska law. Retaliation: It has come to my attention that these actions appear to be in response to my complaints to Building & Safety concerning the lack of action on longstanding code violations at the property. The complaint was submitted within six months prior to the ultimatum I received, which required me to sign a lease renewal that was one-sided and unfavorable or face eviction. It is important to note that under Nebraska law, any form of retaliation, including but not limited to rent increases and eviction against tenants who report violations, is strictly prohibited. Lease Violations: The proposed lease contains terms that are inconsistent with my original agreement, including provisions related to appliance removal, inaccuracies in deposit records, and responsibilities for repairs. Despite the current circumstances, I am open to discussing a fair lease renewal, provided that the unprofessional behavior is addressed and ceases immediately. I respectfully request the following: *. Immediate termination of threats and unlicensed activities by Spader. *. Necessary pool repairs to be completed by June 1st, * to ensure the pool is operational. Additionally, a submeter is to be installed by the same date to accurately monitor water usage. *. A clearly written lease that follows the Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (NURLT). (i.e. pet deposit limitations, common spaces safety, maintenance and repair responsibilities) with a rental increase that reflects inflation and the lack of upgrades to the residential unit since the original lease was signed. * / * Failure to adequately address these concerns will necessitate my pursuit of all legal remedies available to me under the Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. We have until February 28th to reach an agreement, as your last notice was received on January 6th, *. I am hopeful that we can finalize our agreement prior to that deadline. Respectfully, ****

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