This bill amends the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act in Nebraska, specifically section 76-1401, to introduce new regulations regarding fees that landlords can charge tenants. It prohibits landlords from requiring any fees, charges, reimbursements, or remuneration from tenants or prospective tenants, with specific exceptions for rent, security deposits, fees for returned payments, late fees, and application fees that do not exceed the actual cost of obtaining a consumer report. Additionally, the bill outlines various restrictions on how landlords can handle application fees, including requirements for written receipts, limitations on when fees can be cashed or deposited, and mandates for providing prospective tenants with consumer reports and written notifications if their application is denied.

Furthermore, the bill requires landlords to disclose the total cost of rent, including any mandatory and optional fees, in writing before a tenant submits an application. It establishes that violations of these provisions will be treated as violations of the Consumer Protection Act, allowing for civil enforcement by aggrieved individuals or the Attorney General, and imposes civil penalties of up to $300 for knowing violations. The original section 76-1401 is repealed to accommodate these changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 76-1401