Most residential landlords require tenants to pay a security deposit to cover any repairs needed when the tenant moves out, or to cover the tenant’s failure to pay the last month's rent.

Laws vary from state to state, but many states have statutes that provide the maximum amount of security deposit a landlord may require for a residential lease and the costs for which the landlord may use the security deposit (cleaning, repairs, unpaid rent) following termination of the lease.

These laws also provide a specific deadline (often 30-60 days) for the landlord to return the tenant’s security deposit following termination of the lease—after deducting any amount properly withheld, as allowed by law.

In Nebraska, the Nebraska Residential Landlord and Tenant Act regulates security deposits for residential leases. Landlords can require tenants to pay a security deposit, which is typically used to cover repairs for damage beyond normal wear and tear, cleaning, or unpaid rent after the tenant moves out. Nebraska law limits the maximum amount of security deposit to one month's rent, except in cases where special conditions pose a danger to maintenance of the premises. Additionally, if the landlord requires a pet deposit for a tenant who owns a pet, the total deposit may be up to one and one-half month's rent. After the lease is terminated, the landlord has 14 days to provide the tenant with a written itemization of the damages and the estimated cost of repair, and must return any remaining portion of the security deposit within 14 days after the itemization is provided. If the landlord fails to comply with these requirements, the tenant may be entitled to recover the full security deposit, plus court costs and attorney's fees.