Bill > LB17

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for residential landlords regarding fees, application processes, and tenant disclosures. The legislation prohibits landlords from charging most fees, with specific exceptions that include rent, security deposits, limited late fees (not exceeding 5% of rent or $50), and application fees that only cover the actual cost of obtaining a consumer report. Landlords must provide written receipts for application fees, cannot collect fees for unavailable units, and must ensure consistent application fees across similar units. The bill requires landlords to provide prospective tenants with copies of consumer reports used in screening, including detailed contact information for reporting agencies and the tenant's rights to dispute information. When denying an application, landlords must provide a written explanation specifying the exact reasons for rejection, such as credit history, criminal records, or employment verification. Landlords must also disclose total rental costs, including all mandatory and optional fees, before an application is submitted. Violations of these provisions are considered consumer protection violations, potentially resulting in civil penalties up to $300 per violation, plus court costs and attorney's fees. The bill aims to increase transparency, fairness, and accountability in the residential rental application process.

Justice

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59238