Tenant Responsibilities:

* Before you sign a lease, be willing to adhere to the specifications of the lease.

* Keep your copy of the lease in a safe place for your record.

* Pay rent on time with a check or money order to have a record of the payment.

* Notify landlord in writing of any damage or repairs to be made.

* Keep rental unit clean and safe.

* Don’t interfere with neighbors, peaceful use of the property.

* Give written notice of plans to be away from the rental for more than seven days.

* Give thirty days written notice of plans to end rental agreement.

Tenant Rights:

* To review, understand, and agree to the lease before you sign it.

* To receive a copy of the lease agreement.

* To inspect the rental property before you sign a lease.

* To file a complaint against a landlord if the landlord fails to comply with the lease agreement OR

discriminates against you.

* To file a suit with the court if you believe you have been treated unfairly.

* To have reasonable and necessary accommodations due to a disability.

* To have reasonable essential services such as; heat, water, electricity, and be structurally safe.

* To have repairs made promptly.

* To have deposit refunded within 14 days of lease end, if tenant fulfills all lease obligations.

Landlord Rights:

* To receive rent payment on time.

* To inspect the property.

* To have a 30 day notice if tenant plans to terminate lease or agreement.

* To give tenant a written notice of consequences for failure to comply with lease.

* To evict tenant for certain violations that might cause harm to other tenants.

* To petition the court for damage or loss to a rental property caused by a tenant.

Landlord Duties:

* Develop a written lease in compliance with Nebraska Landlord and Tenant Act.

The lease must contain:

* The date the lease starts and ends.

* Amount of rent and deposit.

* Where and to whom the rent is to be paid.

* Other provisions stating the rights and obligations of the landlord and tenant.

* To ensure that the rental unit is safe weatherproofed, structurally sound and rodent free.

* To make repairs in a timely manner and ensure all appliances provided are in good working order.

* To notify the tenant of a need to enter the unit to make repairs or for inspection.

* To put all notices to tenant in writing.

Questions about Fair Housing Laws?

The High Plains Fair Housing Program provides outreach and education on Federal and State Fair Housing Law. Educational presentations are provided to the general public and to specific groups responsible in providing housing. Fair housing information and Rental counseling is available for renters, landlords, and the general public.

Renters, there are options for help if you believe you have been discriminated against while renting or purchasing a home. Housing providers, realtors, or morgage lenders who need information reguarding fair housing law and it ’s application are also incouraged to call the High Plains CDC Fair Housing Program.

Please call Rebecca Christian, Fair Housing Counselor at 308.432.4346 ext. 7 or 866.432.4346 ext. 7.

Nebraska State Law:

The Nebraska Legislature passed the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act in 1974. This law governs oral and written agreements for residential property, and places certain restrictions on what may be included in a lease. It also defines minimum duties of landlords and tenants.

Federal Law:

You cannot be discriminated against because of race, color, gender, religion, disability, family satus, or national origin.

OUR FAIR HOUSING GOAL IS FAIR TREATMENT FOR ALL

High Plains Community Development Corp. has been funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide outreach and education on The Fair Housing Act. As part of this, we also are charged with submitting complaints of discrimination received to HUD for investigation. We provide our services in an equitable and fair manner and maintain impartiality and fairness with all parties when a complaint is received.

Residents have a right to complain if they believe they have been treated in an unfair or discriminatory manner, and we are required to submit all complaints alleging discrimination to HUD. HUD, not High Plains, makes the final determination if a complaint warrants investigation. If HUD makes the decision to investigate, they contact all parties involved.

Those who are alleged to have acted in a discriminatory manner through a complaint filed against them are often surprised and believe that the complaint has no merit, and yet they must respond to the complaint. This response can be costly and time consuming. It can also be emotional as people generally don’t want to be viewed as someone who violates someone else’s civil rights. Likewise for the complainant it can also be emotional because they also believe that they have suffered from being treated unfairly. We understand both of these concerns and we strive to be fair to all parties. This is why High Plains diligently works to educate and provide fair treatment for all.

High Plains believes very strongly in education and outreach for The Fair Housing Act as well as the Nebraska laws that govern landlords and tenants. We believe that if we can help educate all concerned on the federal and state laws, that the number of complaints filed will be greatly reduced and fair housing will be available for all in Nebraska.