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EspañolCan I ask the landlord to change my locks if I am a victim of domestic violence?
The landlord may be required to change your locks if you or a member of your household is abused by someone who does not live with you.1
1 Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1431.03(1)
What documents do I need to give the landlord to have my locks changed?
To have your locks changed, you need to give your landlord both:
- proof of the abuse, which can be either:
- a protective order, restraining order, or other similar order against the abuser; or
- certification from a qualified third party as defined by the Violence Against Women Act;1 and
- a written notice that you would like the locks to be changed immediately.2
1 Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1431.03(1); 76-1431(5)(a)(iii); 34 U.S.C. 12491(c)(3)
2 Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1431.03(2)
How and when is the landlord required to change the locks?
Once you have provided the required notice, the landlord must change your locks within 24 hours.1 The landlord must replace the entire lock with one that is at least as good. If the lock is still in working condition, the landlord may instead “rekey” the lock, or reset the entry code if it is a keyless system.2
The landlord can keep a copy of the new key or entry code, just as they would when a new tenant moves into the unit.3
1 Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1431.03(3)
2 Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1431.04(1)
3 Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1431.04(3)
Can the landlord force me to pay for the replacement?
The landlord can require you to pay for the actual costs of replacing your lock as long as the costs are “reasonable.”1
1 Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1431.04(4)
What if the landlord doesn’t replace my lock?
If the landlord does not replace your lock as required by this law, you can change the lock yourself. Your new lock has to be at least as good as the old lock. You must tell the landlord that the lock has been changed and arrange to give the landlord the new key or entry code.1
Note: It does not matter if your lease says that you cannot do this – this law applies even if the lease says it does not.1
1 Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1431.04(2)
