Nebraska · Roommate money dispute

Roommate money dispute in Nebraska small claims

Ex-roommate owes you money? Recover it in small claims.

When a roommate leaves without paying their share of rent, utilities, or other agreed expenses — or when money was lent and not repaid — small claims court is an accessible option to recover. Your case turns on showing what was agreed, what was paid by each person, and what remains unpaid. A written roommate agreement or lease addendum is the strongest evidence, but texts, emails, and payment records can also establish the arrangement.

In Nebraska, small-claims cases are heard in the Small Claims Court (a division of the county court) and you can sue for up to $7,500.

Good to know: Nebraska small claims is not a separate court but a division of the county court, with hearings before a county judge. Cases are filed with the clerk of the county court in the proper county.

Roommate money dispute: steps that matter

1. Gather your roommate agreement, lease, and any written communications about shared expenses, payments made, and what was owed.
2. Compile payment records showing what you paid and what the other person did or did not pay.
3. Send a written demand for the amount owed and keep proof you sent it.
4. File in the court for the county where the rental property is located or where the defendant currently lives.

Filing your Plaintiff's Claim and Notice to Defendant (Form CC 4:1) in Nebraska

1. Confirm your claim qualifies and pick the county. Small claims covers money owed, property damage, or return of personal property, capped at $7,500. File where the defendant lives or does business, or where the claim arose.
2. Complete the claim form (CC 4:1). Fill out the Plaintiff's Claim and Notice to Defendant with the parties' names and addresses, a short description with dates, the dollar amount, and why it is owed.
3. File and pay the fee. Submit the form to the clerk of the county court in person or by mail and pay the statutory docket fee plus surcharges. The clerk sets a hearing date.
4. Arrange service on the defendant. Serve the defendant by certified mail with restricted delivery or personal service by the sheriff or constable. Service costs are paid by you and added to any judgment.
5. Appear at the hearing. Both parties must appear at the date and time on the notice; no written answer is required. If the defendant does not appear, the court may enter a default.

Filing fees: The small claims docket fee is set by statute (a $6.25 base under Neb. Rev. Stat. 25-2804) plus statutory surcharges; service costs are paid separately and added to any judgment. Confirm the current total with the clerk.

Deadline that applies to your roommate money dispute

A roommate money dispute is usually a contract or debt claim — unpaid shared expenses, a loan between roommates, or one roommate leaving the other holding the lease. The statute of limitations is typically the contract or debt period, starting from when the money was due or the last payment was made.

Written contract: 5 years (Neb. Rev. Stat. 25-205)

Answering a lawsuit: No written answer is required. The defendant must appear in person on the hearing date shown on the notice; failing to appear may result in a default judgment.

Serving the defendant: The defendant is served by personal service through the sheriff or constable, or by certified mail with restricted delivery. Service costs are paid by the plaintiff and added to any judgment.

Appeals: An appeal goes to the district court within 30 days of judgment: file a Notice of Appeal (CC 9:2) with the county court clerk, pay the docket fee, request the transcript, and post a $50 appeal bond (CC 9:3).

All Nebraska small-claims deadlines

The table below lists the filing deadlines Small Claims Court (a division of the county court) applies by claim category. Confirm the exact rule that applies to your roommate money dispute claim with your court before relying on any figure.

Nebraska small-claims forms for your roommate money dispute case

These forms are published by the Small Claims Court (a division of the county court). Download and complete them before filing.

• CC 4:1 - Plaintiff's Claim and Notice to Defendant (Small Claims): The initial document the plaintiff files to start a small claims case and notify the defendant of the claim and hearing.
• CC 4:5 - Small Claims Certified Mail Return: Used to document service of the claim on the defendant by certified mail with restricted delivery.
• CC 4:6 - Praecipe (Request) for Subpoena: Used by a party to request a subpoena compelling a witness to appear at the small claims hearing.
• CC 9:2 - Notice of Appeal: Filed with the clerk of the county court within 30 days to appeal a small claims judgment to district court.

This page is general information, not legal advice, and CaseBySelf is not a law firm. Rules, fees, and deadlines change and vary by court: verify with the specific court where you file. Source: Nebraska Judicial Branch: Filing a Small Claims Case. Last reviewed 2026-06-24.