Lincoln, Nebraska Short Term Rental Regulations
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Reviewed by Karolyn Hutson
Last updated August 23, 2023
Lincoln Short-Term Rental Regulations
Information is maintained by the community to provide helpful insights and links to local regulations, HostScouts does not provide legal or investment advice.
City Code of Ordinances
A short-term rental is the rental of all or a portion of a residential dwelling for accommodations for a length of stay per guest visit of no more than 30 consecutive days. Short-term rentals are a conditionally permitted use in the AG, AGR, R-1 through R-8, O-1, O-2, O-3, R-T, B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, B-5, H-1, H-2, H-3, and H-4 zoning districts.The maximum number of persons who may occupy the short-term rental is calculated as the number of sleeping areas on the licensed premises multiplied by two, up to 12 persons. Multi-family uses in the R-1 through R-8 Residential zoning districts would be allowed at least one, but no more than 10% of the total dwelling units on the premises to be licensed as short-term rentals. See Title 27 – Zoning for a detailed ordinance and see Zoning Map.
Business License Requirements
All short-term rental operators must obtain an approved license from the Building and Safety Department. Apply for a Short-Term Rental LicenseSee Title 5 – Licensing and Enforcement
Building and Housing Standards
Lincoln has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing. Consult the Building Division for more information.Tourist and Local Taxes
The rate is four percent (4%) of all gross receipts for each calendar month derived from the total consideration charged for occupancy per occupied room per night. Title 3 – TaxesOther Rules
It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. Visit the City of Lincoln for more information.Is something not quite right? Registered users can suggest changes to this guide.
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Short Term City Rating6.2
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Competition
7.4 -
Real Estate Cost
8.6 -
STR Regulations
4.0 -
Seasonality
8.1 -
Rental Rates
2.8
Lincoln, Nebraska Quick Stats
Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.
- Population
- 291,082
- STR License Required
- Yes
- Tourist Season
- County
- Lancaster
- Airports
- Lincoln Airport (LNK)
- Beatrice Municipal Airport (BIE)
Want to learn more about Lincoln?
Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.
Check out our Lincoln rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Lincoln rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Lincoln.
The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.
Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.
What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Lincoln guests.
Interested in other Nebraska cities?
Check out the Nebraska short term rental regulations directory
What makes Lincoln a great place to invest?
- Rich Cultural Experience: Lincoln, Nebraska is a vibrant city that boasts an eclectic blend of history, arts, and culture. Visitors can explore the historic Haymarket District, where old brick warehouses have been converted into modern boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. The Sheldon Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of American art, while the International Quilt Study Center & Museum showcases the world's largest publicly-held quilt collection.
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Home to the flagship campus of the University of Nebraska system, Lincoln offers numerous educational and entertainment opportunities. Sports fans can cheer on the beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium, while the Lied Center for Performing Arts features a diverse lineup of performances, from Broadway shows to world-class concerts.
- Outdoor Adventures: Lincoln offers a plethora of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. The extensive trail system, which includes over 131 miles of trails, is perfect for cycling, jogging, and walking. Holmes Lake Park and Wilderness Park provide excellent opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking, while golf enthusiasts can enjoy the city's numerous public and private golf courses.
- Sunken Gardens: This beautifully maintained, 1.5-acre garden offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Featuring over 30,000 plants, the Sunken Gardens is a must-see for anyone who appreciates horticulture and landscape design. The garden's themed displays change yearly, ensuring a unique experience with every visit.
- Pioneers Park Nature Center: This 668-acre nature preserve offers a variety of experiences for the entire family. With eight miles of walking trails, visitors can observe native Nebraska wildlife, including bison, elk, and white-tailed deer. The Nature Center also offers hands-on exhibits, educational programs, and a raptor display showcasing majestic birds of prey.
Lincoln Nearby Cities
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47 miles away
- Rating: 6.0
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134 miles away
- Rating: 7.6
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Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Lincoln?
The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Lincoln has decreased -1% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $169, which is lower than the national average.
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Median Sale Price
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$270,251
-1% YoY
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Median per Square Foot
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$169
-3% YoY
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Average Monthly Rent
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$1,108
4% YoY
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Lincoln, Nebraska
Common terms for Lincoln short term rental listings.
When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.
Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:
- Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
- Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
- Informative: The average listing in Lincoln has a description approximately 1,272 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.
After reviewing more than 532 listings in Lincoln, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Lincoln, Quiet, Basement, Downtown, Comfortable, Feel, Family, Beautiful, Place, and Smart.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Lincoln?
Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Lincoln involve going to the City Centre, Museums, the Zoo, Cycling, and Adventure Activities. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
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City Centre
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Museums
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Zoo
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Cycling
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Adventure Activities
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Health Spa
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Swimming
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Antiquing
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Winery Tours
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Water Parks
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Ice Skating
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Wildlife Viewing
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Lincoln, including University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Pinnacle Bank Arena, Memorial Stadium, Haymarket Park, and Lancaster Event Center. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.
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Regional Landmark
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University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Pinnacle Bank Arena
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Memorial Stadium
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Haymarket Park
Included on nearly all listings
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Local Landmark
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Nebraska Wesleyan University
Included on nearly all listings
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Local Landmark
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Lied Center
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Lancaster Event Center
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Bob Devaney Sports Center
Included on 82% of listings
What’s the weather like in Lincoln, Nebraska?
The weather is generally milder than the national average, with an average high temperature of around 64°, while the average low is about 42°. It has normal rainfall, averaging about 25 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall can be rather heavy, averaging less than 12 inches per year. The humidity levels in Lincoln are generally lower than the national average, and the city has a mix of clouds and sunshine for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
19° Low 38° High
Spring
March through May
42° Low 65° High
Summer
June through August
65° Low 86° High
Fall
September through November
43° Low 65° High
Cities Near Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska, is located in Lancaster County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
