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North Carolina landlord rules
1 of 10 values below carries a source-confirmed statute citation. The rest are conservative reference values from Aptoria's compliance data and are labeled unverified.
Weekly: 1.5 weeks; monthly: 1.5 months; longer: 2 months max deposit. Late fee max greater of $15 or 5%.
Deposits, fees, and notices
Security deposit limit
Unverified reference value
2× monthly rent
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Deposit return deadline
Source-confirmed 2026-07
Within 30 days after the tenancy ends and possession is delivered, itemize any damages in writing and return the balance. If the claim cannot be determined within 30 days, provide an INTERIM accounting within 30 days and a FINAL accounting within 60 days. No withholding for ordinary wear and tear.
N.C.G.S. § 42-52. North Carolina General Assembly (official) ↗
Reference value on file: 30 days after move-out
Late fees
Unverified reference value
Capped at 5% of monthly rent or $15; 5 days grace
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Rent-increase notice
Unverified reference value
30 days
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Month-to-month termination notice
Unverified reference value
7 days
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Pay-or-quit notice
Unverified reference value
10 days
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Non-emergency entry notice
Unverified reference value
Reasonable notice
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Application fee limit
Unverified reference value
No statewide cap
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Statewide rent regulation
Unverified reference value
No statewide rent regulation (check local ordinances)
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Separate pet deposit
Unverified reference value
Permitted
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Payments, fair housing, and licensing
Card surcharges on rent
Allowed within card-network limits
Returned-payment (NSF) fee
No statewide statutory cap on file
Source-of-income protection
No statewide protection on file
Local ordinances can extend protection beyond the statewide rule.
Property-management licensing
License generally required to manage for others
State real estate broker license required for property management for others — confirm with state commission.
North Carolina next to its neighbors
Own units on both sides of a state line? These are the same reference values for every bordering jurisdiction. Open a state to see its citations.
| Rule | North Carolina | Georgia | South Carolina | Tennessee | Virginia |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Security deposit limit | 2× monthly rent | No statewide cap | No statewide cap | No statewide cap | 2× monthly rent |
| Deposit return deadline | 30 days after move-out | 30 days after move-out | 30 days after move-out | 30 days after move-out | 45 days after move-out |
| Late fees | Capped at 5% of monthly rent or $15; 5 days grace | No statewide cap (reasonableness standard) | No statewide cap (reasonableness standard) | Capped at 10% of monthly rent; 5 days grace | Capped at 10% of monthly rent; 5 days grace |
| Rent-increase notice | 30 days | 60 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Non-emergency entry notice | Reasonable notice | Reasonable notice | 24 hours | 24 hours | 24 hours |
| Pay-or-quit notice | 10 days | No statewide minimum | 5 days | 14 days | 5 days |
| Source-of-income protection | No statewide protection on file | No statewide protection on file | No statewide protection on file | No statewide protection on file | Protected statewide |
| Card surcharges on rent | Allowed within card-network limits | Allowed within card-network limits | Allowed within card-network limits | Allowed within card-network limits | Allowed within card-network limits |
Lease disclosures on file
• Lead-based paint hazards (pre-1978 housing) — EPA Pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home"
Run the numbers
Security deposit calculator
Late fee calculator
Rent increase calculator
Move-in / move-out inspection checklist
Educational information only, not legal advice. Laws, local ordinances, court interpretations, and the facts of a tenancy can change the result. Verify the current binding text and obtain advice from a qualified local professional before acting.