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Security deposit · North Carolina

30 days after tenancy ends and you hand back possession.

By housr editorsStatute text checked 2026-10-05Legal review pending
A named legal reviewer hasn't signed this page yet. We read and quoted the statute ourselves on 2026-10-05. Until review, this page isn't indexed by search engines. This is information, not legal advice. See legal review.
The short answerN.C. Gen. Stat. §42-52
Deadline30 calendar days
Before it appliesInterim accounting allowed; final one by day 60
If kept in bad faithWillful failure voids the landlord's right to keep any portion

The rule

In North Carolina, the clock starts when: tenancy ends and you hand back possession. The landlord then has 30 calendar days. The statute says:

“…no later than 30 days after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession of the premises to the landlord.”

If the claim can't be worked out in 30 days, the landlord gives an interim accounting by day 30 and a final one within 60 days.

For example, if you returned the keys on Oct 25, 2026, the date would be Nov 24, 2026. Use the Clock for your own dates.

What the landlord has to send

Damage itemized in writing and mailed or delivered with the balance.

Do this

On move-out day

Give your forwarding address in writing and keep proof of sending. Photograph every room before you return the keys.

Deductions and wear and tear

The landlord may not withhold for conditions due to normal wear and tear, or keep more than actual damages (§42-52).

For a charge to replace something old, Fair Charge works out a prorated estimate from the item's age and useful life, and says where the useful life comes from. See also the item guides for carpet, paint and cleaning.

If the deadline passes

Willful failure voids the landlord's right to keep any portion; the court may award attorney's fees.

“The willful failure of a landlord to comply with the deposit, bond, or notice requirements of this Article shall void the landlord's right to retain any portion of the tenant's security deposit…”
N.C. Gen. Stat. §42-55

The usual first step is a written demand that states the date the deposit was due and cites the statute. Our demand letter does that and carries any disputed deductions.

Your next steps

Sources

  1. N.C. Gen. Stat. §42-52 · checked 2026-10-05
  2. N.C. Gen. Stat. §42-14 (notice to vacate) · checked 2026-10-05

Information, not legal advice. Statutes are quoted from official legislature sites; summaries are ours. Spotted an error? Tell us.