North Carolina Landlord-Tenant Compliance (NC)
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North Carolina Security Deposit Return Deadline & Late Fee Calculator (N.C.G.S. § 42-52 & § 42-46(a))
Under North Carolina General Statutes § 42-52, a landlord must itemize any damage or unpaid rent in writing and refund the balance of the security deposit within 30 days after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession (with an interim accounting permitted up to 60 days if extent of claim cannot be determined). Under N.C.G.S. § 42-46(a), late fees for monthly rent are capped at $15.00 or 5% of the monthly rent, whichever is greater, and may only be charged if rent is 5 or more days late.
Statutory Return / Claim Window
30d Return / 30d Claim
Calendar days post-surrender
Late Fee Cap & Grace Period
Greater of $15.00 or 5% of monthly rent after 5-day grace period
Grace Period: 5 days
Security Deposit Limit
Maximum 2 months' rent (1.5 months for month-to-month)
Quick North Carolina Security Deposit Postmark Deadline Calculator
Mandatory Postmark Deadline:
2026-12-15
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