What are the landlord and tenant laws in North Carolina?

Landlord-Tenant Laws. North Carolina law says that your landlord must keep your housing fit and safe. It also says that you, the tenant, must pay your rent, keep your home clean, and not damage your home. To make the law work, both the tenant and the landlord must do their part.

Can a tenant terminate a lease in North Carolina?

North Carolina tenants are entitled to a notice of lease termination in advance. Early Termination. Tenants can legally terminate a lease in North Carolina for the following reasons: Protected groups. North Carolina landlords are prohibited from discriminating against classes outlined in the Fair Housing Act.

Can a landlord withhold rent in North Carolina?

Landlords in North Carolina must maintain an inhabitable property and make requested repairs in a timely and reasonable manner. If they do not, then tenants are allowed to withhold rent if a judge determines that the landlord’s negligence warrants it. Below is a list of common items that North Carolina landlords are or aren’t responsible for.

Can a landlord change the locks in North Carolina?

If the landlord does not comply, victims are allowed to change locks on their own, provided they give the landlord a new key within 48 hours. North Carolina landlords are forbidden from changing tenant locks as a form of retaliation. The city of Charlotte has a minimum housing code that goes beyond the state’s habitability requirements.

Can a landlord in North Carolina withhold rent?

North Carolina law does not allow tenants to withhold rent payments except under two circumstances: when the landlord consents to it in writing or when a judge or civil magistrate allows you to withhold rent pursuant to a court order. Withholding rent payments can cause you a lot of trouble later and may open you to a counterclaim by the landlord.

How to become a tenant in North Carolina?

For more information on renting and residential tenant rights in the state of North Carolina, contact the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office. If you need legal assistance, consider a lawyer on the North Carolina Law Directory.