North Carolina Standard Residential Lease Agreement

A North Carolina standard residential lease agreement is needed when a landlord rents a property to a tenant for a duration of one year. This document outlines all of the necessary information, such as start and end date, rent amount, due dates, security deposit, fees, and limitations. This contract is legally binding and must be signed by both parties.

Last updated October 25th, 2024

A North Carolina standard residential lease agreement is needed when a landlord rents a property to a tenant for a duration of one year. This document outlines all of the necessary information, such as start and end date, rent amount, due dates, security deposit, fees, and limitations. This contract is legally binding and must be signed by both parties.

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Disclosures

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure – This informative packet notifies the tenant of the dangers of toxic lead paint and must be given to anyone renting a home built before 1978.

Security Deposit Receipt – The tenant must be informed where the security deposit is being held and receive a receipt within 30 days of the lease’s start. (§ 42-50)

Rent Grace Period

There is a 5-day rent grace period in North Carolina. (§ 42-46(a))

Security Deposit

Maximum Amount – The maximum amount a landlord may charge a tenant for a security deposit is two months’ rent. (§ 42-51(b))

  • Exception – Month-to-month leases have a maximum security deposit amount of one and one-half months of rent.

Returning – The landlord has 30 days to return the security deposit to the tenant. (§ 42-52)

  • Deductions – If deductions are made to the security deposit, they must be listed and given to the tenant. (§ 42-52)
  • Tenant Doesn’t Forward New Address – If the tenant does not update their address with the landlord, they may forfeit the funds after 6 months.