State law · statute quotes
North Carolina security deposit laws for landlords and property managers
The words of North Carolina's security deposit statute on each topic, quoted verbatim with pinpoint citations and links to the official source. No summaries, no interpretation.
Reviewed by Mark Shvaya, licensed California real estate broker (DRE #02243502), who uses ProFlow360 in a rental portfolio Mark manages
Last reviewed
Quoted on this page
- Deposit limit
- Returning the deposit
- Itemized statement
- Inspections and condition reports
- Photographs
- Normal wear and tear
- Interest
- Wrongful withholding
N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 42-50 to 42-56 (Tenant Security Deposit Act)
On this page
What this page covers
North Carolina's residential security deposit provisions quoted here come from N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 42-50 to 42-56 (Tenant Security Deposit Act). Below are the statute's own words on 5 topics, each with a pinpoint citation and a link to the official text. This page does not summarize or interpret the law.
What does North Carolina law say about the amount of a security deposit?
The security deposit shall not exceed an amount equal to two weeks' rent if a tenancy is week to week, one and one-half months' rent if a tenancy is month to month, and two months' rent for terms greater than month to month.
What does North Carolina law say about returning the deposit?
In either case the landlord in writing shall itemize any damage and mail or deliver same to the tenant, together with the balance of the security deposit, no later than 30 days after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession of the premises to the landlord. If the extent of the landlord's claim against the security deposit cannot be determined within 30 days, the landlord shall provide the tenant with an interim accounting
What does North Carolina law say about an itemized statement of deductions?
the landlord in writing shall itemize any damage and mail or deliver same to the tenant, together with the balance of the security deposit ... and shall provide a final accounting within 60 days after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession of the premises to the landlord.
How does North Carolina law refer to normal wear and tear?
The landlord may not withhold as damages part of the security deposit for conditions that are due to normal wear and tear nor may the landlord retain an amount from the security deposit which exceeds his actual damages.
What does North Carolina law say about wrongful withholding?
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 as otherwise permitted under G.S. 42-51. In addition to other remedies at law and equity, the tenant may recover damages resulting from noncompliance by the landlord
Not quoted on this page
inspections and condition reports, photographs, interest. That does not mean North Carolina law is silent on them; other sections or local rules may apply. Read the full statute.
Has North Carolina's security deposit law changed recently?
From our review of the official history notes: Official history notes show last amendments: § 42-50 (2015-93; 2017-25), § 42-51 (2012-17; 2012-194), § 42-52 and § 42-55 (2009-279). No 2024–2026 amendments shown on the official page.
How does ProFlow360 help you document a North Carolina tenancy?
ProFlow360 records and organizes inspection evidence; it does not tell you what the statute requires or allows. What it records, for any state:
- Move-in, routine, pre-move-out and move-out inspections with photos timestamped at capture.
- Each move-out photo beside its move-in match, filed under the tenancy.
- Itemized lines with your classification, the amount you entered, and the estimate or invoice attached.
- An issued record that is sealed, shared by a link that expires and can be revoked.
Do this in ProFlow360
Keep the photos, the call and the invoice on the same line
Every deduction line carries the move-in and move-out photos, your classification and its documents, so the record can be followed by someone who was not there.
Kitchen · counter burn, left of range
Line 2 of 5 · TEN-0418
MI-21 · Jul 12, 2024
MO-29 · Sep 30, 2026Security deposit statutes in nearby states
Sources
Sources checked October 16, 2026.
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