North Carolina security-deposit return deadline
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. §§42-50 to 42-52, you have 30–60 days from move-out. Enter the date the tenant vacated to get your exact deadlines.
Deadlines per N.C. Gen. Stat. §§42-50 to 42-52. North Carolina statutes change; verify with the current statute. Not legal advice.
What N.C. Gen. Stat. §§42-50 to 42-52 requires
- Return deadline: 30–60 days
- 30 days — Standard refund and itemization
- 60 days — Final accounting when the claim can't be finalized in 30 days. Interim accounting still required within 30 days
- Deposit cap: 2 months' rent — 2 weeks' rent for week-to-week; 1.5 months for month-to-month; 2 months for longer terms
- Deposit must be held in a licensed NC trust account or bonded, with the tenant notified within 30 days of lease start
- Withholding limited to actual damages; no deductions for normal wear and tear
Statutes as of August 2026. Statutes change — verify with the current text of N.C. Gen. Stat. §§42-50 to 42-52 before relying on a deadline. This is general information, not legal advice; consult a North Carolina attorney for your situation.
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