General info, not legal advice. Details

North Carolina Security deposit limit

Last reviewed 2026-10-15

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in North Carolina?

Two weeks' rent for week-to-week tenancies, 1.5 months' rent for month-to-month, and 2 months' rent for terms longer than month-to-month.

Verified Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-51(b) · last checked 2026-10-15

Related North Carolina rules

Deposit return deadline

Itemized accounting plus balance within 30 days after the tenancy ends and possession is returned. If the claim can't be determined by then, send an interim accounting within 30 days and a final accounting within 60 days.

Verified Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-52 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full North Carolina deposit return deadline page

Interest on deposits

North Carolina's Tenant Security Deposit Act (G.S. 42-50 to 42-56, reviewed by full-text search on 2026-10-15) requires deposits to be held in a trust account at an insured institution or covered by a bond. It does not require interest to be paid to the tenant.

Verified Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 42-50 to 42-56 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full North Carolina interest on deposits page

Move-in/move-out checklist

North Carolina's Residential Rental Agreements Act (Art. 5) and Tenant Security Deposit Act (Art. 6), both reviewed by full-text search on 2026-10-15, require no move-in or move-out inspection or checklist. Deductions must be itemized within 30 days (§ 42-52).

Verified Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. ch. 42, arts. 5–6; § 42-52 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full North Carolina move-in/move-out checklist page

Same topic in neighboring states

All North Carolina landlord-tenant law · North Carolina landlord FAQ · Deposit return deadline · Notice to enter · Required lease disclosures · Required disclosures (mold, lead, radon, bedbug, asbestos, flood zone) · Move-in checklist

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