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North Carolina Late fee grace period

Last reviewed 2026-10-15

Is there a grace period before a late fee can be charged in North Carolina?

A late fee may be charged only when rent is 5 or more calendar days late, counting from the day after the due date. It may be charged only once per late payment.

Verified Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-46(a)–(b) · last checked 2026-10-15

Related North Carolina rules

Late fees

Only once rent is 5 or more calendar days late. Monthly rent: no more than $15 or 5% of monthly rent, whichever is greater. Weekly rent: $4 or 5%, whichever is greater. Only one late fee per late payment.

Verified Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-46(a)-(b) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full North Carolina late fees page

Eviction notice (nonpayment)

The lease is forfeited if rent isn't paid within 10 days after the landlord demands all past-due rent.

Verified Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-3 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full North Carolina eviction notice (nonpayment) page

Same topic in neighboring states

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

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