North Carolina Retaliation protections

Is landlord retaliation illegal in North Carolina?

Yes, as a defense. In a summary ejectment case a tenant may raise retaliatory eviction if the landlord acted substantially in response, within 12 months before filing, to a good-faith repair request, a good-faith complaint to a government agency, a government complaint against the landlord, a good-faith effort to enforce lease or legal rights, or tenant-organizing activity. The landlord may still win for nonpayment or another substantial breach, or a holdover after a fixed term (§ 42-37.1).

Verified Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-37.1 · last checked 2026-10-23