North Carolina Security Deposit Law
What landlords in North Carolina need to know about deposit limits, refund deadlines, interest, and penalties for getting it wrong.
Deposit cap
2 weeks' rent (month-to-month), 1.5 months' rent (lease under 2 years), 2 months' rent (2+ years)
Refund deadline
30 days
30 days, extendable to 60 days if the final costs are not yet known.
Interest required?
No
No statewide interest requirement.
Separate account?
Yes
Penalty for noncompliance
Failure to comply can result in damages plus court costs and attorney's fees.
Statute: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-51
This page summarizes general state-level rules as of 2026 and does not cover city or county ordinances, which can be stricter. Verify against the statute cited above or with a local attorney before relying on it. See all states.