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North Carolina security deposit rules

30 days
to return your deposit or send an itemized list
The balance owed, plus attorney fees if willful
possible penalty if they don't follow the rules

Up to 60 days for a final accounting if damage costs are still being figured out.

What to do to get your deposit back

  1. Photograph every room when you move out (walls, floors, appliances, inside cabinets). Keep your move-in photos too.
  2. Send your forwarding address in writing, with the date.
  3. Mark the deadline: 30 days after you move out.
  4. If it's late or the deductions look wrong, send a written demand letter that cites N.C.G.S. 42-52.
  5. Still nothing? Small claims court is built for this, and you usually don't need a lawyer.
Let Stoop handle it.

Text Stoop your move-out date. It tracks your North Carolina deadline, saves your photos, and writes the demand letter if your landlord is late. Free, no app.

Text Stoop or text (855) 254-5250

Law: N.C.G.S. 42-52. Updated November 2026. General information, not legal advice. Laws change; check the current statute or a local tenant organization for your situation.