North Carolina Security Deposit Rules for Renters, in Plain Language

How much can a landlord charge as a security deposit (N.C.G.S. § 42-51)?

Week-to-week lease: at most two weeks of rent. Month-to-month: at most one and a half months of rent. A lease longer than a month: at most two months of rent.

What written notice must a landlord give about your deposit (N.C.G.S. § 42-50)?

Your landlord must tell you in writing where your deposit is being held.

When you move out, give your landlord your new mailing address in writing, and keep a copy. Your landlord needs it to send your accounting and refund.

When must a landlord account for your deposit (N.C.G.S. § 42-52)?

After the tenancy ends, your landlord must send an itemized list of deductions and any refund within 30 days.

If you received an interim accounting first, the final accounting is due within 60 days of the interim one.

What itemized deductions can a landlord take (N.C.G.S. § 42-53)?

Your landlord may apply your deposit to unpaid rent and damages — and must account for it in writing, item by item.

How does the free Security Deposit Check work?

Enter your deposit amount, lease term, rent, and key dates. The check compares your facts with the limits above, counts the accounting days, and flags amounts to review — without deciding anything for you.

How do you put each deduction next to your own proof?

Log every deduction your landlord claims. If you documented your home's condition at move-in and move-out, your dated photos and notes sit right beside the deduction, so you can compare.

Which deposit messages should you keep?

Save the written notice about where your deposit is held, your forwarding-address message, and every deposit email or letter in your Evidence library.