Reference: the security deposit rule in each state and covered city. To settle a deposit, use the free Deposit settlement tool.

Reference

Security deposit rules in North Carolina

North Carolina: return the deposit within 30 calendar days of the later of move-out and the end of the tenancy. An interim accounting is due at 30 days and a final accounting within 60 days after termination and delivery of possession (42-52). Interest: no. Penalty if the violation is willful or intentional: forfeiture of the right to withhold. (N.C. Gen. Stat. 42-50 to 42-56 (Tenant Security Deposit Act))

The rule in plain words

Return by: 30 calendar days after the later of move-out and the end of the tenancy.
Deductions allowed: unpaid rent, unpaid utilities, damage beyond wear, lease break fee, other lease obligations, moving and storage. Normal wear and tear never. Depreciation: none.
Interest: No.
Penalty: forfeiture of the right to withhold if the violation is willful or intentional.
Deposit cap: 2 month(s) of rent (Two weeks' rent (week-to-week), 1 1/2 months (month-to-month), two months (longer terms).).

The rule text

In either case the landlord in writing shall itemize any damage and mail or deliver same to the tenant, together with the balance of the security deposit, no later than 30 days after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession of the premises to the landlord.

N.C. Gen. Stat. 42-52. Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. 42-52 Landlord's obligations, read 2026-10-09.

Research notes (2)

How we sourced this rule: where the text was read and what we could not check.

Pending: SB 736 (2025-26), a deposit installment and insurance alternative, with no action since 2025-03-26 (ezel.ai).
deposit_cap.months_rent=2 is for terms longer than month-to-month; the engine needs the tenancy type to apply 1.5 or 0.5.

Worked example

A $2,000.00 deposit; the tenant moved in on June 1, 2023 and out on September 30, 2026. Intended deductions: $300.00 unpaid rent, $150.00 cleaning and a $1,200.00 carpet that was 5 years old.

Return by: October 30, 2026
30 calendar days after the later of move-out and the end of the tenancy.
Allowed deductions: $1,500.00
Of $1,650.00 claimed.
Refund due: $500.00
Interest $0.00.

The draft statement for this example

DRAFT ITEMIZED STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT
Rule: N.C. Gen. Stat. 42-50 to 42-56 (Tenant Security Deposit Act) (North Carolina)
Move-out date: September 30, 2026

Security deposit held                            $2,000.00
Deduction: Unpaid rent                            -$300.00
Deduction: Carpet                               -$1,200.00
Total deductions                                -$1,500.00
Refund due to tenant                               $500.00
Return by                                   October 30, 2026

Notes:
- Itemized under N.C. Gen. Stat. 42-50 to 42-56 (Tenant Security Deposit Act).

Settle a deposit in North Carolina

required

Where and how much

The state sets the rules; a covered city adds its own.

StateCityAdds the city's ordinance where we cover one.Deposit heldMonthly rentChecks the deposit cap.Units in the buildingInterest depends on it in IL, NY.

Dates

The dates start the clock.

Tenant moved outTenancy startedFor interest and item ages.Lease endedIf not the move-out day.Forwarding address receivedStarts or holds the clock in CT, IA, MN, RI, SD, TX, WY.Tenant's written demand receivedStarts the clock in AZ, KS, MD, MS, OK, SC, UT.New tenant moved inCan start the clock in WI, WV.Notice of claim sentFlorida: the day you sent the notice of your claimReturn period in the lease (days)The lease may set it in CO, ID, ME.

The tenant gave the notice the statute requiresChanges the deadline in AK.Repairs exceed the deposit and need a contractorCan extend the deadline in VA, WV.

Check as of another date

Check as ofDefaults to today. Use it to see where a past or future date stands.

Deductions

What you intend to keep; leave it empty to return everything. An item's age depreciates carpet, paint, blinds and appliances.

Deduction 1

CategoryAmountItem age or install dateNormal wear and tearOrdinary aging: never deductible.

Up to 9 lines.

Documentation

Some states require receipts or dated photos before a deduction stands.

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Computes and cites the published rule; it is not legal advice. You sign the statement: check the statute, your lease and any local ordinance first. Read the disclaimer.

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