Legal Templates

Free North Carolina Residential Lease/Rental Agreement

Use our free Lease Agreement form to rent your North Carolina property.

Updated March 23, 2023 | Legally reviewed by Susan Chai, Esq.

Table of Contents

All states have uniform federal law mandates for Lease/Rental Agreements. Such required disclosures include the following:

  1. the identities of both tenant and landlord,
  2. a detailed description of the premises being leased,
  3. pet prohibitions or allowances,
  4. information on health and safety hazards,
  5. rent and security deposit specifics.

States will likely differ on some crucial leasing and rental issues.

It is essential to familiarize yourself with North Carolina law’s specific nuances and requirements of North Carolina law to protect your financial and legal interests. Doing so will make your lease agreement much more comprehensive and save the potential hassle and legal trouble in the future.

1. North Carolina Residential Lease Agreement Template (PDF & Word)

The North Carolina Residential Lease Agreement Template below defines all necessary lease agreement terms.

north carolina rental lease agreement

2. North Carolina Landlord and Tenant Laws

North Carolina imposes specific and distinct requirements for landlords and tenants when executing a Lease/Rental Agreement. For example, the state statute provides for the following:

Security Deposit:

  1. A landlord may request no more significant than two weeks’ rent in security deposit for a week-to-week tenancy, one-half months’ rent for a month-to-month tenancy, and two months’ rent. (NCGS § 42-51)
  2. A landlord must return the security deposit to the tenant within thirty (30) days of the lease’s end or termination. (NCGS § 42-52)

Landlord Right of Entry:

  1. There is no notice requirement for a landlord before entering the tenanted property. However, it’s always highly recommended they give such notice. (No statute)

Additional Documents

Disclosure of Lead-Based Hazards

All North Carolina landlords of any building constructed before 1978 must notify all tenants of the potential existence of lead-based hazards. (Title 42 U.S. Code § 4852(d))

Notice of Abandoned Personal Property

Tenant personal property is deemed abandoned five to seven (5-7) days after lawful repossession and notice by the landlord and a failure to respond by the tenant. (NCGS § 42-25.9 and NCGS § 42-36.2)

Security Deposit Notice

Landlords must notify a tenant, within thirty (30) days after the beginning of the lease, the name and location of the financial institution where the deposit is held. (NCGS § 42-50)