Security deposit return deadlines · North Carolina
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in North Carolina?
30 days
A North Carolina landlord must itemize any damage and deliver it with the remaining deposit within 30 days after the tenancy ends and possession is returned.
Source: N.C. General Statutes § 42-52 · checked October 9, 2026
Calculate your North Carolina deadline
What North Carolina law says
- If the damage cannot be determined in 30 days, the landlord must send an interim accounting within 30 days and a final accounting within 60 days.
- Normal wear and tear cannot be deducted.
What to do next
- Write down the move-out date, the date you returned the keys and when you gave a forwarding address.
- Collect the lease, proof of the deposit payment, move-out photos and any messages about deductions.
- Ask in writing for the balance or an itemized explanation, with a clear reply date.
- Send it to the notice address in the lease. Certified Mail with Return Receipt gives you proof of delivery.
- If there is still no answer, small claims court is a common next step; filing rules vary by state.
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Other states
- California — 21 days
- Florida — 15 or 30 days
- Georgia — 30 days
- Illinois — 30 or 45 days
- Michigan — 30 days
- New York — 14 days
- Ohio — 30 days
- Pennsylvania — 30 days
- Texas — 30 days