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How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in North Carolina?
Short answer
At a glance: 30 days to itemize and refund, 60 to send a final accounting if the claim is still open
If you cannot work out the deposit claim in 30 days: send an interim accounting by day 30 and a final accounting within 60 days
Deadline: Within 60 days after move-out
If the amount of your claim against the deposit cannot be determined within 30 days, send the tenant an interim accounting no later than 30 days after the tenancy ends and possession is returned, then a final accounting within 60 days.
"If the extent of the landlord's claim against the security deposit cannot be determined within 30 days, the landlord shall provide the tenant with an interim accounting ... and shall provide a final accounting within 60 days after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession of the premises to the landlord." ncleg.gov
If you cannot work out the deposit claim in 30 days: send an interim accounting by day 30 and a final accounting within 60 days Verified
Deadline: Within 60 days after move-out
If the amount of your claim against the deposit cannot be determined within 30 days, send the tenant an interim accounting no later than 30 days after the tenancy ends and possession is returned, then a final accounting within 60 days.
"If the extent of the landlord's claim against the security deposit cannot be determined within 30 days, the landlord shall provide the tenant with an interim accounting ... and shall provide a final accounting within 60 days after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession of the premises to the landlord." ncleg.gov
Notes: N.C. Gen. Stat. 42-52.
Last verified 2026-10-23 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Itemize damage and return the deposit balance within 30 days after the tenancy ends and you get possession back Verified
Deadline: Within 30 days after move-out
Within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the unit is handed back, mail or deliver a written itemization of any damage along with the rest of the security deposit. Deposits are capped at two weeks' rent for week-to-week tenancies, one and a half months' rent for month-to-month tenancies, and two months' rent for longer terms.
"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." ncleg.gov
"The security deposit shall not exceed an amount equal to two weeks' rent if a tenancy is week to week, one and one-half months' rent if a tenancy is month to month, and two months' rent for terms greater than month to month." ncleg.gov
Notes: N.C. Gen. Stat. 42-52 and 42-51(b) (Tenant Security Deposit Act).
Last verified 2026-10-23 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction