NORTH CAROLINA RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT
1. Parties
This Residential Lease Agreement is made between ____________________ ("Landlord") and ____________________ ("Tenant"). Each person signing as Tenant is jointly and severally responsible for every obligation in this lease.
2. Property
Landlord rents to Tenant the residential property at ____________________ (the "Property"), together with any furnishings and appliances listed in the move-in checklist.
3. Term
This lease begins on ____________________ and ends on ____________________. If Tenant stays on with Landlord's consent after that date and no new lease is signed, the tenancy continues from month to month on the same terms.
4. Rent
Tenant will pay rent of $____________________ per month, in advance, on or before the ____________________ day of each month, by the method Landlord designates in writing. Rent for any partial month is prorated by the day.
5. Late charges
If rent is not paid in full within 5 days after it is due, Tenant will pay a late charge of $____________________. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-46 allows no late charge before then. The late charge may not exceed the limit N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-46 sets: For monthly rent, $15 or 5% of the monthly rent, whichever is greater..
6. Security deposit
Tenant will pay a security deposit of $____________________ on or before signing this lease. North Carolina law limits a security deposit to two months' rent (2 months for a term longer than month-to-month; 1.5 months for month-to-month; 2 weeks for week-to-week) under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-51(b). Landlord will return the deposit, less any lawful deductions itemized in writing, within 30 days after the tenancy ends and Tenant returns possession, as required by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-52. If the damage cannot be determined in time, an interim accounting within 30 days and a final accounting within 60 days. The deposit may not be used by Tenant as the last month of rent unless Landlord agrees in writing.
7. Use and occupancy
The Property is to be used only as a private residence. Only the persons named as Tenant and the following occupants may live there: ____________________. A guest staying more than 14 days in any six-month period needs Landlord's written consent.
8. Utilities
Tenant will arrange and pay for all utilities and services except the following, which Landlord will provide: ____________________.
9. Condition, maintenance and repairs
Tenant has inspected the Property and will sign a move-in checklist recording its condition. Tenant will keep the Property clean and sanitary, use appliances and fixtures reasonably, and promptly tell Landlord in writing of any damage or needed repair. Landlord will keep the Property fit to live in and make repairs required by law within a reasonable time. Tenant will pay for damage caused by Tenant, occupants or guests, beyond normal wear and tear.
10. Landlord's entry
Landlord may enter the Property at reasonable times to inspect, make repairs, or show the Property to prospective tenants, buyers or lenders, after giving Tenant at least 24 hours' notice. Landlord may enter without notice in an emergency.
11. Pets
No pets may be kept on the Property without Landlord's prior written consent. Assistance animals are allowed as fair housing law requires.
12. Alterations
Tenant will not paint, alter, add locks to or make improvements to the Property without Landlord's prior written consent.
13. Subletting and assignment
Tenant will not sublet any part of the Property or assign this lease without Landlord's prior written consent.
14. Renter's insurance
Landlord's insurance does not cover Tenant's belongings or liability. Landlord recommends that Tenant carry renter's insurance.
15. Moving out
When the tenancy ends, Tenant will return all keys and leave the Property clean and in the same condition as at move-in, except for normal wear and tear. Property left behind will be handled as state law provides.
16. Default
If Tenant fails to pay rent or breaks a material term of this lease, Landlord may end the tenancy only as state law allows, after any notice it requires. Landlord will not lock Tenant out, remove Tenant's belongings or shut off utilities to force Tenant to leave.
17. Lead-based paint
Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. If the Property was built before 1978, Landlord has given Tenant the EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home" and a signed Lead-Based Paint Disclosure, as 42 U.S.C. 4852d and 40 CFR Part 745 require. The Property was built: [ ] before 1978 [ ] in 1978 or later
18. North Carolina disclosures
Within 30 days after the lease term begins, the landlord must tell the tenant the name and address of the bank holding the deposit, or the name of the insurer providing the bond. (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-50)
19. Notices
Notices to Landlord go to: ____________________. Notices to Tenant go to the Property. A notice is given when delivered by hand or by mail, or by email if both parties agree to it in writing.
20. Entire agreement
This lease, its addenda and the move-in checklist are the whole agreement between Landlord and Tenant. Any change must be in writing and signed by both. If any part of this lease is unenforceable, the rest remains in effect. This lease is governed by the law of the State of North Carolina.
Signatures
Landlord: ____________________ Date: ____________________
Tenant: ____________________ Date: ____________________
Tenant: ____________________ Date: ____________________
Template by Dardaris (dardaris.com), checked against North Carolina statutes on September 29, 2026. It is not legal advice. City and county ordinances can add rules of their own, so check them before signing.