N.C.G.S. Chapter 42
Free North Carolina residential lease template.
North Carolina caps residential security deposits at 2× monthly rent for fixed-term leases and 1.5× for month-to-month (§42-51). Late fees are capped at the greater of $15 or 5% of monthly rent (§42-46). Within 30 days of move-in, the landlord must disclose in writing the name and address of the bank or insurance company holding the deposit (§42-50).
Template information updated September 2026.
Download blank North Carolina lease (PDF or Word)
Free download. 6 statute citations and 2 state-specific disclosures included. Email is required for access; marketing consent is optional.
What is in this North Carolina template
The template is organized around the state statutes summarized below and identifies state-specific disclosures such as Bank or insurance company holding security deposit and Federal lead-paint disclosure (pre-1978 properties). Some notices use prescribed statutory wording and should not be removed without checking the cited law.
N.C.G.S. §42-51
Security deposit cap
1.5× rent for month-to-month, 2× for fixed-term.
N.C.G.S. §42-50
Deposit holder disclosure
Bank/insurance company name + address, within 30 days of move-in.
N.C.G.S. §42-52
Deposit return
30 days for itemized refund; interim 30/final 60 if damages cannot be determined.
N.C.G.S. §42-46
Late fees
Capped at $15 OR 5% of monthly rent, whichever is greater.
N.C.G.S. §42-42
Landlord duty to maintain
Habitability, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms.
N.C.G.S. §42-3
Eviction notice
10-day notice to pay or vacate for nonpayment.
Required disclosures in North Carolina
- ·Bank or insurance company holding security deposit
- ·Federal lead-paint disclosure (pre-1978 properties)
Quick reference for North Carolina landlords
| Security deposit cap | 1.5× (m2m) / 2× (fixed term) |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 30 days from move-out |
| Notice before entry | No statutory minimum — courts require "reasonable notice" |
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The North Carolina template above uses the same document foundation as our $49 generator. The paid service fills the agreement with your property and party information, checks form completeness and applicable deposit limits, organizes your custom Additional Provisions, provides a polished preview before payment, and includes a 7-day money-back guarantee.
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Is the template really free?
Yes. An email address is required to access the download, but creating an account and joining marketing emails are not required.
Can I edit it in Microsoft Word?
Yes. Choose DOCX for an editable file that opens in Word, Google Docs, Apple Pages, or LibreOffice. Choose PDF for printing or signing as-is.
Does it cover local city rules?
It covers the statewide foundation described on this page. Cities and counties may impose additional rent-control, disclosure, licensing, or eviction requirements, so check the rules where the property is located.
LeaseDrafts is a document generator, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. This template is based on the North Carolina landlord-tenant code as of the date shown on the document. Always review the final lease with a licensed North Carolina attorney before using it.