Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in North Carolina

Record the condition of each room on move-in and again on move-out, with photos. It is the best evidence in a security deposit dispute. Some states require a move-in condition form.

What North Carolina law says

Itemized deductions	Landlord must itemize any damage in writing and mail or deliver it with the balance of the deposit. Deductions allowed only for: unpaid rent and certain utility charges, damage (including to smoke/CO alarms), damages from breaking the rental period, unpaid bills that become a lien, re-renting costs after breach, removal/storage after summary ejectment, court costs, and fees permitted by § 42-46. No deductions for normal wear and tear or above actual damages. Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 42-51(a), 42-52
Wear and tear / move-out charges	Not defined by statute. The tenant is responsible for damage, defacement, or removal of property in the unit unless due to ordinary wear and tear, acts of the landlord or its agent, defective products or repairs authorized by the landlord, acts of third parties not invited by the tenant, or natural forces. Deposits may be used only for listed purposes, including nonpayment of rent and 'damage to the premises.' No statute addresses cleaning, painting, or carpet specifically; deductions must fit a permitted use and be accounted for under § 42-52. Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 42-43(a)(6), 42-51(a)

Itemized deductions

Landlord must itemize any damage in writing and mail or deliver it with the balance of the deposit. Deductions allowed only for: unpaid rent and certain utility charges, damage (including to smoke/CO alarms), damages from breaking the rental period, unpaid bills that become a lien, re-renting costs after breach, removal/storage after summary ejectment, court costs, and fees permitted by § 42-46. No deductions for normal wear and tear or above actual damages.

Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 42-51(a), 42-52

Wear and tear / move-out charges

Not defined by statute. The tenant is responsible for damage, defacement, or removal of property in the unit unless due to ordinary wear and tear, acts of the landlord or its agent, defective products or repairs authorized by the landlord, acts of third parties not invited by the tenant, or natural forces. Deposits may be used only for listed purposes, including nonpayment of rent and 'damage to the premises.'

No statute addresses cleaning, painting, or carpet specifically; deductions must fit a permitted use and be accounted for under § 42-52.

Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 42-43(a)(6), 42-51(a)

Fill it in

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MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT CONDITION CHECKLIST — [rental address]

Tenant: [tenant name] Landlord: [landlord name]

Move-in date: [move-in date] Move-out date: [move-out date]

Living room — walls, floors, windows, lights: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Kitchen — appliances, cabinets, sink, counters: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bathroom(s) — toilet, tub/shower, sink, fan: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bedroom(s) — walls, floors, closets, windows: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested: move-in ______ / move-out ______ Keys given: [number of keys]

Photos taken on: [photo dates]. Signed by tenant ____________ and landlord ____________

Move-In / Move-Out Checklist for other states · North Carolina tenant rights

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.