North Carolina Security Deposit Demand Letter
A free North Carolina security deposit demand letter that follows North Carolina law. Fill in the boxes, check the rules below, then print or copy it. Keep a copy and proof of how you sent it.
What North Carolina law says
| Deposit return deadline | 30 days after the tenancy ends and possession is delivered. If the landlord's claim can't be determined in 30 days, an interim accounting is due in 30 days and a final accounting within 60 days. Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-52 |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Penalty for withholding | Willful failure to comply with the deposit, bond, or notice requirements voids the landlord's right to keep any part of the deposit. Tenant may sue for an accounting and the balance plus damages; court may award attorney's fees for willful noncompliance. Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-55 |
| 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.' |
Fill in your letter
Nothing you type leaves your browser. Replace anything still highlighted. If a lease, city rule or court form requires different wording, that controls.
To: [landlord or manager name], [landlord address]
From: [your name], former tenant at [rental address]
I moved out and returned the keys on [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount]. I gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date you gave your address].
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-52, a landlord must return the deposit, or send an itemized list of lawful deductions, by the deadline set in that law. I have not received [the deposit / an itemized list].
Please send $[amount owed] to [forwarding address] within [number] days of this letter.
If I do not receive it, I plan to file a claim in small claims court and ask for any additional amount allowed by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-55.
Date: [today's date]
Tenant: [your name]
Signature: ____________________
How to send it: use a method you can prove — certified mail with return receipt, or email/text if your lease allows notices that way. Write down the date.
Security Deposit Demand Letter templates for other states · All North Carolina landlord-tenant rules · Free legal help in North Carolina
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.