Eviction in Forsyth County (Winston-Salem), North Carolina
Where eviction cases are filed in Forsyth County (Winston-Salem), what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.
Quick facts: eviction in Forsyth County (Winston-Salem)
- Eviction court
- Forsyth County District Court - Small Claims (magistrate) — Small claims court before a magistrate (district court division); evictions are 'summary ejectment' Court page
- Filing fee
- $96 filing fee + $30 sheriff service fee per defendant (or certified mail) NC Judicial Branch - Small Claims help topic (statewide court costs)
- Notice before filing (state law)
- If the lease has no forfeiture (re-entry) clause for nonpayment, the landlord must make a demand for all past-due rent and wait 10 days before the term is forfeited. If the lease has such a clause, the statute requires no pre-filing notice. North Carolina rules
- HUD Fair Market Rent, 2-bedroom (FY2026)
- $1,232/month HUD
- Renter households
- 58,280 (36% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024
Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-23
Where eviction cases are filed in Forsyth County (Winston-Salem)
Eviction cases in Forsyth County (Winston-Salem) are heard by the Forsyth County District Court - Small Claims (magistrate) (Small claims court before a magistrate (district court division); evictions are 'summary ejectment').
- Forsyth County Courthouse — 175 N. Chestnut Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 (main 336-779-6300) · website
Court eviction page · Search court records · Self-help center
Summary ejectment complaints are filed with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county and heard by a magistrate. Court dates: search Portal or the civil calendar (https://calendars.nccourts.org/results?county=Forsyth&type=Civil). The free Guide & File service (https://northcarolina.tylertech.cloud/SRL/) helps prepare summary ejectment complaints, tenant answers/counterclaims, and appeals to district court. Clerk's office open 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
How much it costs to file an eviction in Forsyth County (Winston-Salem)
$96 filing fee + $30 sheriff service fee per defendant (or certified mail)
Statewide uniform cost. Unable to pay: petition to sue as an indigent (form linked from the NC Judicial Branch small claims page).
Source: NC Judicial Branch - Small Claims help topic (statewide court costs)
How eviction cases work locally
| Court dates | Search hearing dates in eCourts Portal or the county civil calendar. Source: Official source |
|---|
The North Carolina eviction process
North Carolina state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Forsyth County (Winston-Salem):
- Notice (if required): 10-day demand for rent if the lease lacks a forfeiture clause (§ 42-3); notice to quit for holdovers (§ 42-14)
- Landlord files a Complaint in Summary Ejectment with the clerk of superior court
- Clerk issues summons to appear within 7 days (excluding weekends/holidays); served by sheriff (mail plus attempted personal delivery or posting) or certified mail (§§ 42-28, 42-29)
- Hearing before a magistrate; judgment for possession (§ 42-30)
- 10-day appeal period to District Court; landlord cannot remove the tenant until it ends; tenant can stay execution on appeal by paying undisputed rent into court (§ 42-34)
- Clerk issues Writ of Possession; sheriff must execute within 5 days of receipt, gives notice of the approximate time, and the landlord padlocks the unit (§ 42-36.2)
Full North Carolina eviction rules with sources →
Rent in Forsyth County (Winston-Salem)
HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Winston-Salem, NC HUD Metro FMR Area (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):
| Studio | $995 |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $1,082 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,232 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,607 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,898 |
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation
Median gross rent in Forsyth County (Winston-Salem): $1,098/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).
HUD designates this area for Small Area FMRs (ZIP-code level) for Housing Choice Vouchers; figures shown are the metro-wide FY2026 FMRs.
County tenant ordinance
No county-level landlord-tenant ordinance identified.
Eviction help in Forsyth County (Winston-Salem)
Free legal help
- Legal Aid of North Carolina — Statewide civil legal aid for eligible low-income residents.
Other North Carolina counties
- Eviction in Mecklenburg County (Charlotte)
- Eviction in Wake County (Raleigh)
- Eviction in Guilford County (Greensboro, High Point)
- Eviction in Durham County (Durham)
- Eviction in Cumberland County (Fayetteville)
- Eviction in New Hanover County (Wilmington)
- Eviction in Pitt County (Greenville)
- Eviction in Buncombe County (Asheville)
- Eviction in Gaston County (Gastonia)
- Eviction in Onslow County (Jacksonville)
Related
- North Carolina landlord-tenant law
- How long an eviction takes in North Carolina
- North Carolina eviction notice periods
- Notice deadline calculator
- How to evict a tenant in North Carolina (landlords)
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file an eviction in Forsyth County (Winston-Salem)?
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Forsyth County (Winston-Salem)?
Where can I get help with an eviction in Forsyth County (Winston-Salem)?
What is the fair market rent in Forsyth County (Winston-Salem)?
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.