All Laws Decoded

Eviction in Johnston County, North Carolina

Where eviction cases are filed in Johnston County, what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.

Quick facts: eviction in Johnston County

Eviction court
Johnston County District Court - small claims (magistrate) division — District Court / small claims before a magistrate (summary ejectment) Court page
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
Renter households
20,499 (24% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024

Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-28

Where eviction cases are filed in Johnston County

Eviction cases in Johnston County are heard by the Johnston County District Court - small claims (magistrate) division (District Court / small claims before a magistrate (summary ejectment)).

Court eviction page

Johnston County's court information is handled by the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts; the county's Court Information page links to the Clerk of Superior Court contact and the NC Judicial Branch's Johnston County page and local schedules (https://www.nccourts.gov/locations/johnston-county).

The North Carolina eviction process

North Carolina state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Johnston County:

  1. Notice (if required): 10-day demand for rent if the lease lacks a forfeiture clause (§ 42-3); notice to quit for holdovers (§ 42-14)
  2. Landlord files a Complaint in Summary Ejectment with the clerk of superior court
  3. 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)
  4. Hearing before a magistrate; judgment for possession (§ 42-30)
  5. 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)
  6. 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 Johnston County

Median gross rent in Johnston County: $1,146/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).

County tenant ordinance

No county-level landlord-tenant ordinance identified; eviction procedure follows state law. City rules, if any, are on city pages.

Eviction help in Johnston County

Free legal help

Tenant and eviction lawyers in Johnston County

Other North Carolina counties

Related

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file an eviction in Johnston County?
Eviction cases in Johnston County are filed with the Johnston County District Court - small claims (magistrate) division.
Where can I get help with an eviction in Johnston County?
Legal Aid of North Carolina - Raleigh office.

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.