Landlord Entry Rules in North Carolina
North Carolina rules on landlord entry for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-22.
Short answer: No statute — North Carolina's landlord-tenant chapter (G.S. Chapter 42) sets no notice period or rules for landlord entry; entry is governed by the lease. N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 42 (checked; no entry section)
The rules in North Carolina
| Landlord entry notice | No statute — North Carolina's landlord-tenant chapter (G.S. Chapter 42) sets no notice period or rules for landlord entry; entry is governed by the lease. Check the lease for any entry-notice term. |
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Related questions
North Carolina vs. neighboring states
| State | Landlord entry notice |
|---|---|
| North Carolina | No statute — North Carolina's landlord-tenant chapter (G.S. Chapter 42) sets no notice period or rules for landlord entry; entry is governed by the lease. N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 42 (checked; no entry section) |
| Georgia | No statute. Entry is governed by the lease; if the lease gives no right of entry, the tenant may refuse except in an emergency. Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook (DCA, rev. 8-29-24), p. 12 |
| South Carolina | At least 24 hours' notice and entry at reasonable times. Exceptions: emergencies (any time); regularly scheduled periodic services (9 a.m.-6 p.m.) if conspicuously stated in the written lease and announced at entry; tenant-requested services (8 a.m.-8 p.m.) with announcement. S.C. Code § 27-40-530 |
| Tennessee | No general advance-notice requirement. In URLTA counties, the tenant may not unreasonably refuse consent to entry to inspect, repair, supply services, or show the unit. The landlord may enter without consent in an emergency, or when utilities are off through no fault of the landlord. Otherwise the landlord may enter only by court order, if the unit is abandoned or surrendered, if the tenant is deceased, incapacitated or incarcerated, or as the statute otherwise allows. Showings to prospective tenants in the final 30 days of the lease are allowed only if the lease provides for them and 24 hours' notice is given. The landlord may not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant. Non-URLTA counties: no statute; the lease governs entry. T.C.A. 66-28-403; ch. 66-7 (checked) |
| Virginia | Landlord must give notice of intent to enter and enter only at reasonable times; at least 72 hours' notice for routine maintenance not requested by the tenant. No notice needed in an emergency, when impractical, or when the tenant requested the maintenance. Va. Code 55.1-1229 |
City rules that may add to state law
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Compare landlord entry in all 50 states and DC →
Landlord Entry Rules in North Carolina FAQ
Can a landlord enter without notice in North Carolina?
No statute — North Carolina's landlord-tenant chapter (G.S. Chapter 42) sets no notice period or rules for landlord entry; entry is governed by the lease. (N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 42 (checked; no entry section))
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.