North Carolina Law: Plain-English Guides

Key North Carolina facts

Security deposit 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. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-52

Eviction notice for unpaid rent

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. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-3; § 42-26(a)(2)

Small claims limit

$10,000, for money, recovery of specific personal property, summary ejectment (eviction), or a combination. N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 7A-210, 7A-213

Small estate affidavit

Collection by affidavit is available when the decedent's personal property (minus liens) is worth $20,000 or less, or $30,000 or less if the person filing is the surviving spouse who is entitled to all of it (reduced… N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 28A-25-1, 28A-25-1.1

Cost of a protective order

Free. Clerks provide the paperwork at no charge, and no court costs or attorney fees are charged for filing, issuing, registering or serving a protective order or witness subpoena. N.C.G.S. §50B-2(a); NC Judicial Branch help topic

Minimum wage

North Carolina's minimum wage equals the federal minimum wage, currently $7.25 per hour (the state floor of $6.15 applies only if higher). G.S. 95-25.3

Final paycheck if fired

All wages due must be paid on or before the next regular payday, for any reason of separation; by trackable mail if the employee asks in writing. G.S. 95-25.7

Time limit to sue on a debt

3 years for an action on a contract, written or oral. 10 years for a sealed instrument. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52(1); § 1-47(2)