State law lookup › Security deposits › North Carolina
Security deposits in North Carolina: what the law says
My landlord kept my security deposit
What the statute says
- Deadline to return or itemise
- 30 days
- Statutory damages multiplier
- 1×
- Itemised statement required
- Yes
- Small claims limit
- varies — up to $10,000, see below
G.S. 7A-210(1) sets a $10,000 statutory ceiling, but the operative cap VARIES BY COUNTY from $5,000 to $10,000. Small claims is a discretionary assignment to a magistrate under G.S. 7A-211, so local rules control. The NC Judicial Branch directs litigants to contact the clerk of court in their county.
Read the full rule
Above the local limit, district court reaches $25,000.
- Code section
- N.C.G.S. § 42-52
Read it yourself
Official sources. If a number below matters to your case, open the statute and read it — laws get amended, and cities often stack stricter local rules on top.
- N.C.G.S. § 42-52 — North Carolina security deposit statute
- G.S. 7A-210 (small claim defined); G.S. 7A-211 (assignment to magistrates)
Last checked: 2026-08-17
Jab drafts the letter, a licensed attorney reviews it, and we mail it USPS Certified Mail with a signed return receipt. $29 flat. You can also write it yourself — this page has what you need.
Start my letter →