Does North Carolina Have Rent Control? 2025 Guide

If you’re renting in North Carolina, you might have questions about how much your landlord can raise the rent or if your rent is protected by law. With housing costs on the minds of many renters in 2025, understanding the rules around rent control and rent increases is crucial. This article explains North Carolina's approach to rent control, your rights regarding rent increases, and where to get support if you have concerns.

Is Rent Control Available in North Carolina?

North Carolina does not have any statewide rent control laws. In fact, cities and towns in North Carolina are prohibited by state law from enacting local rent control ordinances. This means landlords are generally allowed to set rent prices and increase rent without legal caps, as long as they follow proper notice requirements and do not discriminate.

What Does the Law Say?

• No law caps the amount or frequency of rent increases in private residential properties.
• Municipalities may not create their own rent control policies, per N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-14.1.
• Landlords must still give advance notice before raising rent for month-to-month tenants.

So, in most situations, your landlord can increase your rent to any amount when your lease expires or with proper written notice.

How Much Notice Is Required for a Rent Increase?

For renters with a month-to-month (periodic) lease, North Carolina law requires that landlords provide a written notice of rent increase at least 7 days before the new rent takes effect (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-14).

• Fixed-term leases: Your rent usually can’t be increased until the lease ends. At renewal, the landlord may set a new rent.
• Month-to-month leases: You must receive at least 7 days' written notice of any rent increase.

Always ask for rent increase notices in writing and keep a copy for your records.

Are Any Renters Protected from Rapid Rent Increases?

There are currently no North Carolina rent stabilization or rent control protections, even for seniors or low-income residents, except in certain federally subsidized housing. If you live in government-assisted housing (like Section 8), different rules may apply; check your lease and contact your property manager for details.

When Does the Law Protect You?

• During your active lease term (for fixed-term leases, such as 12-month leases), your rent cannot be raised until the end of the lease period—unless your lease says otherwise.
• Landlords must not raise rent in a discriminatory way (for example, based on race or other protected characteristics as listed in the Fair Housing Act).

Official Forms for Renters in North Carolina

• 7-Day Notice of Change in Terms (No official NC form number)
  Use: Landlords typically use a written notice—there is no required state form. If you are given a written notice about a rent increase, make sure it includes the amount of the increase and the date when the new rent begins.
  Example: If your rent is increasing starting next month, your landlord must notify you in writing at least 7 days before the new rent starts for a month-to-month lease. You do not need to fill out a government form to respond, but always ask for the notice in writing.
• Small Claims Complaint for Relief (Form CVM-201)
  Use: If you believe your landlord has violated your lease or the law (for example, by not giving proper notice), you may file a complaint in Small Claims Court. Download the form and instructions from the North Carolina Judicial Branch site.
  Example: If you are being evicted after refusing to pay a rent increase that happened without correct notice, you may need to file this form to state your side.

The Tribunal Handling Rental Disputes

Rental disputes in North Carolina—such as disagreements over rent increases or eviction—are generally handled by the North Carolina Small Claims Court in your local county (learn more about Landlord-Tenant Issues from the NC Judicial Branch).

FAQ: North Carolina Rent Control and Rent Increases

1. Does North Carolina have rent control or rent stabilization?
   No, North Carolina law specifically prohibits local governments from adopting rent control or rent stabilization measures.
2. How much notice must my landlord give before raising the rent?
   For month-to-month leases, your landlord must provide at least 7 days' written notice before a rent increase takes effect.
3. Can I refuse to pay a rent increase?
   If you are on a month-to-month lease and have received proper notice, you must pay the higher rent or risk eviction. If your lease term has not expired, your rent cannot be increased until renewal.
4. Are there any exceptions, like for seniors or low-income renters?
   Not under state law—unless you are in subsidized housing, North Carolina has no exceptions for rent control based on age or income.
5. Where can I get official help with my landlord-tenant issue?
   You can contact the North Carolina Judicial Branch for official guidance on tenancy disputes.

Key Takeaways for North Carolina Renters

• There is no rent control or stabilization law; landlords can generally set and increase rents as they choose.
• Written notice is required for rental increases on periodic leases.
• If you feel your rights are being violated, North Carolina Small Claims Court can address landlord-tenant disputes.

Remember to review your lease and keep all written communications about rent increases for your records.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• NC Judicial Branch – Landlord-Tenant Issues: Official explanations of your renter rights and legal processes.
• Find Your Local Small Claims Court: Contact your local county court for filing complaints or eviction defense.
• Legal Aid of North Carolina: Free legal help for eligible low-income renters.
• HUD North Carolina Tenant Rights: Federal tenant protection information.

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1. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-14.1 – Prohibition of rent control
2. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-14 – Notice to quit in tenancies from year to year, month to month, or week to week
3. North Carolina Judicial Branch – Landlord-Tenant Issues
4. U.S. Department of Justice – The Fair Housing Act

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