North Carolina Landlord Move-In Disclosure Requirements

As you prepare to move into a rental home in North Carolina, it’s important to know what information your landlord is required by law to share up front. Understanding your rights about property disclosures, past issues, and essential legal forms can help you avoid surprises and make informed decisions about your new home.

What Disclosures Must a North Carolina Landlord Provide?

North Carolina has specific requirements for what a landlord must tell renters before move-in. These rules are designed to protect renters’ safety and inform them about important issues in the property or leasing agreements. All renters deserve to move in knowing their rights and what to expect.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

• Who Needs It: Required for all housing built before 1978.
• What It Is: The landlord must give you a Lead-Based Paint Disclosure form before you sign the lease.
• Form Name: Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (EPA/HUD/CDC Form)
• How It’s Used: Before signing your lease, your landlord gives you this form explaining if any lead-based paint has been found, and must provide an EPA-approved lead hazard information pamphlet. For example, if you rent a home built in 1965, your landlord must provide and have you sign this disclosure.

Structural and Utility Disclosure

• Who Needs It: Renters in any property with shared utility meters.
• What It Is: If utilities are shared (gas, electricity, or water), the landlord must disclose the setup and how costs are divided (e.g., through submetering or ratio utility billing).
• How It’s Used: Before move-in or signing, the landlord tells you how your utility bill is calculated if you pay a portion of a shared bill.

Disclosure of Pending Code Violations

• Who Needs It: Required if a state or local government has notified the landlord of housing code violations that have not been fixed, which could impact your health or safety.
• What It Is: The landlord must inform you in writing if there are unresolved code violations at the time you sign the lease.
• How It’s Used: For example, if the city has cited your future apartment for mold that’s not yet addressed, this must be disclosed in writing before you commit to moving in.

Disclosure of Security Deposit Terms

• What Is Required: According to North Carolina law, your landlord must tell you (in writing) where your security deposit will be held — including the bank name and address, or if it will be bonded.
• How It’s Used: Within 30 days of receiving your deposit, your landlord gives you this information, often included in your lease or a separate written notice.

Methamphetamine Contamination Disclosure

• Who Needs It: If the property has been contaminated by meth production or use and has not been properly remediated.
• How It’s Used: The landlord must inform you in writing if this applies. This is rare but essential for your health and safety.

Other Important Lease Disclosures

• Landlords may include additional information specific to the property, like parking rules or pet policies, but these are not required by North Carolina law to be disclosed before move-in unless part of the lease terms.

Relevant North Carolina Forms

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (EPA):
  • Official EPA Lead Disclosure Form
  • When to Use: Required before signing any lease for housing built prior to 1978.
• Security Deposit Receipt/Notice:
  • No specific statewide form, but landlord must provide notice in writing regarding where deposit is held (NC Gen. Stat. § 42-50).
  • Included as a statement in your lease or given by letter/email within 30 days of your payment.

Who Oversees North Carolina Tenancy Issues?

Unlike some states, North Carolina does not have a single residential tenancy tribunal. Most rental disputes, including disclosure issues, are resolved in local North Carolina District Courts. For code violations, renters may contact their city or county housing or inspections office. The North Carolina Department of Justice Consumer Protection Division also provides resources on landlord-tenant law and can guide you on complaints.

North Carolina Residential Tenancy Laws

The main law protecting tenants and outlining these requirements is the North Carolina Landlord and Tenant Act (General Statutes Chapter 42) which covers disclosures, security deposits, and repairs.^[1] Additional requirements, like the lead paint rule, are covered under federal law.^[2]

FAQ: Landlord Move-In Disclosures in North Carolina

1. What if my landlord didn’t give me a lead-based paint disclosure?
   If your rental was built before 1978 and you didn’t receive this form, notify your landlord in writing and do not sign the lease until you receive it. Missing this disclosure may be a federal violation, and you can report it to the EPA or local officials.
2. Does my landlord have to tell me about past flooding, mold, or pest issues?
   Landlords are not required by North Carolina law to disclose past flooding, mold, or pest history unless these involve unresolved code violations referred to by the city or county.
3. When should I get information about where my security deposit is held?
   Within 30 days of paying your security deposit, your landlord must provide the name and address of the bank or bonding company holding your deposit, either in the lease or through a written notice.
4. Do I get a copy of every disclosure I sign?
   Yes. You are entitled to a fully signed copy of any disclosure, especially the lead-based paint notice. Keep these for your records throughout your tenancy.
5. Where can I file a complaint about a landlord who doesn’t provide required disclosures?
   You can contact your local North Carolina District Court for formal disputes, or reach the NC Department of Justice – Consumer Protection Division for advice and complaint procedures.

Key Takeaways for North Carolina Renters

• Landlords must provide a lead-based paint disclosure for homes built before 1978.
• You must be told in writing where your security deposit is held within 30 days.
• Ask for written confirmation about any health or safety issues or shared utility billing before move-in.

Knowing these disclosures ensures you start your tenancy with full awareness and gives you tools to address any future issues.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• North Carolina Department of Justice – Landlord/Tenant Issues: Guidance and complaint help for renters statewide.
• North Carolina Courts Directory: Find your local district court for rental disputes.
• EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Information: Learn your federal rights about lead hazards.
• Contact your city or county housing inspections office for local code violation complaints.

---

1. North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 42 - Landlord and Tenant
2. EPA Lead Disclosure Rule for Rental Properties

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations